"Yeah, Mr. Tyler."


    At those words, Eloise''splexion shifted. And seeing Hans about to approach, she swiftly ducked behind Kieran, her expression sour. "Kieran..."


    Kieran shielded Eloise, his expression turning icy as he spoke, "Freya! Enough already!"


    "Mr. Sutton, how is this my business? I didn''t say a word." Freya imed innocence but edged closer to Preston.


    Seeing this got Kieran''s blood boiling. Kieran wondered, ''What''s the asion now? Is Freya openly disrespecting me?''


    Preston told Hans in a rxed tone, "Did you not hear me?"


    "Yes."


    As Hans stepped forward, Eloise swiftly fixed her gaze on Freya, stating, "Ms. Dawson, I know you don''t like me, but that doesn''t mean you should let Mr. Tyler treat me this way! I''m Kieran''s date tonight. Are you targeting me or Kieran?" Eloise threw the usation out there, ming Freya for not defending her before Preston.


    Freya wasn''t foolish enough to do that. Speaking up for Eloise would be like insulting Preston, leaving her in a no-win situation.


    At this moment, Freya looked innocently at Eloise and responded, "Ms. Harwood, I don''t understand what you''re saying... I''m not targeting anyone."


    Watching Freya''s act, Kieran''s gaze grew even colder.


    But who could object with Preston, the host, about to issue a dismissal? Seeing Hans already beside Eloise, he gestured for her to leave. Reluctant to stay put, Eloise bit her lip, looking toward Kieran.


    Kieran coldly advised, "Ellie, if Mr. Tyler asks you to leave, please do."


    "Kieran..."


    "Just remember, he might find it a bit tricky the next time he tries to get into a Sutton family event." Kieran''s final words backed up Eloise. Hearing this, Eloise felt a warmth return to her face.


    Yes. It was Echo City! If Preston dared to trouble her, Kieran wouldn''t let him off easily.


    Though unwilling, Eloise heeded Kieran''s advice and left. As she did, she nced at Freya, standing by Preston.


    "The auction is about to begin. Mr.


    Sutton, if you don''t mind, please take your seat," Preston mentioned casually as he and Freya took their seats first.


    The surrounding crowd fell silent at the scene. Who would have thought that Freya, once so attentive to Kieran, had shifted her focus?


    Seeing Preston and Freya depart, a chilling aura enveloped Kieran.


    Standing by Kieran, Jarrett couldn''t help but say, "Mr. Sutton..."


    "Ensure Ellie gets home safely."


    "Yes, Mr. Sutton." Jarrett exited the banquet hall.Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    Meanwhile, Preston had seated himself with Freya.


    Preston said, all chill, "I did you a big favor. How are you gonna thank me?"


    "I''ll agree to anything within my power, Mr. Tyler," Freya whispered. "But the Dawson family is indeed facing tough times. I fear I can only repay this kindness when I''m capable."


    "There''s no need forplications. You can repay me now." Preston''s eyes were on an auction item, "See that?"


    Freya''s gaze followed to a diamond ne on disy, her brow furrowing. "The ne once worn by the Queen of Batorine?"


    Freya remembered how much Eloise


    adored that ne. In a previous life, Kieran had won it at a high price for Eloise. However, the ne had fetched an astronomical price due to Preston''s instant infatuation with Eloise.


    Why would Preston suddenly bring up this ne?