With the final arrangements settled, the tumultuous Obsidian Sun High-Value Auction finally came to an official close.
Yet, the massive crowd of buyers lingered.
Whispers rippled through the room, everyone still gossiping about Specimen Fourteen and Anonymous Bidder 01-the elusive figure who had dropped a staggering $130 billion without ever showing their face.
It was obvious that tonight's events had far eclipsed the allure of any finale item.
Outside Nicholas Blackwood's private suite.
Director Silas Kaelen arrived personally with the follow-up documents, knocking respectfully on the door. "Ms. Panacea, your compensation and the associated arrangements have been thoroughly outlined."
He offered the tablet to Serena, asking cautiously, "If you have no objections, we'll need you to oversee the medical sealing of Specimen Fourteen and confirm the conditions for its subsequent transport."
Serena cast a casual glance over the screen.
Her gaze lingered for a fraction of a second on the compensation figure.
A slow smirk curved her crimson lips. "Deal."
Her agreement was swift and decisive.
Director Kaelen exhaled a quiet breath of relief. "Thank you for your trouble, Miss."
The Panacea might have an unpredictable temper.
But as long as the price was right, she was more efficient than anyone else in the business.
Serena's smirk deepened. "You pay, I deliver. It's just business."
Setting the tablet aside, she rose to her feet.
Turning around, she draped her arms effortlessly around Nicholas's neck. Leaning in.
Her slender fingers lightly brushed against the nape of his neck. "My Patron, why don't you head back to the room and wait for me?"
The man leaned back against his chair, his dark eyes sweeping up to meet hers in absolute silence.
Serena let out a soft laugh and ducked her head to press a lingering kiss to the corner of his mouth. Her stunning eyes crinkled with amusement, her voice dripping with seductive charm. "Be good. Go keep the bed warm for me, I won't be long."
She turned to leave.
But a strong hand locked around her wrist.
He raised an eyebrow. "Just a little while again?"
Serena glanced back at him.
Nicholas's voice was a low, lazy drawl, carrying no real reprimand. He pulled her hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.
"You came with me to attend an auction. First you had to synthesize a drug, then you had to perform an appraisal, and now you have to seal up the cargo for them."
As he spoke, the domestic docility he had just shown Serena vanished. When his predatory gaze slid toward Director Kaelen, the warmth bled out of his eyes completely. "Project Zero Transit certainly knows how to exploit its guests."
Tension instantly locked Kaelen's spine.
The Sterling Sovereign was technically still smiling, but that single look sent an icy
shiver down the director's spine.
"It was an oversight on our part," he hurriedly bowed. "All necessary preparations have already been made. We only need Ms Parracea to confirm them. We absolutely won't take up any more of her time."
Nicholas's thumb stroked lazy circles over the back of Serena's hand. "Make it fast.
My Panacea has worked more than enough for you tonight."
"Yes, of course, absolutely!" Director Kaelen plastered on an apologetic smile. "I will oversee it personally, and ensure it's handled immediately As soon as we are done, I will have her escorted straight back to your suite."
Serena chuckled, her fingernail lightly scraping across Nicholas's palm. "Hear that? The director promised it won't take long."
Nicholas held her gaze for a long moment before finally releasing her. "Go on."
Utterly amused, she reached out and ruffled his hair affectionately before stepping away. "Wait for me."
With that, her heels clicked rhythmically against the floor as she followed Director Kaelen out.
Only when her sleek, dark silhouette vanished through the doorway did Nicholas drop the act.
He casually smoothed out his cuffs, rose from his seat, and strode out.
A heavy silence reclaimed the empty suite.
In the darkest corner, a masterfully concealed bug continued to record every silent second.
...