The Man Who Never Looked Away novel Chapter 11

Garnett was stunned, a storm of complex emotions surging in his eyes. The initial shock quickly morphed into icy fury. Someone had the audacity to humiliate him on his own turf.

The auctioneer urged her repeatedly, leaving Lavinia no choice but to step onto the stage.

Inside the velvet box, the lustrous pearls reflected the ambient lighting. Lavinia had never felt so disoriented.

"Furthermore, Mr. X has one additional request," the host's voice boomed again. "He hopes that Ms. Lavinia will wear this jewelry right here, right now, for everyone to witness!"

Another wave of uproar swept through the crowd.

The lights dimmed abruptly, and a single spotlight struck Lavinia with pinpoint precision, highlighting her slender, elegant figure.

A waitress had already lifted the necklace, stepping behind her to rest the cool pearls against her collarbones.

Lavinia glanced down at the audience. She couldn't tell if it was just a trick of the lighting, but Garnett's face looked absolutely thunderous.

Reporters swarmed forward, a sea of flashing camera lights erupting in front of her.

"Mrs. Harper, look over here!"

"Is Mr. X actually Mr. Harper in disguise?"

"When are you two planning to have kids?"

Suddenly, the crowd parted, automatically clearing a path.

Garnett strode through the reporters. He reached out, wrapping a firm arm around Lavinia's waist, and gave the press a curt nod. "Thank you all for your concern, but the Harper family prefers to keep our private matters private."

The grip on her waist tightened, forcing Lavinia to lean heavily against him.

The reporters still refused to disperse, so Garnett simply guided her through the throng, pushing their way out.

No one noticed the man standing in the darkest corner of the banquet hall, blending into the wall like a shadow.

He pulled out his phone and snapped a photo of the woman's silhouette. It was one of the very few times he had moved all evening.

Garnett kept his arm firmly around Lavinia's waist as they exited the venue. His palm rested against the thin velvet of her gown, feeling the soft curve of her side beneath it.

Just as they reached the entrance, Tobin and Sigrid hurried after them.

Sigrid glanced at Lavinia, looking as if she wanted to say something but held back.

Tobin, however, was as blunt as ever, grinning broadly. "Garnett, heading back so soon? Weren't we supposed to hit up a second round?"

Garnett looked down at Lavinia. His gaze landed on the pearls resting against her neck; their warm luster made her skin look incredibly radiant.

His eyes darkened slightly. "My wife is tired. I'm taking her home. You guys go ahead."

Tobin tried to protest, but Sigrid stopped him with a gentle smile. "Tobin, stop it. Garnett is always so busy with work. It's rare he gets a night off, so he really should spend some time with his wife."

Lavinia kept her eyes fixed on the floor.