Chapter 10
1487 Words
Xavion's POV
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I clenched my teeth as the audience erupted in applause. They cheered for them, and she beamed joyfully on stage next to Dominique.
My heart deflated a little bit—a type of feeling that I didn't expect. I rolled my tongue inside my mouth while looking at the two of them. The wine tasted bloody expensive, and their guests were not ordinary people.
"See that man holding a cane with a black hat on?" Bryce whispered beside me. "That's Palentino, the boss mafia of Lentino Clan. And the man beside him is Bardeni, the boss mafia of EXO Clan," he continued.
I nodded and gritted my teeth while looking at the two gentlemen dressed like mad hatters.
It's a good thing that the theme of this event is the characters from the book, a book theme. Of course, everyone has a disguise, but I can quickly identify what they look like in most of them.
"I love your character tonight, Xav. A tuxedo mask." Bryce chuckles. "You look devilish and mysterious."
I gave him a dissatisfied look, and he stopped. No one knows that I am here. They didn't realize that it was me because of my disguise.
"And you look like a mad person traveling the world like a frustrated pirate," I smirked.
"I'm a big fan of Johnny Deep, don't you know?"
"Now I know," I shook my head and grinned.
"So, what's the plan?"
I held the wine in my mouth and took a moment before responding. My gaze remained fixed on Quinn and Dominique, unsure what to do next. It's a situation I never thought I'd be in, but Quinn's actions left me with a lingering sense of disappointment. That's why I dedicated myself to training and hard work, hoping to make things right. Unfortunately, I may have missed my chance.
It pissed me off. I have the plan in line, and it's now going down the drain. I have to think of another method to ruin their life together.
"Same old shoes," I answered, and Bryce lightly laughed. He knows what I'm up to.
"What's your limit?"
"Platinum." My jaw tightened, and the announcement began.
"Cool. I will back you up."
"Thanks, bro. But I don't need it tonight."
"No worries, but you know me, right? I always have a backup in hand."
"Yes, I know. That's why I am more confident tonight. I have one of the best brothers with me." I winkled, and Bryce shook his head.
"Dammit, Xav. You're making my heart race," with his arrogant smile. He chuckled.
After Quinn and Dominique finished their presentation, the exquisite vintage piece was showcased. I couldn't help but grin when I saw it on stage. Winning it should be a piece of cake, so I'll give it a shot.
"Is that even authentic and not a replica? It's so hard to trust the mafia, Xav. You don't know if they're selling you an authentic piece or a stolen one from the museum," Bryce said in a whisper.
I looked at the item ahead, and the high-tech spectacles I wore surveyed its authenticity. It's legit. That item is authentic.
"It's real, Bryce."
"And how much do you reckon it cost?"
"The market value of that item is roughly half a million dollars," I answered while looking at it.
The spectacle I'm wearing can zoom in and out an item by touching the hinge. It will give me all the details and its authenticity. It can even provide a personal component of one person if they register their DNA online.
"And how much do you want to bid?"
"I'll see how I go, Bryce. Just watch and learn." I winked at him, and he smirked.
The auction began with an opening bid of one hundred thousand dollars. Several participants eagerly raised their paddles, seemingly trying to impress the crowd. I anxiously clenched my teeth as the bidding progressed to three hundred thousand dollars. Eventually, only two bidders remained, identified only by the numbers five and two on their paddles.
"Five hundred thousand," I said, and everyone looked at me. Now, all their eyes were on me.
My jaw tightened when I captured Quinn's attention. She is now looking in my direction.
"Number sixty-nine is bidding for five hundred thousand!" The speaker spoke, pointing his finger at me.
"Six hundred thousand!"
The crowd gasped and made a noise when Dominique put up his number. I gritted my teeth, and my temper started to rise.
I swore behind my mind while looking at him. He looks like a piece of s**t in his attire. His face wasn't covered. He wanted to convey to everyone around him that he was dominant.
Huh, what an asshole.
"Eight hundred sixty-nine thousand," in my calm voice.
"Damn," Bryce swore in silence.
The speaker complimented my number and looked at his data out of curiosity. He can see who we are by our numbers.
"D-Double X? Double X is number sixty-nine," the speaker announced.
I firmly smiled and witnessed the shock on everyone's faces while looking at me.
"And now you are the center of attention," Bryce uttered beside me. He cleared his throat.
The speaker asked if anyone wanted a higher bid, but Dominique gave up on his numbers. He probably had enough.
I smirked. I thought he had more to offer. It's disappointing because I just started the game. It's not even a quart of what I want.
"Sold for eight hundred sixty-nine thousand dollars to Double X!"
Everyone stood up and clapped their hands. Then, they all looked at me like I was the most elite visitor they had here.
Oh well, I am, anyway. The Montadamme are trying hard to get my father into their events and auctions. But my father is uninterested and has refused a handful of times. So many mafias who are on the bottom want to see him, but no one knows what he looks like.
And now? Dammit. I will get toasted once he finds out I am here on his behalf.
The bidding has ended, and Bryce is now arranging the item in the black room. I preferred sending him instead of going myself to avoid dealing with anyone. All I desire is to observe and secretly watch Quinn, just like I did in the past.
Gordon Montadamme, the father of Dominique and the Don of the Montadamme clan, noticed and came smiling towards me. We shook hands, and his eyes surveyed the whole of me. He took off his mascara so I could see his face.
"It's impressive that the Don from a highly respective clan came and visited my small auction. Thank you for responding to my invitation, Double X. Please look around and see if there's anything you want that I can help with. I will humbly serve you, my Lord." He bows halfway, and I nod a little bit.
"Thank you, Gordon, but I won't be long. I'm just here for the auction."
"I see. . . The ball will start any minute soon, Double X. You might want to dance to one of the beautiful ladies around?" he insisted.
I felt my jaw clench and my heart race as the music played and the crowd gathered. It seemed like Gordon was purposely trying to grab my attention. I looked around and spotted Bryce finishing up some business.
"Thanks, Gordon, I'll consider it," I said before he excused himself. And as he walked away, Bryce appeared before me.
"We have to go. There are plenty of spies and assassins around," he whispered.
"I know." I bring forward, and together, we step.
Everyone looked at us, at me. I was about to leave the place, but my body froze when I saw Dominique dancing with Quinn. They looked perfect together. Quinn smiles so beautifully and innocently like she's so in love. While Dominique?
Dammit.
I felt a surge of anger and clenched my fists upon seeing them. Without hesitation, I began walking towards them, ignoring Bryce's warning. I saw how Bryce looked at me, but I could not stop myself.
The crowd parted to let me through, and Dominique paused when he saw me approaching. He greeted me with a friendly smile and glanced at his father on the glass top.
"Double X. . . finally, nice to meet you, mio amico." He extended his hand, and I just stared at it. He looks at me intently, trying to memorize my hidden face. My jaw tightened as we stared.
"Can I dance with your fiancee?" I asked, and my eyes were fixed on Quinn.
As I gazed at her, she gave a playful twinkle in her eyes, reminding me of who she used to be. Dominique nodded and took a step back, causing me to clench my teeth and curse under my breath while Quinn flashed a smile at me.
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c.m. louden
- Writer
