Owen nodded in agreement, realizing the truth in that.
"Take a look at that glass lamp, the antique porcelain plate, and the nature-themed decorative screen. These are all items that Mr. Ramirez over there is particularly fond of.
"Mr. Bartlett over there has a particular fondness for this briar wood pipe and the perfume bottle. Though they're quite valuable, catering to his preferences could be very helpful in expanding our business in the future." Max said.
Max was exceptionally knowledgeable about the preferences of those high-profile figures, thanks to a subtle tip from Valerie. Her intention had been for Max to discreetly pass the information to Owen, hinting that those people could be manipulated. Owen quickly caught on and began placing bids frequently as soon as the event started.
Tyrell beside him was impressed and surprised by Owen's generosity. He thought, "Wealthy people are different—spending money without even blinking an eye.'
Watching Owen continuously place bids and successfully acquire four items, all aimed at pleasing the two high-profile figures, Max felt relieved. He had fulfilled the tasks Valerie had entrusted to him, and now it was up to Owen to see what he would do next.
In truth, Max had never liked Owen—he found him arrogant, ruthless, and notorious for his cunning tactics in business. It was well known that Owen was not someone to be easily crossed, and Max was no exception to this awareness. Seeing Owen finally wrap everything up, Max couldn't help but nod in acknowledgment.
Owen let out a deep breath, feeling that it was about time. Seeing that others at the auction had also made their acquisitions, he eagerly patted Tyrell on the back and said, "Let's go outside and get some fresh air." Since they were already on the Vontois, he wanted to enjoy the scenery, especially the sight of Tyrell.
Seeing that everyone else had gradually secured their desired items and left, Tyrell followed Owen out. With Owen by his side, he had nothing to worry about. Besides, with a wealthy benefactor like Owen ensuring his safety, Tyrell was eager to make a good impression today.
Once they were outside, Owen and Tyrell began to drink together. Tyrell congratulated him, hoping to build a better relationship with Owen. However, Owen's gaze grew increasingly intense, not reflecting the usual affection from a senior to a junior but rather an overt, lingering interest. Tyrell, completely unaware, remained focused on flattering Owen.
As soon as they were outside, Owen's associates approached, pretending to be successful figures while drinking with Tyrell. Not accustomed to such situations, Tyrell quickly became drunk. Owen couldn't help but laugh when he saw Tyrell's flushed face, noting to himself how inexperienced the young man was, getting drunk so quickly.
Owen patted Tyrell on the back and said, "Come on, let's head to my room so you can rest. You can't handle your liquor too well! There's more to come later, and you don't want to miss it." Tyrell, unsteady on his feet, followed him, while his assistant was stopped by security guards who blocked the way.
"Alright, Mr. Anderson and Mr. Willkins have a business to discuss, so you should stay back. If he wants to be popular, he needs to follow Mr. Anderson!" The two assistants, seeing the situation, knew they couldn't intervene and could only wait anxiously from a distance.
Once Tyrell was brought into the room, several of Owen's men followed. They eagerly poured a glass of water, adding something to it before handing it to Tyrell. Owen showed no concern for privacy in this matter. Already disoriented from the alcohol, Tyrell was taken aback when he saw Owen wrapping his arms around him.
"Drink up, and you'll be in for a great time," Owen said. Tyrell, taken aback and alarmed, immediately refused.
"Mr. Anderson, please don't force me into this. I'm not that kind of person!" Tyrell exclaimed.
"Not that kind of person?" Owen snickered. "Isn't it true that as an artist, you rely on the resources you can acquire? Here's a prime opportunity right in front of you—just strip off your clothes and it's yours. What's the difference? Who are you aligning with?"
Owen's words made Tyrell frown deeply. "I won't agree to that! Mr. Anderson, even though I'm just an ordinary artist, I will never betray myself."
Owen sneered and scoffed, "People like you are a dime a dozen. They all say they won't betray themselves at first, but in the end, they all end up doing exactly that for the resources." Tyrell, feeling frustrated and dizzy, struggled to stay conscious. He couldn't believe that Owen was such cunning.
At this moment, Valerie and her team had arrived. The room, specially designed in Steucia style, had a mechanism that caused the dinghy it was on to detach from the larger vessel and head back to the dock. Owen was completely unaware of this, still engrossed in his activities with Tyrell.
He stripped off his clothes and sneered at Tyrell. "Come on, it's just this. It's nothing serious. If you cooperate, I'll make sure this trip is worth your while!" At that moment, Owen grabbed Tyrell and attempted to force himself on him.
Suddenly, there was a loud click as a door on the other side of the room opened, and Owen's face turned pale with fear. He turned to see Valerie emerging from a hidden door, holding a camera and recording. Seeing her, Owen's face darkened. "Valerie Warren, it's you! How did you get in here?"
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The readers' comments on the novel: Marrying The Supposed Gold Digger (Valerie)
Where are chapters 891-982? It skips over a hundred chapters....