Chapter 437

The night was as dark as ink.

A tall, slender figure approached under the moonlight.

His steps were unhurried.

He moved like a fallen angel descending through the darkness.

An aura of opulent gloom swept through the entire gathering.

His noble presence was overwhelming.

The surrounding crowd instinctively stepped back.

They cleared a path for him.

Vivian Bennett's breath caught.

Her heart tightened abruptly.

She watched as Liam Sullivan drew closer.

Her fingernails dug deeply into her palms.

Had he recognized her?

Or did he simply want to be the center of attention?

Whatever the reason, she did not want to dance with him.

Not even a little bit.

She clutched her gown tightly.

Her pleading gaze turned toward the white knight.

Please.

Save me.

Prince Dacia received her beseeching look.

His protective instincts flared instantly.

"I bid one hundred thousand," he announced clearly.

His sunny disposition contrasted sharply with Liam's dark intensity.

Liam's eyes turned icy cold.

Invisible sparks crackled in the air.

The tension was palpable.

"Two hundred thousand," Liam's voice was lazy.

Yet it carried an undeniable pressure.

Vivian's heart clenched.

She knew this man too well.

The more someone competed for something, the more determined he became to possess it.

How long could Prince Dacia hold out?

She dreaded to think.

She could only fix the prince with an even more vulnerable look.

Prince Dacia was thoroughly provoked.

As royalty, he could not lose to some unknown man.

Especially when a beauty was counting on his protection.

"Three hundred thousand," he raised his chin.

He displayed the haughty demeanor unique to royalty.

Liam's gaze swept over the pale woman on the stage.

Then he looked at the preening prince.

A mocking smile touched his lips.

"Four hundred thousand," his voice was low as the night.

The entire square fell silent.

Everyone held their breath.

This sudden bidding war left them all stunned.