Chapter 91 Turned Her Down Again
The auctioneer nodded and kept the event rolling.
Everyone was buzzing, waiting to see if the two heavyweights would keep outbidding each other. But out of nowhere, Michael went silent.
Olivia's question had sparked something in him: the medicine was for someone with a mental condition.
Was it for Bianca?
Michael's interest in bidding evaporated immediately.
Sophia was fuming. She'd just faced a setback and craved revenge. How could Michael just quit like that?
She was boiling inside, but kept her cool.
With that, the rest of the auction went off without a hitch.
During the event, Daniel made another bid and snagged a jade bracelet.
The auctioneer announced, "Jade is known for its nurturing and protective qualities. This bracelet is also believed to bring safety and peace!"
The price was high, but Daniel bought it and handed it to Olivia. "Give this to Bianca. It's delicate and perfect for her. I hope she grows up safe and healthy."
Olivia was taken aback and tried to refuse, "It's too valuable. She's so young; she can't wear something this expensive."
Daniel insisted, "It can be made into a necklace and tucked under her clothes. Take it. The sentiment matters, and she needs it. Besides, this money is nothing compared to what you'll bring to our research department in the future."
He had always had faith in Olivia's abilities.
Even before she got married, she had developed an incredibly effective drug. Now, with renewed focus, her future achievements would be even greater.
She just needed time!
Seeing his resolve, Olivia couldn't say no. She accepted it for Bianca, "Thank you. When we get back, I'll work even harder to take our pharmaceutical brand global!"
Daniel grinned, "I can't wait!"
They chatted happily, while Michael watched from a distance.
Tonight, Olivia hadn't spared him a glance, and here she was accepting gifts from Daniel while letting him scheme against Michael.
Michael's face darkened, barely holding back his frustration.
Having gotten what they came for, Olivia and Daniel soon left to pay.
Michael quickly followed them.
Sophia had planned to leave after the auction, but seeing Michael's actions, she chased after him.
Outside, Olivia and Daniel had already driven off.
Michael looked irritated.
Sophia clutched her fingers and softly asked, "Michael, wanna come over tonight? Aiden misses you and hasn't been doing well lately. Seeing you would really cheer him up. He still wants to go to the amusement park with you..."
Michael yanked at his tie and cut her off, "I've got work to finish tonight, so I can't come. The company's busy, and I don't have time for the amusement park. I'll drop you off at home."
Without waiting for her response, he headed towards the garage.
Sophia's face nearly crumbled. He'd turned her down again!
He was still hung up on Olivia, that awful woman. The messy divorce had messed him up, changing his attitude.
Sophia was panicked, desperately trying to figure out how to fix things.
On the way back, she stared out the window and noticed a car tailing them.
Being with her crazy ex-husband had made her wary. She immediately told Michael, "Michael, I think someone's following us."
Michael, who had been lost in thought, quickly snapped to attention. He soon spotted the car trailing them.
Sophia was tense and clung to his arm, asking, "Who could it be? Are we in danger?"
Michael squinted and instructed the driver, "There's a hotel nearby. Head there."
He then called his bodyguards to intercept the follower.
After giving instructions, he reassured Sophia, "Don't worry, it'll be fine."
Sophia nodded but couldn't help but think, 'a hotel? Could I spend the night with Michael?'
Her heart raced as she resolved to make something happen tonight.
Ten minutes later, they arrived at the hotel. Michael led Sophia inside to check in.
For the moment, they were safe.
Once inside the room, Sophia seized the chance to get closer to him and went to take a shower.
Michael didn't stop her.
After a while, Robert knocked on the door. "Mr. Johnson, we've caught the person following you."
Michael's expression darkened, "Bring him in!"
Robert nodded and called the bodyguards.
Soon, the bodyguards brought in a man.
Michael sat on the sofa, radiating an intimidating presence, and asked, "Who are you? Why were you following us? What's your purpose?"
The young man initially refused to speak, but Robert quickly found his business card and ID. "Detective agency… You're a detective?"
The man's face changed, looking guilty, and he tried to hide his bag.
Robert swiftly grabbed the bag and opened it.
Inside, unsurprisingly, was a camera.
He checked it and then handed it to Michael, "Mr. Johnson, these are photos of you and Ms. Brown."
Michael's face darkened as he looked through the photos, growing angrier with each one.
The pictures were all of him and Sophia together.
Michael's expression turned icy as he demanded, "Who sent you? Tell me the truth, or I'll make sure you can't stay in Emerald City!"
Hearing that, the detective didn't dare lie.
After all, the CEO of the Johnson Group had that power!
He quickly replied, "Mrs. Johnson hired us to investigate your affair. Taking photos is standard procedure."
The room's atmosphere instantly became tense.
Michael was furious. He couldn't believe Olivia had hired someone to spy on him!
Judging by the photos, this wasn't the first day of surveillance.
His anger surged as he coldly asked the detective, "How many more photos do you have? Hand them all over, or your agency will be shut down tonight!"
The detective's face turned pale. This was their livelihood!
He hurriedly said, "They're all in my bag. The negatives are there, but there's nothing incriminating."
Michael didn't believe him and ordered Robert to check thoroughly.
After ten minutes, Robert reported, "Mr. Johnson, there's nothing else incriminating."
Michael nodded, but his anger burned. Was Olivia so eager to divorce him?
Even hiring a detective!
The detective, scared, asked, "Mr. Johnson, I've told you everything. Can I leave now?"
Michael's gaze was cold, "Leave? Not so fast! Since you're a professional, I'll hire you. Follow Olivia and report every male she interacts with."
The detective was stunned. Could he do that?
But their profession lacked ethics, and they worked for money. Not wanting to offend Michael, he agreed, "Understood. I'll follow your orders."
Later, Michael destroyed all the photos before letting the detective go.
The detective left, relieved.
Sophia emerged in a bathrobe.
Robert, with impeccable timing, led the bodyguards out.
Sophia approached Michael, "I heard voices earlier. Did you catch the person following us?"
Michael replied indifferently, "Yes, it was someone from a rival company. It's been dealt with."
Sophia nodded, relieved.
Now it was time for business.
She looked at him shyly, "Michael, do you want to take a shower? There's a hot spring here. How about staying the night?"
Normally, Michael would be tempted by her looks.
Sophia had just showered, smelling nice, with her bathrobe loosely tied, revealing her collarbone and chest. Her wet hair made her look sexy and alluring.
But Michael barely glanced at her before looking away, "No need. You can stay if you like; the room is paid for. Check out by noon tomorrow. I have things to do and need to leave."
Without waiting for her to respond, he left, giving her no chance to stop him.
Soon, Sophia was alone in the hotel room.
She was so angry that she almost trashed the place.
She had practically undressed.
Why was he still unmoved?