As the auction began, staff members moved through the room, distributing booklets to the attendees. Each booklet contained a catalog of the items up for bidding that evening. Seated in the lounge, Liza casually flipped through the pages. The collection included an array of luxury items: exquisite jewelry, renowned paintings, intricately designed ornaments, and a few high-end musical instruments. However, her attention was caught by something unusual. “What’s this about a ‘mysterious item’? What could it be?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. She turned to Gavin, hoping for an answer. Glancing at the booklet, Gavin replied nonchalantly, “You’ll find out soon enough.” His vague response only fueled her curiosity further. She couldn’t help but wonder what this secret item could be.As she pondered, her phone buzzed with an incoming message. It was from Xavier Luke. “Gavin,” Liza said, looking up, “Brother is here too. I’m going to meet him for a bit. I’ll be back soon.” Gavin nodded casually. “Alright.” The moment Liza stepped out of the room, Gavin’s expression turned cold. His sharp gaze shifted toward the shadows as he spoke firmly, “If you’re already here, stop hiding.” The stillness in the room was broken as a figure stepped forward. Sam appeared with a calm, easy smile on his face, walking in as if he belonged there. His demeanor showed no hesitation or discomfort. “President Gavin, your instincts are sharp as ever,” he said, his tone light. Gavin’s lips curled into a sneer. Feigning an air of friendliness, Sam continued, “What’s this? Do I bother you that much, Gavin?” Without lifting his gaze, Gavin replied in a dismissive tone, “Even if I don’t want to see you, that won’t stop you from showing up, will it, Mr. Sam?” Sam, unfazed, chuckled softly. The tension between them was palpable. Both men were fully aware of the deep-seated animosity that tied them together. For Sam, however, there was satisfaction in knowing how far he had come. Years ago, his family’s manipulation had changed the trajectory of his life. Without it, he might have lived forever under the label of an illegitimate child. Now, their roles were reversed. Sam stood proudly as the recognized eldest young master of the Stone Family, while Gavin carried the unwanted stigma of being an illegitimate son. Still maintaining his calm exterior, Sam remarked, “They say you’re arrogant, Gavin, that you look down on everyone. Being someone you dislike is truly an honor.” Leaning slightly forward, he added with mock sincerity, “I know why you can’t stand me. You’re afraid, aren’t you? Afraid that I’ll go after the people you care about most—Liza and Henry. They’re your weaknesses. You don’t want me getting close to them, do you?” Gavin’s eyes darkened, his expression unreadable. It was remarkable how Sam could deliver such provocative words with such ease. His arrogance was as thick as armor. Gavin finally looked up, his gaze steady and cold. While Sam carried himself with the polished grace of someone gentle and refined, Gavin knew better. Behind that facade was the soul of a cunning and venomous snake. "Get lost!" The smile on Sam’s face gradually faded. "Gavin," he said in a low tone. Gavin’s presence radiated a cold, oppressive energy that was impossible to ignore. For twenty years, Sam and his family had meticulously plotted to strip Gavin of everything, reducing him to the label of an illegitimate son. Yet, to Sam's frustration, Gavin remained unfazed. None of it seemed to matter to him.Dropping all pretenses, Sam’s tone hardened. "President Gavin, you’re skilled and confident—perhaps even too much so. But have you thought about the people you care about? Liza and Henry? You can’t protect them forever." Gavin’s calm, indifferent gaze landed on Sam. After a long pause, he let out a low, mocking laugh. "Sam, you don’t scare me. Henry is your younger brother by blood. No matter how low you stoop, you won’t harm him. And as for Liza..." His voice grew colder. "You wouldn’t dare." Sam’s expression darkened instantly, the smugness wiped from his face. Gavin leaned back slightly, his voice steady but threatening. "Now leave. Don’t make me force you out." Sam was momentarily stunned. He couldn’t understand Gavin’s confidence. Shouldn’t he be worried? Shouldn’t he be feeling anxious about the looming threat to his inheritance? But instead, Gavin appeared calm, almost as if he had been expecting this all along. The truth gnawed at Sam. He couldn’t harm Henry or Liza, not if he wanted to solidify his position. Winning over Henry as a loyal younger brother and perhaps even stealing Liza’s affection were essential to his plans. Sam’s lips curved back into a calculated smile. "The auction is starting soon. I’ll take my leave for now," he said, his tone carrying a hint of provocation. "I hear tonight’s auction will be quite thrilling." Gavin said nothing, but his sharp gaze followed Sam as he turned and left. He rarely attended events like these, indifferent to the pomp and politics of social gatherings. But tonight was different. He was here for that mysterious auction item—and he had a strong suspicion Sam was, too. If that was the case, the real competition had yet to begin. Meanwhile, Liza wandered around the venue, searching for Xavier Luke, but he was nowhere to be found. Finally, she took a seat and pulled out her phone to send him a message. Liza: Brother, where are you? After a moment, his reply came through: Xavier Luke: Liza, something urgent came up. I’ll try to make it back soon. If I can’t, don’t forget to bid for the violin. I’ll cover the cost later. Liza’s face lit up with excitement. Liza: Alright! But don’t blame me if the price gets ridiculously high! Xavier Luke: No worries! Spend whatever it takes. If it makes you happy, it’s worth it—even if it’s 100 million. Go ahead and raise the stakes! Liza grinned, delighted by her brother’s generosity. She was about to stand up and move to another part of the venue when a voice caught her attention. Not far from where she sat, someone spoke with determination. "Alora, no matter what it takes, we have to get that violin tonight!"