The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo)
Chapter 17

Chapter 17

“Boss, why aren't we going in?" Chase asked.

Ellinor stood still, watching Theo alight from his car and enter the auction house. She frowned, “I saw scChase followed her gaze, “That looks like Theo from the Blanchet family! Boss, do you know him?”Ellinor looked displeased, “We're not exactly pals.”

The auction house had two levels. The ground floor was for regular customers, and the upper floor wasbooths, each with its distinct number.

Theo was in booth number 1, and Ellinor was in booth number 7.

After a few ordinary antiques were auctioned off, several oil paintings, the main attractions of the aucti“1.5 million!"

"2 million!”

“3 million!"

Eventually, these paintings were won by a mysterious buyer

from booth number 1 for a whopping 1.8 million dollars, causing a stir among the spectators!

Inside booth number 7.

Ellinor lazily leaned back on the couch, yawning. So, the weirdo came for the oil paintings.

He had got the paintings now. There was nothing left worth seeing. He should be leaving soon, right?“Next up, we have a masterpiece by the famous Impressionist artist Lady Lotus, “Whispers in the Wind".Here it was!

“Bidder number 3 bids $600,000!"

“Number 11 bids $700,000!"

“Number 5 bids $750,000!"

Ellinor gave Chase the nod, signaling him to start bidding.

“Number 7 bids a straight one million!”

The audience gasped, this person really knew how to throw money around!

The auctioneer started to count, “One million once! One million twice! One...”

As he was about to finalize, Collin from booth number 1 suddenly raised his paddle.

The auctioneer was taken aback, his tone suddenly filled with excitement, “Bidder number 1 bids two rrThere was an uproar in the room...

He jumped straight to two million! Was number 1 trying to compete with number 7?

Ellinor frowned, why hadn't that weirdo left?

Chase wasn't pleased either, “What's Mr. Blanchet's deal? Trying to show off his wealth?"

Ellinor calmly instructed, “Chase, keep going!”

“Yes, boss!"

“Number 7 bids two and a half million, any higher offers?”

"Number 1 bids three million!”

“Number 7 bids four million!”

“Number 1 bids five million!”

“Five million once, five million twice...”

Ellinor’s eyes darkened, the trouble now was that she was running out of funds.

Chase suggested, “Boss, this painting is important to you. We could temporarily use

the money set aside for the project!”

Ellinor shook her head, “No, we can’t compromise

the company’s financial health because of my personal business. 111 replace another way. to get the paintChase was helpless.

The auctioneer slammed his hammer, declaring bidder number 1 as the winner of Whispers in the WinEveryone was stunned. Bidder number 1 spent five million on a painting far beyond its worth!

Ellinor was pondering Although her mother was somewhat famous under the

pseudonym Lady Lotus, she wasn't a mainstream artist, and her work was more niche. Theo paid a hig!in the Wind". Could he have some connection to her mother, or know her personally?

*Hello" Two female receptionists from the auction house came over with coffee and desserts.

“Ellinor? Is that really you? How do you have the privilege to sit here?” one of them suddenly shouted.Ellinor looked up, it was

Debby. She had been fired from Nexus Industries and was now working as a receptionist at the auctionDebby stared at Ellinor in surprise, then glanced at Chase in his designer suit with clear jealousy.“Ellinor, you're so lucky! You got me fired, and now you're living the good life with a rich guy!”

Her voice was shrill and loud, and the entire auction house could hear her.

On the other side. Theo, who had just left booth number 1 and was preparing to leave, stopped in his tiDebby had just started her job yesterday and was still in her probation period. She had been disrespect,The auction house manager hurriedly escorted Debby out along with security, apologizing profusely toKnowing she was about to lose her

job, Debby shouted as she was escorted out, “Ellinor, you witch! You got

me fired again! One day, you'll be dumped when men get tired of you!"

He hadn't misheard. Someone was calling Ellinor. She was here? The person bidding from booth numbeTheo turned around and walked towards booth number 7.

Chase had just excused the apologetic auction house manager and was about to

close the door when Theo's large frame appeared in the doorway

“Is Ellinor here?” Theo asked, looking at Chase.

Chase was stunned for a moment before smiling and nodding. “Do you need something from her?”Theo spoke in a cold voice, “Tell her to come out”

Without hesitation, Chase turned to the room and said, “Come on out, someone's looking for you."Soon, a girl in a work uniform walked out of booth number 7, looking at Theo quizzically, “Sir, did you 1Theo looked down at the stranger in front of him, furrowing his brows, “You're Ellinor?”

The receptionist replied, “Sir, I'm Allison. Like the “son’ in “Mason

Allison? Theo instantly lost interest.

He looked up at Chase, giving a slight nod, “Sorry for the disturbance:

With that, Theo turned to leave, Collin following suit.

Watching Theos retreating figure, Chase pulled out a VIP shopping card from a well-

known brand from his wallet, handing it to the girl called

Allison, “You're doing great. Change your name and you'll be Allison from now on.”

“Got it, thanks, sir” The female receptionist happily took the shopping card and politely left.

Chase returned to Room 7, “That guy has left! How the hell did you get to know Theo? Why are you hicEllinor frowned. “No biggie, just that we got hitched a few days ago.”

Chase had just picked up his coffee to take a sip, when he spit it out.

“What did you just say?!” He was surprised.

Ellinor calmly explained the situation to Chase.

Chase was first shocked, then laughed, “So, on your wedding night, did you

get cozy with Mr. Blanchet?”

Ellinor glowered at him, “You looking for trouble?”

Seeing his boss getting angry, Chase quickly made his escape, “I need to hit the john.”

Ellinor also stood up and headed to the restroom.

At the unisex sink, she washed her hands while waiting for Chase to come out. When she looked up at 1In the mirror, Theo was standing behind her, hands in his pockets.

She had managed to avoid him once, but not this time.

Theo slowly walked up to her, looking down at her, his eyes full of questions about her identity. “What cJust then, Chase slowly emerged from the men’s restroom, “Im getting more and more pissed off! TheoHis words suddenly stopped, as he saw Theo standing in front of Ellinor.

Theo glanced at Chase, then turned to look at Ellinor again. His eyes seemed meaningful and his tone ¢