?Chapter 1133:


    A scowl formed on Rhys’ face as he straightened up, seating himself properly on the sofa. The warmth of her touch had inexplicably quickened his pulse and warmed his skin, yet her indifferent gaze now filled him with a sense of being ridiculed, leaving him both frustrated and humiliated.


    Seeing his stiff demeanor, Harlee thought she might have intimidated him with her forwardness. She attempted to lighten the mood.


    “Soon, we’ll have tea from every Baythorn outlet here. You can choose any vor you’d like.”


    Christopher, eyeing the tea sttered on the floor, was at a loss for words. What irony.


    His modest offering of two cups now seemed embarrassingly inadequate.


    Rhys’ mood only soured further.


    He rose without looking at Harlee and made his way to the balcony.


    Harlee, biting her lip, realized she might have pushed too hard too soon, considering his mental age remained at twelve.


    The chill in the room deepened, but fortunately, Brice walked in just then, easing the tension.


    “Miss Sanderson, all arrangements have been made as you directed.


    Any further instructions?”


    “Just sit back and watch the fireworks at the auctionter,” Harlee responded, a sly assurance in her eyes.


    “Will do. I’ll remain on alert,” Brice replied.


    “Excellent. Notify me immediately if anything unexpected urs.” Though her scheme was meticulouslyid out, Harlee knew better than to assume all would unfold without a hitch.


    “Absolutely,” Brice answered.


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    As Brice exited, Christopher hurried out behind him, eager to escape the oppressive environment, feeling like every moment there aged him prematurely.


    Left alone, Harlee gazed at Rhys’ solitary silhouette by the balcony, contemting an apology. Just as she decided to approach, he turned to face her.


    With a reserved look, Rhys guided Harlee to the balcony and positioned her before the telescope.


    “Liliana and her entourage have just arrived,” he said in a subdued tone. Initially, Liliana had intended to broadcast this charity g live to magnify its impact, but her strategy shifted when Waylon, who usually shunned media exposure, confirmed his attendance.


    Compelled to modify her ns, Liliana opted for a conventional method, employing photographers and journalists to cover the event.


    Led to the telescope by Rhys, Harlee couldn’t suppress a grin.


    His enduring charm was apparent.


    Even in displeasure, he remembered to involve her in his observations.


    Looking through the telescope, Harlee observed Liliana gripping Valentina’s hand, with Valentina anchored to Elvin’s arm, all three radiating joy as they graced the red carpet. They moved deliberately, pausing to ensure the media captured their best angles, with Liliana taking a moment for a solo pose to ensure ample photo opportunities.


    At that instant, the three relished in their uncontrolled spotlight.


    Harlee looked up to meet Rhys’ curious stare.


    He asked, “What’s your interest in these trivial figures?”


    “It’s not interest by choice. It’s that I can’t stand them overshadowing me,” Harlee said lightly.


    “So, I’ll bring them to their knees.”


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