The auction was an annual event, its time and location changing each year, drawing attendees from every continent. Figures from both legitimate businesses and the underworld, along with high-society elites, all mingled in one ce.


    Shanley''s invitation was for the highest tier, a private suite on the top floor with maximum security and exquisite catering.


    Before they got out of the car, Shanley handed Juniper a hat and a jacket he had prepared. "Put these on."


    This ce was full ofplex characters, and any one of them could be an enemy of his. He wasn''t worried for himself, but now he had Juniper to think about. He didn''t want to expose her to any danger.


    "Okay," Juniper said, obediently bundling up until she was well-covered before following Shanley to the VIP elevator.


    They had only taken a few steps when another car pulled up nearby. The door opened to reveal a man in a sharp suit, with handsome, refined features and an air of elegance in every movement.


    "Boss, that''s Harold Houston," Felton reported respectfully.


    To ensure Ms. Payne''s safety, Felton and Flint had researched every person attending the auction. The man before them, with his gold-rimmed sses and distinguished air, was Harold Houston. At only 28, he was a medical prodigy with a Ph.D., a rising star destined for greatness. In the medical world, he was being hailed as the next legendary healer.


    If you were to ask who the current one was, it would be the elusive genius known only as "Nocturne?—a legend who, despite their absence, was a constant presence in the field.


    "Juniper, have you heard of Harold?" Shanley asked softly, gently taking her hand.


    Since Juniper knew medicine, he figured she would have followed prominent figures in the field.


    "Harold?" Juniper followed his gaze and narrowed her eyes slightly. A faint smile yed on her lips as she said slowly, “Is he famous? I''ve never heard of him.”


    In her experience, the medical world was full of quacks who called themselves geniuses. She disliked that atmosphere and kept her distance from themunity He looked young, but she wondered how much actual skill he possessed.


    “He''s a leader in the medical field," Shanley continued. "Besides him, there''s also Nocturne. If you''d like to meet Nocturne, I can have someone find the person."


    He knew Juniper''s medical skills were impressive, but he didn''t know the full extent, she was interested, he could gather the world''s most renowned medical experts for her, even for one-on-one tutoring.


    "Nocturne?" Juniper blinked, her voicezy yet certain. "That one has a notoriously difficult personality. Don''t waste your time."


    "So you''re interested?” Shanley smiled. "Then I''ll find Nocturne for you."


    Juniper just tilted her head and blinked, choosing not to exin further.


    "Let''s go," Shanley said, tightening his grip on her hand as they stepped into the elevator. “See anything you want to bid on?"


    "I do." Juniper pulled out her phone and showed him a picture of an unremarkable- looking nt.


    "Viper''s Tail," she said. “It''s a newly cultivated hybrid herb. It''s incredibly potent, but its survival rate is extremely low. This is the only one left."


    It already looked half-dead, and she doubted it would survive even if she won it. Among all the items up for auction, it was utterly


    inconspicuous, and she figured no one would risk bidding on it. But only a true expert would recognize its immense medicinal potential.


    Just then, Harold arrived at the elevator bank and overheard the words "Viper''s Tail,” freezing in ce. Someone else was interested in that worthless-looking weed?


    He lifted his gaze, trying to peer into the elevator.