As the screams echoed, their bodies fell to the ground one by one. In just a few minutes, more than a dozen gangsters were writhing on the ground, resembling shrimps pulled out of water.
Gilbert stared in astonishment at everything that was happening. “Holy crap, this is unbelievable! Is this guy who lives off his wife the reincarnation of Bruce Lee?”
In Gilbert’s understanding, son-in-laws who married into rich families were supposed to be weaklings who could be bullied by anyone. How could they be so powerful? This world is crazy.
As Leo walked towards Gilbert with a mocking expression on his face, Gilbert’s legs trembled uncontrollably, and almost instinctively, Gilbert turned and ran.
His running speed probably broke all his previous records.
Leo didn’t bother to chase after him; he couldn’t be bothered. In his eyes, Gilbert was just trash. Who would waste their anger on a pile of garbage?
Back at the Henley family, Leo continued with his usual routine of cooking and doing household chores. Today, Sophia came back before dinner because it was Martin’s birthday. After dinner, Sophia gave Martin an emerald horse as a birthday gift. This water-jade emerald was worth five million dollars, and Martin was naturally delighted.
Before going to bed, Leo informed Sophia that he had something to do in the morning and would probably come back late. Sophia, never really concerned about his affairs, casually replied, “Handle it yourself, just don’t let my mom scold you.”
As Sophia closed the bedroom door in front of Leo, he sighed helplessly. They say that a couple’s love grows over time, but Leo and Sophia had been married for four years and there seemed to be no love developed, not even a trace.
Oh well, it’s time to wash up and go to sleep. There’s important business to attend to tomorrow.
The next morning at eight o’clock, Leo arrived on time at the building where Wilde Jewelry Company was located. After waiting for two minutes, a white Range Rover SUV stopped by the side of the road.
The car door opened, and a figure dressed in red stepped out from inside. When Leo saw Coral, he was truly stunned. Today, Coral was wearing a red dress that perfectly showcased her tall and curvaceous figure.
The dress had a V-neck design, and Leo’s eyes were captivated by the hint of snow-white cleavage on her chest. She also wore a necklace with an oval-shaped, translucent jade pendant at the top, clearly a valuable item.
Looking at Coral as a whole, she appeared like a moving red rose.
Leo quickly walked over, and Coral glanced at him with a teasing expression, saying, “Hmm, the suit fits well. You look much more handsome than the day of the interview.”
After saying that, Coral handed the car keys to Leo and joked, “You wouldn’t let your boss drive, would you?”
“Of course not, can’t let the boss drive,” Leo laughed, opening the passenger door and gesturing for her to get in.
“Not bad, you’ve got some sense,” Coral complimented.
The event that Coral brought Leo to today was an auction. It was a large-scale annual auction hosted by Langstel, with the theme of antiques and gemstones. The location was Starry Lake Town in the outskirts of the city.
Leo set the navigation on his phone and started the car. The Range Rover quickly left the city and after a stretch of highway, turned right onto a secondary road. After about an hour of driving on the secondary road, a mansion-like complex appeared before Leo’s eyes. That was their destination.
Entering the manor, lush green trees and blooming flowers greeted them. The roads were wide, and the surroundings gave a pleasant feeling. Following the signs, Leo found the venue of the auction and parked the car in the designated parking area.
As Leo got out of the car, he could feel the atmosphere of a luxury car exhibition. In this parking lot, there were all sorts of cars like Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and Maseratis. Leo even saw Bugattis and Aston Martins. Compared to these luxury cars, the usual Mercedes and BMWs seemed mediocre in their presence.
Like Leo, many people had just gotten out of their cars. The men were in suits, and the women were dressed in evening gowns or formal dresses. They walked hand in hand, exuding an elegant and composed demeanor, just like nobles.
Although Leo was married into the Henley family, which was considered wealthy, Sophia had never taken him to such events before, so he still felt somewhat uncomfortable.
“Let’s go,” Coral said.
Leo didn’t imagine that this beautiful CEO would let him hold her hand, so he obediently walked by her side.
