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Novel Catalog
Chapter_266
Whitney’s grip tightened on the phone as she scanned the building in front of her. Her pulse quickened, her mind racing with questions. “What do you mean, they canceled the auction? After everything they’ve set up?”
Bryce’s voice crackled with frustration. “Yes, that’s exactly what I mean. I don’t know why, but they told me they’re postponing it indefinitely. They’re saying something about a reevaluation. It’s all too convenient, and I don’t like it.”
Her eyes narrowed as she looked at the glass façade of Skye Gem Ltd. She’d known something like this would happen. Everything was playing into Elaine’s hands. The Bartels family had far too many connections for this not to be a deliberate move. But why now?
“Danny,” she whispered, glancing at her son who was leaning against her, his small body a comforting weight at her side. “Stay close, okay?”
The little boy nodded solemnly, his earlier cheerfulness replaced by an unsettling quietness. He could sense the tension in the air.
Whitney disconnected the call, a tight-lipped smile forming on her face. “We’ll figure this out, won’t we?” she muttered, as if trying to convince herself.
Stepping out of the car, she adjusted her suit jacket, trying to exude confidence, but inside, the storm of uncertainty continued to churn. As she approached the entrance of the building, she could feel eyes on her, though the security guards remained at their posts, unmoving.
She pushed the door open, the familiar cold air inside hitting her as she crossed the threshold of Skye Gem Ltd. The receptionist, a young woman with bright red lipstick, looked up at her with a surprised but polite expression.
“Ms. Valentine,” the receptionist greeted, her eyes flicking down to the small boy clutching Whitney’s hand. “How can I assist you today?”
“I’m here to speak with someone in charge,” Whitney said curtly. “I need to understand why the auction has been canceled.”
The receptionist hesitated, glancing nervously at her computer screen. “I… I’m not sure, but I can check. Please, have a seat.”
Whitney’s eyes followed the receptionist as she walked into a back office. As she turned to sit down, she noticed something out of the corner of her eye—a group of executives huddled together, speaking in low voices, their backs to her. They didn’t seem to notice her, or if they did, they didn’t care.
She sighed, her fingers drumming nervously against her leg. This wasn’t going to be simple. It never was.
A few moments later, the receptionist returned, her face pale. “I’m afraid the higher-ups are in a meeting, Ms. Valentine. They… they’ve asked that you wait for their call. They will reach out to you.”
Whitney didn’t flinch. “I’m not waiting around for anyone. I’ll go up and speak with them myself.”
The receptionist opened her mouth to protest but stopped when she saw the resolve in Whitney’s eyes. “Of course, Ms. Valentine. I’ll call security and let them know you’re coming.”
With a curt nod, Whitney turned on her heel, her son still at her side. The elevator doors dinged open as she stepped inside, and Danny’s small voice broke the silence. “Mom, do you think we’ll get the answers we need?”
Whitney glanced down at him, giving him a reassuring smile she didn’t quite feel. “We will, sweetheart. We just need to keep pushing forward.”
The elevator doors closed behind them as they ascended. Whitney couldn’t shake the feeling that the answers she sought would lead her down a much darker path than she’d anticipated. But she wasn’t about to stop now. Not when everything was on the line.
