Night had fallen over the city.
The grand auction hall was already filled with some of the most influential families and powerful business figures in the country.
Luxury cars lined the entrance.
Expensive suits and elegant gowns filled the hall as businessmen, heiresses, investors, and powerful families exchanged greetings and discussed their interests.
Tonight’s auction was more than just a gathering.
It was an opportunity for alliances and everyone knew it.
Earlier that evening, Carter Whitmore had made one thing very clear to his eldest son.
Harrison had to attend.
There was no room for refusal.After Ashley’s constant pressure and Carter’s insistence, Harrison had finally agreed.
The doors of the auction hall opened.
The Whitmore family entered.
Immediately, several heads turned.
Harrison walked beside his father, dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit.
His expression was as cold and unreadable as ever.
Carter walked confidently beside him, acknowledging the familiar faces around the room.
The Whitmores were one of the most influential families in the city, known for their powerful business empire and international connections.
But there was one family in the room whose influence extended even further.
The Ashford family.
Their presence alone commanded attention yet they remained seated quietly, watching the preparations for the auction.
Across the room, another powerful family noticed the Whitmores.
Matt Hayes.
A wealthy businessman with influence that stretched across the country and a man whose name was also known in the city’s underground world.
Standing beside him was his daughter.
Emily Hayes.
The moment she saw Harrison, a smile slowly appeared on her face.Her eyes remained fixed on him.
He looked even more handsome than she remembered.
Matt Hayes immediately walked toward the Whitmores.
“Mr.
Whitmore.”
“Carter.”
The two men exchanged a firm handshake.
“It’s good to see you again,” Matt said.
“Likewise.”
Carter smiled.
“I remember the successful deals you had with Ashley years ago.”
Matt laughed.
“Those were profitable days.”
Their conversation quickly turned toward business.
Carter was clearly pleased.
Matt Hayes had connections, influence, and resources that could benefit the Whitmore family.
And Carter knew exactly how valuable that relationship could become.
Emily stood beside her father, listening quietly but her attention wasn’t on the business discussion.
It was on Harrison.
She couldn’t stop smiling whenever she looked at him.
A few feet away, Andrew Whitmore stood with a glass of wine in his hand.
His eyes were fixed on Emily.
He had been watching her for several minutes.
There was something in his expression that was difficult to hide.
He liked her.
Perhaps more than he should but Emily didn’t even notice him.
Her attention remained completely focused on Harrison.
Andrew’s expression slowly changed as he tightened his grip around the glass.
Nearby, Ashley noticed everything.
She noticed Andrew watching Emily.
She noticed Emily watching Harrison and most importantly, she noticed the conversation between Carter and Matt.
A small smile formed on her lips.
Everything was falling into place.
The alliance she had been planning was finally becoming a reality.
Ashley had already spoken with Matt about the possibility of connecting their families.
Matt was more than willing.
A marriage between Emily and Harrison would strengthen their business relationship and bring enormous benefits to both families.
And Harrison?
He knew nothing.
He continued speaking with the other guests, completely unaware that his future was being decided behind his back.
The auction was about to begin.
Guests gradually took their seats.
The room became quieter.
Tonight’s most anticipated item was a rare golden necklace that had attracted considerable attention.
Just before the auction officially started, Matt Hayes suddenly stood.
“Everyone, may I have your attention?”
The conversations gradually stopped.
All eyes turned toward him.
Matt raised his glass.
“First, I’d like to welcome our respected business partners, the Ashford family, the Whitmore family, and everyone who has joined us tonight.”
Polite applause filled the room.
Matt smiled.
His eyes briefly moved toward Harrison.
Carter immediately understood.A satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Ashley looked equally pleased.
Emily lowered her eyes shyly.
But Harrison noticed none of it.
He simply stood there with a faint frown.
Matt continued.
“Tonight isn’t only about business.”
The room became quieter.
“There are moments when two families must look beyond business and consider their future.”
Harrison’s eyebrows furrowed.Something felt wrong.
Matt raised his glass higher.
“I Matt Hayes, have made an important decision concerning my daughter.”
Emily’s heart began pounding.
Ashley smiled.
Carter looked pleased.
Andrew frowned in confusion.
Matt paused dramatically.
Then he dropped the words that changed everything.
“I have decided to give my daughter, Emily Hayes, to the heir of the Whitmore family…”
He turned toward Harrison.
“…the CEO of Whitmore Group.”
The room erupted in whispers.
Harrison froze.His eyes widened slightly.
Matt smiled proudly.
“From tonight onward, I announce Harrison Whitmore as my future son-in-law!”
For a second, Harrison couldn’t move.
Then….
Applause exploded throughout the hall.
People stood and congratulated both families.
Carter smiled proudly.
Ashley looked delighted.
Emily lowered her head as her cheeks turned red.
But Harrison…Harrison’s expression darkened.
His fists slowly clenched at his sides.
He turned toward his father.
Then toward Ashley.
His eyes were filled with disbelief.
Future son-in-law?
Nobody had asked him.
Nobody had even told him.
And now his entire future had just been announced in front of the most powerful people in the city.
Across the room, Andrew stared at Ashley in shock.
“Mother…”
But Ashley didn’t even look at him.
Harrison’s jaw tightened.
The applause continued around him.
Yet all he could hear was the pounding of his own heart.
He had never allowed anyone to decide his life for him.And tonight, they had crossed a line.
His cold eyes slowly lifted toward Emily.
She was smiling.
That only made his expression harder.
Harrison took one slow breath.
Then he stepped forward as the room gradually fell silent.
Everyone waited for his response and for the first time that night…
Harrison was ready to speak.