The path leading to the venue was paved with marble, with lawns on both sides meticulously trimmed to resemble green carpets. At the end of the marble path was a heart-shaped fountain, which was currently spraying water in various patterns.
Behind the fountain was the main venue of the auction.
At the entrance of the main venue, there were rows of hostesses in formal dresses, and other staff members checking invitation cards from guests and issuing bidder numbers.
The two of them walked over, and at the reception, Coral handed in her invitation card and got two bidder numbers.
After entering, Leo was immediately captivated by the grand chandeliers in the hall. The interior decoration style resembled European elegance, and everything that caught the eye was splendid, as if suddenly being transported into a grand cathedral.
Among the many guests, Coral, wearing a red dress, quickly became the center of attention. Various men and women came forward to greet her warmly, and Coral responded with grace, appearing even more noble.
Leo also noticed that many young and handsome men’ gazes were filled with admiration when looking at Coral. However, upon seeing the man beside Coral, that admiration gradually turned into hostility.
Thanks to Coral, Leo also became the focus of attention in the hall.
People had some questions in their minds that they couldn’t easily ask, such as why this man looked unfamiliar, which wealthy family did he come from? And how did he come with Coral? Was he Coral’s boyfriend? But they had never heard that the CEO of Wilde Jewelry Company had a boyfriend.
Upstairs in the hall, a young man stood by a floor-to-ceiling window, holding a glass of red wine, silently observing the guests chatting in groups.
Behind the young man stood a man in a black vest, with a muscular physique that seemed to be filled with explosive power. He also stared out the window, but his expression appeared gloomy.
At that moment, someone knocked on the door of the private room.
“Come in,” the young man said calmly.
An elderly man in a suit entered and respectfully said, “Young Master, Miss Wilde has arrived.”
This elderly man was a steward of the young man’s family. The young man had instructed him to notify him as soon as Coral arrived.
The young man finished the remaining red wine in his hand and said, “I’ll go down and greet her.”
“Young Master…” The steward hesitated.
“What’s the problem?”
“Miss Wilde is accompanied by a man…” The steward knew the young master had a temper, so he spoke cautiously.
“A man?” The young man furrowed his brows and looked at the elderly man with a gloomy expression. “Jim, let’s go down. I want to see who dares to have designs on Coral.”
With around ten minutes remaining until the auction began, Coral brought Leo to a resting area on the side and sat down.
Coral rubbed her ankle and let out a long sigh of relief. She was wearing high heels today, and standing for a long time was quite tiring.
“Miss Wilde, it seems like the guests here really like you. You have great popularity,” Leo commented with a smile.
“It’s not that I have good popularity, most of it is just playing along at such occasions. Actually, I don’t really like this kind of occasion. I always have to wear a mask when speaking,” Coral said, taking a glass of wine from a waiter’s tray.
“Although today is an auction, it’s essentially a networking event. Those who receive invitations to come here are mostly powerful figures from the political and business circles, as well as renowned collectors. These people have significant influence, and to survive and thrive in the business world, it’s necessary to have the right connections, you know.”
Since Leo entered the Henley family after graduation, he only had a superficial understanding of it and didn’t have a deep experience.
Coral pointed in a direction and continued, “Look at those people; they seem to be just exchanging pleasantries, but unconsciously, they might be closing a big business deal.”
Leo nodded with some understanding and took a sip of wine from his glass.
“Coral, why are you hiding here and drinking? Are you intentionally avoiding me?” a voice jokingly said.
Leo raised his head and saw an elderly man, slightly overweight, walking towards them.
Coral immediately stood up from the couch, looking at the old man with a smile, “Mr. Tyler, how are you? ”
“Same old, same old. Time waits for no one, huh? How is your grandfather’s health?” Mr. Tyler asked.
“Grandpa is still in good health.”
“That’s good to hear. It’s been a while since I last went to drink with him.” Mr. Tyler’s gaze shifted to Leo, curious, he asked, “And who is this?”
“Mr. Tyler, he is Leo Bloomer, the chief jade appraisal consultant of Wilde Jewelry Company,” Coral introduced.
Leo heard that and couldn’t help but want to laugh. When did he become the chief jade appraisal consultant of Wilde Jewelry Company?
