“It’s been over a week since I came back,” Tommy Noah said with the air of a charming gentleman. His polite demeanor and sincere gaze were natural and effortless. He extended his right hand towards Coral, making an invitation gesture. “Beautiful Miss Coral, would you honor me with a dance?”
Coral turned to look at Leo for a moment, seeing his indifferent expression on his face. She didn’t say anything and walked into the dance floor holding hands with Tommy.
Although Leo didn’t show any particular emotion on his face, he felt somewhat uncomfortable in his heart. He couldn’t understand why he felt that way.
Watching the two of them gracefully dancing in the ballroom made Leo more and more unhappy despite their elegant movements.
Bayden was feeling just as miserable as him because he had planned to invite Coral to dance but someone else beat him to it.
Leo also realized another unfortunate fact – he didn’t know how to dance this kind of social dance at all.
Instead of standing there awkwardly watching others dancing, it was better for him to go out into the hallway for a smoke break.
As soon as he stepped out of the ballroom, a waiter approached him asking if he needed any service.
Leo told him what he wanted and was led into a VIP lounge by the waiter.
The lounge was large, spacious, luxurious and equipped with various entertainment facilities inside.
Looking at the time on his watch which showed that it was already too late for picking up Sophia from work; Leo sent her message saying that something came up so she should go home by herself after work.
After resting for awhile drinking some beverages; another man walked in from outside.
It was Bayden whom they had met earlier.
Leo sat leisurely on the sofa while lighting up cigarette pretending not seeing Bayden approaching towards him across from where he sat.
Bayden sat down opposite Leo while handing over one cigarette to him.
Leo took the offered cigarette and asked, “Mr. Hood, can’t stand the annoying music in the auction hall, either?”
The music was pleasant, but Leo labeled it as annoying. Leo knew that Bayden understood his veiled statement, especially since this guy had his eye on Coral.
Bayden lit a cigarette and nodded, “The music in the hall is indeed too distracting. You and I came to this lounge to enjoy some quiet time.”
Leo took a deep drag of his cigarette, glanced at him, and knowing that beating around the bush with this type of person was pointless, said directly, “Mr. Hood, just say what you want.”
Bayden pondered for a moment, seemingly carefully choosing his words, “You’re a very direct person, and I like dealing with straightforward individuals. Let me put it this way: I have an interest in Coral. Embarrassingly, I’ve been secretly admiring her for over a year now, and I haven’t had many chances…”
People with Bayden’s status never lacked female companions, especially not attractive ones. However, there was a common tendency among such individuals: the desire for what seemed unattainable, especially women like Coral, successful and beautiful.
Bayden continued, “So, I’d like you to do me a favor.” He added, “Of course, I won’t let you help me for nothing.”
Leo smiled without committing, “Mr. Hood, I assume you know Tommy, right?”
This statement puzzled Bayden for a moment, but then he nodded, “Indeed, I know him. That guy is one of Coral’s pursuers. However, he has been working abroad for quite some time and unexpectedly returned recently.”
“Mr. Hood, Miss Wilde and I are just ordinary friends. I’m afraid I can’t assist you,” Leo smiled.
Bayden slowly blew out a smoke ring, looked at him for a while, and then slowly said, “As a successful businessman, I’ve always believed in my judgment. Since you and Coral came together for this auction, I’m confident that you can help with this favor.”
Leo responded with an “Oh” and remained silent.
“From what I understand, Coral always has multiple motives for her actions. She didn’t just attend this auction for charity. I believe there must be something in the auction items that she wants.”
Hearing this, Leo couldn’t help but be surprised at Bayden’s sharp thinking and his prior knowledge of Coral. It seemed that Coral’s attraction to him was quite significant. However, Leo had no idea about the specific item Coral might desire.
Leo’s mind stirred, and he came up with an idea. “Mr. Hood, are there any antiques among the auction items, particularly those with a long history?” Leo asked.
“Antiques?” Bayden was taken aback. He had seen the auction catalog and after a moment of recollection, he remembered, “There are a few antiques, but they’re from a long time ago… Oh right, there’s a gourd.”
“A gourd?” Leo’s interest was piqued.
Leo took one last drag of his cigarette before extinguishing it in the ashtray. He looked at Bayden and said, “Mr. Hood, Miss Wilde is interested in that gourd.”
Bayden was surprised by this statement. In his experience, most women were only interested in expensive jewelry or clothing and accessories; he had never heard of anyone being interested in a gourd before.
Although he didn’t understand why Coral would be interested in such an item, Leo’s words seemed to be true. Bayden began to calculate how much the gourd might fetch at auction.
Leo knew exactly what Bayden was thinking; he wanted to win over Coral by buying her something she liked instead of just giving her an expensive gift outright.
It was certainly an effective way to win favor with women but it also required wealth and resources.
Bayden finished his cigarette, stood up, and with a wide smile, patted Leo’s shoulder, “Thanks for the tip, Mr. Bloomer. Once it’s done, I’ll surely show my appreciation!”
After saying this, he casually left on his own. That old fox, he only hinted at gratitude after the matter was settled. Businessmen were indeed businessmen, sharp and shrewd. However, no matter how cunning this fox was, he could only jump into his trap.
A smirk curled on Leo’s lips.
After spending a bit more time in the lounge and estimating that the auction was about to begin, Leo walked out. Outside, a uniformed waiter approached him, asking if he needed any service. The service at the grand hotel was satisfying to Leo, and he requested a glass of tap water.
Holding the glass of water, Leo returned to the auction hall. The dance had concluded, and finding his previous seat, Leo walked over.
As he approached, he noticed Coral and Tommy engaged in lively conversation. Tommy seemed adept at chatting with women, smoothly transitioning from one topic to another, all topics that women enjoyed. Coral not only showed genuine interest on her face but also occasionally laughed at his playful remarks.