"Master Christopher," Britney said, approaching him with a radiant smile and extending a sleek, personalized card, "please accept my personal contact information. Should you require anything at all, do not hesitate to reach out to me directly. I will be at your immediate service."
Christopher regarded the card for a moment before accepting it. "Thank you," he said with a curt nod, then turned and walked back towards his original seating area.
"Doesn't that Britney realize my brother came with someone?" Katherine muttered, her observation causing Adonis, Layla, and Advika to turn to her with puzzled expressions.
"Am I mistaken?" Katherine asked, glancing at Advika, who quickly averted her gaze, a blush creeping up her neck.
'So timid,' Katherine thought, shaking her head slightly. 'You need to develop some resilience, girl... Anyone who harbors intentions towards my brother will have to contend with me first.'
"Alright everyone!!" Britney announced, her voice regaining its professional volume. "This concludes our auction for today. If you have placed successful bids and have yet to finalize your payment, please remain seated. A representative will attend to you shortly. And for all our esteemed guests! The Sky Auction is pleased to present each of you with a complimentary health elixir, a potent formulation capable of accelerating the healing of any injuries or ailments."
As she spoke into the microphone, smartly dressed men and women began to circulate through the hall, each carrying ornate trays upon which rested single, vividly red pills nestled on plush velvet blankets.
"Furthermore!" Britney continued, her gaze briefly meeting Ethan's and Gabi's, "the Sky Auction extends its full cooperation to all successful bidders from today's event. And as a gesture of our commitment to the community, we will be making a donation of one hundred million to the designated project!"
'Incredible... This boy has brought a wave of unexpected fortune to our family. But where on earth did he acquire such an astronomical sum of money?' Ethan pondered, his mind still grappling with the sheer scale of Christopher's wealth.
"Have a wonderful day, everyone!! And thank you for your participation!" Britney concluded with a playful wink in Christopher's direction before turning and gracefully exiting the stage.
"It appears you've captured Miss Britney's attention," Chloe remarked with a teasing smile, adding, "In fact, you seem to have captivated the attention of a significant portion of the female attendees this evening."
Christopher turned to her, a slight frown creasing his brow. "That is their prerogative."
He swiped his card across a portable reader presented by an attendant and collected the egg. Then, his gaze fixed on Gabi, who was already making her way towards the exit.
'I cannot afford to lose sight of her today.' He thought, and followed after her.
"Sir... What about your complimentary health pill?" The attendant called out.
"Please give them to my siblings," Christopher replied without breaking his stride.
Advika stared at the vibrant red pill in her palm, lost in a whirlwind of hopeful thoughts. 'Could this extraordinary pill possess the power to heal my father?'
___
[In the Sky Auction Office]
"Well, that was undoubtedly the most… Memorable auction we've had in quite some time," Electra declared, rising from her chair and heading towards the office door.
"Where are you off to?" Leon inquired, raising a questioning eyebrow.
"The International Tamers' Competition is fast approaching. I need to ensure my team is thoroughly prepared," she replied with a sly smile, then exited the office, the door clicking shut behind her.
"Mrs Sky," Leon said, turning to the old woman.
"Would you mind keeping a discreet watch on Christopher? I will be taking my leave for a while." He stood up and walked out.
'Christopher again… This could prove to be quite… Interesting,' Mrs Sky mused, a subtle, almost sinister smile playing on her lips.
____
Christopher emerged from the auction house and spotted Gabi just as she settled into the plush interior of a sleek Rolls-Royce. The luxury vehicle glided away from the curb, swiftly followed by two identical Audi sedans acting as escorts.
"Alright then... Time to get to work," Christopher murmured to himself.
He walked briskly to his own car, slid behind the wheel, and started the engine, his gaze fixed on the receding convoy. He pulled out into traffic, maintaining a discreet distance.
RING!
Christopher picked up his ringing phone and answered the call.
"Hey brother! Where on earth did you disappear to?!" Katherine's voice, laced with a mixture of concern and exasperation, blared from the other end.
"Something important came up that requires my immediate attention," he explained, then added, "Could you please ensure Advika gets home safely? I'm uncertain how long this will take."
"What are you saying? Dad and Mum are practically drilling holes through Adonis and me with their stares! They keep asking about you. When will you be back?"
"Around seven this evening… I wouldn't miss dinner." He assured her, then disconnected the call, his eyes unwavering on the three vehicles ahead.
___
[At the Auction Entrance]
"Where is he?!" Amara demanded, her hands planted firmly on her hips, her expression a mixture of impatience and maternal concern.
"Mum… Brother said something urgent came up. He promised he'll be back before dinner," Katherine explained in a placating tone, her voice slightly hushed.
"That boy!" Ethan sighed, the weight of the auction documents heavy in his hand.
"Alright… We'll wait for him at home. Let's go," Amara declared, turning to leave. Before she could take a step, Katherine called out.
"Mum… Brother specifically asked us to take her home," Katherine said, gesturing subtly with her head towards Advika, who stood slightly apart, looking somewhat lost.
Amara fixed her gaze on Advika for a moment, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. "Ah, yes. I remember you now."
She walked directly towards the pink-haired young woman, stopping just inches away. "You accompanied my son to the auction." Amara's gaze swept over Advika's petite frame.
"Hmm… Pleasant figure, commendable height, and a gentle demeanor. You strike me as someone who would suit my son quite well," Amara concluded with a warm, surprisingly approving smile.
"Uh?!" Advika stammered, her eyes widening in astonishment.
Katherine and Adonis exchanged bewildered glances, equally taken aback by their mother's unexpected pronouncement.
"Mother, you've misunderstood—" Katherine began, attempting to interject.
"Misunderstood? Why would I? Christopher specifically requested that we escort her home, so that is precisely what we shall do, wouldn't you agree, old man?" Amara said, turning to Ethan with a decisive look.
"If it is agreeable to the young lady, then I have no objections," Ethan replied diplomatically.
"What nonsense! My future daughter-in-law wouldn't dream of refusing her future mother-in-law, would she?" Amara said, turning back to Advika with an expectant gaze.
'This… How can I possibly decline this politely? This is Christopher's mother, and he clearly holds her in high regard. If I offend her, he might withdraw his assistance… What on earth should I do?' Advika's mind raced, grappling with the unexpected and potentially consequential situation.