In truth, this price had already long surpassed what Elissa was willing to pay.


    Spending millions on a gnarled, less–than–perfect century–old ginseng root? She wasn’t that much of a fool.


    But to Frank, this kind of money barely registered.


    Within minutes, the bidding had soared to ten million.


    Elissa hesitated. If she kept going, she’d certainly annoy them, but if Frank decided to stop, she’d be stuck with a massive loss.


    Marcia nced her way, feigning innocence. “What’s wrong, Elissa? Why aren’t you bidding anymore?”


    “I’m out,” Elissa replied serenely.


    Marcia arched a brow. “Is it that you can’t afford it, or just don’t want it?”


    Her smugness was all but dripping onto the floor.


    Frank, making a show of standing up for her in front of everyone, was a clear signal. Marcia was dying to see if those gossips from earlier would finally figure out whose side they ought to be on after tonight.


    “Ten million, going once.”


    “Ten million, going twice.”


    “Ten million, thr—<b>” </b>


    Just as the auctioneer was about to bring the gavel down, a suddenmotion rippled through the crowd.


    “Oh my God, someone’s lit the skyntern!”


    “Who did it?”


    “You seriously don’t recognize him? Think about it–other than the Murphys, who else in Vistapeak would dare cut in on Mr. Atwater’s bid so openly?”


    Elissa turned at the noise and saw Rowan Murphy, dressed head–to<b>–</b>toe in <b>a </b><b>tailored </b>ck suit<b>, </b>strolling forward with one hand in his pocket<b>, </b>utterly unhurried.


    The staff trailed nervously behind him, not <b>daring </b>to direct <b>him </b>to <b>any seat</b><b>–</b><b>everyone </b>knew, Rowan would simply sit wherever he wished.


    <b>11:12</b>)


    Rowan Murphy–who in the business or political world didn’t know that name?


    He was heading straight toward her. Elissa quietly looked away, just as Frank’sughter rang out. “Not even a little courtesy for me?”


    Frank knew Rowan’s attitude was hardly surprising. After all, Rowan had never liked him marrying Elissa when he already had someone else in his heart. But this wasn’t just dislike–Rowan wasn’t even pretending to keep the peace in front of <i>so </i>many people.


    Rowan nonchntly undid the top button of his jacket and spoke withzy ease, “It’s not about disrespecting you. Someone took a shine to it. If I don’t win it for her, I wouldn’t be able to exin myself.”


    Their onlookers broke out into whispers, eyes wide in shock.


    “Wow, he’s gorgeous! Who said he was some sort of grim reaper? He seems pretty obedient to me–so dreamy!”


    “That’s just because you’ve only seen this side of him. Trust me, when he’s ruthless, everyone in Vistapeak is terrified.”


    “Who do you think he’s buying it for? He sounded kind of indulgent… Could it be that secretary of his? I heard her father’s just recovered from a serious illness and is still convalescing.”


    Spection buzzed through the room.


    Meanwhile, Elissa quietly rose to her feet, unwilling to be any part of this farce that no longer <i>involved </i>her.


    The ballroom offered a buffet, but most guests were still inside the auction hall, so it was nearly deserted outside.


    Elissa picked at a piece of cake, drank half a ss of juice, and decided to leave early.


    But as she set her ss down, something felt wrong.


    She pressed two fingers <i>to </i>her wrist, instantly on guard–the food she’d just eaten was drugged.


    Even at a gathering packed with Vistapeak’s elite, no one would dare poison the whole buffet. This was aimed at her.


    Without hesitation, Elissa pulled a silver needle from her purse and stabbed it into an acupoint to slow the drug’s effects, then strode quickly toward the elevators.


    11:12


    She didn’t know who’d targeted her, only that she had to get out now.


    “I-”n stepped out of the restroom and spotted Elissa. He barely had time to call her name before she hurried off, her face tight with urgency.


    At the elevator, Elissa stabbed the button over and over, silently begging for it to arrive


    faster.


    Only inside her car would she be safe.


    Thankfully, the elevator arrived quickly. The doors slid open, revealing an empty car. Elissa finally allowed herself to exhale and stepped inside.


    She never saw iting–a pair of hands mped over her mouth and nose from


    behind.


    Before she could struggle, her consciousness began to slip away.


    Somewhere behind her, the auction hall erupted in cheers. Most likely, Frank or Rowan had just won something else for the woman on their mind.