From Villain to Virtual Sweetheart: The Fake Heir's Grand Scheme(BL)-Chapter 604: An Auction, a Lobby, and Absolutely No One Minded Their Business (part two)
They were guided into the lobby by a pair of impeccably dressed attendants, their footsteps muffled by thick carpeting that softened every sound. The space opened up before them in a wash of warm light and low, constant noise, voices overlapping, laughter rising and falling, the subtle clink of glass against glass.
The lobby was vast, designed to impress without being ostentatious. Tall pillars framed the room, their polished surfaces reflecting the glow of crystal chandeliers above. Modern art pieces lined the walls, abstract and expensive-looking, each one accompanied by a discreet plaque. Servers moved through the crowd with trays balanced effortlessly on one hand, offering champagne, cocktails, and neatly arranged hors d’oeuvres.
People clustered in small groups, talking animatedly, exchanging business cards, leaning in close to be heard over the hum of conversation. This was the prelude to the auction, the real networking happened here, before everyone took their seats and pretended to focus on the items up for bidding.
Emile slowed his steps almost immediately, eyes darting from face to face as if afraid he might miss something important. He subtly craned his neck, scanning the room with open curiosity.
Dean, walking beside him, was more restrained but no less alert. His posture was relaxed, one hand loosely holding a glass he’d accepted at the entrance, but his gaze was sharp, flicking instinctively toward every tall figure, every familiar silhouette.
Jacklin, on the other hand, looked perfectly at ease. She walked with practised grace, shoulders back, expression calm, her presence drawing polite glances from nearby guests. This was her element.
The three of them paused near the edge of the lobby, just far enough from the densest part of the crowd to observe without being immediately pulled into conversation.
Emile leaned closer to the other two and whispered, "I can’t see him anywhere."
"Figures," Dean muttered under his breath, taking a small sip from his drink.
Jacklin tilted her head, gaze sweeping across the room once more before she spoke quietly. "He never liked being in the spotlight," she said. "Of course he’d keep a low profile."
Emile sighed dramatically. "What’s the point of attending an auction like this if you’re just going to hide?"
Jacklin shot him a look. "Some people come to observe, to do business, not to be seen."
Emile made a face but didn’t argue. Instead, his attention drifted elsewhere. His eyes brightened slightly as he recognised a few familiar faces scattered among the guests.
"I know several people here," he said, nodding toward a group near the bar. "From the entertainment industry."
Jacklin followed his gaze. "Of course you do."
"I’m serious," Emile insisted. "That one’s a producer. That one’s an actor. And, oh, there’s an influencer I follow online. How did he get inside?"
Jacklin smiled faintly. "No one wants to miss an event like this," she said. "Even if they didn’t get an invitation, they’d find a way in. Latching onto someone who did, bribing an assistant, pulling strings...this place is full of that."
Emile hummed thoughtfully. "So... your bias is here too?"
Jacklin’s lips curved into a small, pleased smile. "That’s what I heard."
Emile’s eyes widened. "Really? I want to see him up close."
"I prefer you wouldn’t though," Jacklin said dryly.
"No, seriously," Emile said, leaning in conspiratorially. "After everything that happened? I didn’t think he’d show his face in public so soon."
Jacklin took a moment before answering, her fingers lightly adjusting the watch on her wrist. "Yeah. It was like a miracle, honestly. He was one step away from signing with Twilight Entertainment again."
Emile blinked. "Twilight? After all that?"
"Yes," Jacklin said. "He wanted to protect the person who helped him at the hotel. He didn’t want them dragged into the mess."
Dean’s grip tightened slightly around his glass as he listened.
"But then," Jacklin continued, "new evidence surfaced. Online first. Then with the police. The manager’s crimes were exposed completely: bribery, coercion, assault, sexual harassment, you name it."
"What a monster!" Emile gasped. "What happened next? Is he okay?"
She shook her head slowly. "Yeah. Thankfully, before Leo’s name was even fully cleared, a new company reached out to him. Took him in when everyone else turned their backs."
Emile let out a low whistle. "That’s bold."
"Smart," Jacklin corrected. "Now that the truth’s out, all the agencies that shunned him are regretting it. They lost a very big piece of the pie."
There was a note of satisfaction in her voice she didn’t bother to hide.
At first, she’d been genuinely worried. The scandal had spread too fast, too viciously. So the emergence of this entertainment agency made her wary. But when she looked closer at this new company, she noticed something interesting.
Several of their key staff were retired employees from La Riviere Media. It couldn’t be a coincidence. Whoever stood behind that company likely had ties to Clyde.
A friend, an ally...or someone who owed him a favour.
Jacklin frowned slightly, thoughtful. Clyde had been too busy lately. Too many things are happening at once. She hadn’t had a chance to ask him directly.
Emile nodded vigorously. "Serves them right. When Twilight bribed everyone to block Leo, they’d already sold their souls to the devil."
He scoffed. "They should’ve seen this coming."
Dean took another measured sip of his drink, eyes unfocused for a moment. "They never thought he’d make it back," he said quietly. "Like a phoenix. Burned by online insults and scorn... and still came back."
Jacklin’s smile widened. "I should contact this new company. Offer some advertising."
Emile laughed. "Does he even know who you are?"
Jacklin waved a hand dismissively. "No. I was stupid before. I kept quiet."
Her gaze hardened slightly. "But now? I want him, and everyone else, to know. Mess with him, you mess with a Du Pont."
Dean sighed. "Just don’t create another scandal for him."
Emile snorted. "Yeah. Don’t turn into a sugar mamma or something."
Jacklin shot him a sharp glare.
Emile grinned back unapologetically. "What? I’m just saying."
He paused, then tilted his head. "By the way... do we know who helped him back then?"
Jacklin straightened, smoothing her expression. "No. Not a clue."
There was a brief pause before she added, more softly, "But I want to thank them. If that manager had succeeded in his scheme..."
"Well, now that the dust has settled, maybe he’ll talk about it tonight. If the media asks," Dean said.
Emile blinked. "The media’s inside?"
"Yes," Dean said. "There’s a section for press on the other side of the hall."
"Oh," Emile said, surprised. "I thought it’d just be paparazzi lurking outside."
"The Gu family went all out," Dean replied. "This is for the Francis family, after all."
Emile clicked his tongue. "Such suck-ups."
He crossed his arms. "I’m starting to think Micah’s older sister would wither if she really marries into this opportunistic, bootlicking family. Should I warn Micah? Do you think she has feelings for Gu Donghai?"
Jacklin raised an eyebrow. "I heard they’re family friends and business partners. She probably can’t just cancel the engagement."
Dean’s voice dropped, quieter than before. "In high society... marriage is never about love."
The words hung in the air.
Jacklin and Emile both turned to look at him.
The two exchanged a glance.
Something was definitely off.
