Chapter 56
56 Buy It Back
“Don’t you get why I’m like this?”
Alice tilted her head and stared at him. “Enlighten me.”
That look on her face–like she was daring him to accuse her–was just asking for trouble.
Eric clenched his fists for a moment, then loosened them.
“I’m not gonna waste my breath with you.”
He kept his expression calm and took a step closer.
Alice grinned. “Then who exactly are you gonna waste your breath on ? ”
Eric shot back, “Isn’t this usually when we go to bed together?”
He put extra emphasis on the last few words.
But Alice didn’t catch the hint at all .
“Well, then you go ahead and sleep. I’ve got other plans tonight.”
When he leaned in, his warm breath hit her like a wave of heat.
Her whole body flushed.
Alice had spent over ten years up in the mountains, training under her mentor in strict cultivation–her willpower had never been this weak.
That little change made her really interested in Eric, but not in a romantic way.
She remembered what her mentor had said: She couldn’t reach enlightenment because of unresolved attachments.
She never really understood what those attachments were.
Her mentor said if a man stirred her feelings so much it threw off her heart’s balance, that was an attachment.
Now, her eyes sparkled as she studied Eric closely.
To her, he wasn’t
a patient anymore.
He was someone who could test and sharpen her spiritual journey.
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56 Buy It Back
“It’s late. What’s your plan?
Eric’s voice held a hint of accusation.
He didn’t notice how fast his heart was pounding.
A small fire of anger spread through his limbs.
Before Alice could answer, Daniel knocked on the door.
“Mr. Eric, someone’s here. They want to see Mrs. Nolan.”
Eric’s face darkened. “Who ? ”
“Someone from the auction house.”
Eric frowned.
The auction house was famous for being secretive.
Even when they met people, it was on their own turf.
Some big shots even disguised themselves when leaving.
But now they came straight to the Nolans‘ place.
Don’t they care about keeping their identities secret ?
Eric glanced at Alice, who looked calm like she’d been expecting them.
He seemed to already know what was coming.
“Okay. Tell them to have tea downstairs first.”
-Daniel hurried off.
Alice smiled and went to change./”You’re serving them tea this late? Are you trying to make sure they won’t get any sleep tonight?”
Eric narrowed his eyes. “I just want them to stay longer. I want to know exactly what they
want.”
Alice replied, “When you woke up and we signed the contract, you said you interfere in my business.”
ldn’t
Eric said nothing.
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[ 09:54
56 Buy It Back
“You get some rest. I’m going to… deal with work.”
She didn’t wait for a response and walked away.
The auction house rep who showed up at the Nolan villa was their manager.
The man looked to be in his 40s or 50s, with pale skin, gold–rimmed glasses, and a sharp suit.
He carried himself with refined grace.
“I’m Peter Hayden. Nice to meet you, Mrs. Nolan. Please accept this as a sign of respect,” he said warmly.
His stance was gentle and genuine.
The gift was a top–quality emerald piece. Anyone else probably couldn’t say no.
But Alice barely glanced at it.
“Why not just be straight about what you want?”
She walked over and plopped down on the sofa.
Her posture was relaxed but regal, showing perfect training and aristocratic poise.
Peter’s respect grew immediately.
He forced a tight smile. “Mrs. Nolan, you’re quite funny.”
Alice shook her head.
“I’m serious. Time’s ticking. If you keep dodging, I’ll just go rest.”
Peter quickly stopped her from leaving, sounding a little awkward.
“Okay. I’ll cut to the case.”
He pulled back the gift, bowing even
lower
“Mrs. Nolan, do you remember the emerald heart pendant you bought at the auction?”
Alice frowned. “Not really.
Peter was shocked.
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56 Buy It Back
It’s only been a few hours!
She can’t possibly be this forgetful !
He took a deep breath, swallowing his frustration.
“Please think carefully. That pendant means a lot to us .”
Alice replied, “So you want to buy it back ? ”
That was clearly his goal, but his indirect way was testing her patience.
If she didn’t call it out now, they’d waste the whole night going in circles about a tiny pendant.