“Oh? Such a young age, and already the chief jade appraisal consultant of Wilde Jewelry Company. Your future is boundless,” Mr. Tyler said with a smile.
Coral introduced again to Leo, saying, “Leo, this is Mr. Tyler, a renowned expert in antique appraisal and collection in Langstel. Mr. Tyler has a great accomplishment in the field of antique appraisal and is highly well-known nationwide.”
“Coral, since he came with you, there’s no need to be so formal. I’ve never seen you bring a male companion to an event like this. By the way, do you two have a deeper relationship?” Mr. Tyler found a way to attack Mr. Kipling.
Coral blushed at his words, playfully scolding, “Mr. Tyler, what nonsense are you talking about!”
Mr. Tyler laughed heartily, immediately attracting the attention of many people who turned their heads in their direction.
“Old Tyler, are you teasing Coral again?” a clear voice spoke up.
A man around Mr. Tyler’s age, but with a slim figure walked over. However, his physique appeared thinner, and he stood beside Mr. Tyler.
Seeing this slim old man, Leo’s eyes lit up because he had seen this man before. It was Mr. Kipling, who appeared with Harry at the InterContinental Hotel that day.
“Old Kipling, you were talking nonsense again. How could I be teasing Coral? It’s you who often has ulterior motives, wanting Coral to become your granddaughter-in-law. Stop daydreaming!” Mr. Tyler retorted sharply.
“Coral becoming part of my family is a different matter for now. I only know that someone still hasn’t been able to have a grandchild,” Mr. Kipling teased with a smile.
“That’s none of your business whether I have a grandchild or not. Besides, your grandson isn’t even worthy of Coral!” Mr. Tyler retorted.
“Old Tyler, when it comes to matters of young people, anything is possible. However, there are some people who can never have a granddaughter-in-law,” Mr. Kipling taunted.
“You…” Mr. Tyler’s expression turned sour.
Hearing the two of them argue over her, Coral felt embarrassed and didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t advise them out of it, nor could she ignore them.
On the other hand, Leo had a smirk on his face, wanting to laugh but not daring to. This earned him a glare from Coral.
“Hey, Leo, you’re here too?” Mr. Kipling finally noticed Leo.
“Do you two know each other?” Coral and Mr. Tyler asked with curiosity.
Mr. Kipling smiled and said, “We’ve had a brief encounter.”
“Leo is the chief jade appraisal consultant of Wilde Jewelry Company. How about that? Isn’t he better than your useless grandson?” Mr. Tyler found another way to attack Mr. Kipling.
Mr. Kipling, on the other hand, ignored him and looked at Leo, suddenly realizing something. “In the jade appraisal field, natural gift is crucial. It requires an extraordinary grasp of details. No wonder you could tell that the monochrome porcelain cup was a fake.”
“Coral, Mr. Tyler, Mr. Kipling.” At that moment, a voice interjected.
Everyone turned their heads to see a smartly dressed young man, exuding a handsome charm. He was accompanied by a tall and intimidating man, giving off an aura of awe.
“Antony William?” Coral looked at the newcomer with a slightly furrowed brow.
“Coral, it’s been a while since I met you last time. You look more beautiful than ever,” Antony said, looking at Coral with admiration, a smile on his lips.
This intimate address, coupled with the affectionate gaze, was a clear declaration to those around them: this woman is mine!
Antony’s infatuation with Coral reached an almost obsessive level. His family had even introduced him to the daughters of wealthy families, but he looked down on all of them.
Antony had sworn that he would only marry Coral.
If he could marry Coral, and the William and Wilde families united, then it could be said, without exaggeration, that the entire local jewelry and gemstone business would be monopolized by the two families.
This was called a win-win situation through a strong alliance!
Seeing that Coral didn’t pay attention to him, Antony wasn’t embarrassed. Instead, he shifted his focus to Leo, standing beside Coral.
“I am Antony William, the general manager of Starry Gem Jewelry. May I know your name?” Antony extended his right hand to Leo, wearing a fake smile of insincerity and arrogance.
Leo lazily reached out his hand and casually replied, “Leo Bloomer.”