Chapter 187 I Only See You as a Younger Sister
Atlas's POV
"This crown belonged to a queen of Lysander in the sixteenth century. It's one of a kind in the world, with a starting bid of one hundred million dollars."
As the host on stage finished speaking, Helena's smiling face instantly flashed through my mind. Looking at that dazzling crown on stage, I made up my mind to buy it for Helena.
"Three hundred million dollars."
"Three hundred and fifty million dollars."
The bidding at the venue was fierce, and the price quickly rose to 350 million dollars. I knew it was time for me to make my move.
I raised my hand and called out directly, "Five hundred million dollars."
As my voice fell, the venue instantly went quiet. The auctioneer on stage shouted excitedly, "Five hundred million dollars! This gentleman bids five hundred million dollars. Does anyone want to raise the bid?"
He looked around, but apart from whispers rising in the venue, no one raised the bid again.
"Five hundred million dollars once!"
The auctioneer held up his hammer, staring excitedly at the crowd below. "Five hundred million dollars twice!"
"Last reminder—if no one raises the bid, this crown will belong to this gentleman."
The auctioneer looked around again, and seeing that still no one raised the bid—not because there were no buyers, but because very few people could afford this price.
Seeing the crowd below remain unmoved, the auctioneer raised his hammer and said, "Five hundred million dollars, third time!"
"Sold! The crown belongs to this gentleman!"
Thunderous applause filled the venue, and people's eyes fell on me, some more obviously than others.
My expression remained calm. When the auctioneer started on the next item, I stood up and left.
"Mr. Lancaster, I've completed the transaction procedures for the crown. The security company has also sent people on a private plane. They'll land in Starwave City at the same time as you."
Benjamin reported in a low voice.
I nodded. "Good. Let's get ready and head back."
Benjamin responded, "Yes!"
The plane soon landed in Starwave City. I had just walked out of the arrivals gate and was about to get in the car when a figure flashed by, and someone hugged me tightly around the waist from behind.
"Atlas, I thought I had the wrong person just now, but it really is you."
The moment I heard this voice, I said somewhat helplessly, "Nancy, can you let go first? If someone sees this, they'll get the wrong idea."
"Who?"
Nancy jumped out and said unhappily, "Who'll get the wrong idea? We're not doing anything. What's there to misunderstand?"
Thinking of the promise I made to Helena last time, I deliberately put on a cold face and said, "Helena will misunderstand."
"Besides, don't you already have someone you like? If you do this, he'll misunderstand."
"I don't have anyone I like. Don't make wild guesses, okay?"
Nancy muttered unhappily.
I reminded her, "That Meridian from last time—I could tell he likes you. Don't mess around."
Nancy completely ignored my words and directly opened the car door and climbed in.
"Just because he likes me doesn't mean I have to like him. Seriously, come on, get in the car. My dad is waiting for you at home."
"Waiting for me for what?"
I got in the car and asked, somewhat puzzled.
"He wants to see you, of course. Think about it—how long has it been since you've been to the house? Dad must miss you."
Nancy said to the driver, "Go to The Armstrong Villa."
The driver looked at me somewhat awkwardly through the rearview mirror. I was eager to see Helena, so thinking of this, I said tactfully, "I just got off the plane. How about I go back and freshen up first, then go see Mr. Armstrong?"
"Freshen up for what? My dad has seen you in all states. Seriously, let's go quickly. Don't keep my dad waiting."
Nancy kept urging.
I had no choice but to tell the driver to drive. On the way, I sent Helena a message telling her I was back, and mentioned that I was going to The Armstrong Villa for dinner.
Suddenly Nancy's head leaned over, glanced at my phone, and said, "Reporting to your girlfriend?"
I nodded, closed my phone, and thinking of Helena, a smile unconsciously appeared on my lips.
"Yes, I'm letting her know I'm back."
"When did you become so thoughtful, Atlas? You weren't like this before."
Hearing Nancy's complaint, I smiled and said, "That's because I hadn't met Helena before. Now that I've met her, I want to cherish her."
Then I looked at Nancy and said seriously, "Nancy, we grew up together. You know I've always treated you like a sister. I sincerely hope you can find someone you like to spend your life with."
I looked at Nancy's fingers twisted together, and hardened my heart to say firmly, "In this life, except for Helena, I won't be with any other woman. She will be my wife, and I hope you can like her too."
"I won't."
As soon as I finished speaking, Nancy looked up, her face covered in tears. "I won't like her, never!"
"Nancy, you can't force feelings. Some things won't stop happening just because you don't want them to!"
Seeing my tone become heavier, more tears flowed from Nancy's eyes.
"Atlas, why? I clearly met you first, so why did you fall in love with someone else?"
I frowned. "I told you, no one can explain matters of the heart clearly. This isn't about who came first. Moreover, I've always treated you as a sister. I've never had romantic feelings for you."
"Never had romantic feelings?"
Nancy murmured, then couldn't help laughing softly.
"But from the first moment I saw you, I fell deeply in love with you. All these years, my only wish has been to be your girlfriend. That has never changed."
Seeing her frantic state, I wanted to comfort her, but then I realized that my momentary softness might give her endless hope, and at that point, I might hurt two women.
"Your liking me is only your personal matter, but I've never liked you. Nancy, please face the facts."
"I won't!"
Nancy suddenly shouted loudly.
She said to me with tears streaming down her face, "Why? I've clearly liked you for almost ten years. Why are you being so cruel to me!"
Then she kicked the car door frantically. "Stop the car, stop! I want to get out!"
"Ms. Armstrong, we can't stop here."
Before the driver finished speaking, Nancy suddenly opened the car door. Her action scared the driver into stopping the car immediately.
Nancy opened the door and got out, ignoring the traffic around her.
"Nancy!"
I shouted, about to chase after her, when suddenly a car sped by, scaring me into quickly closing the door to avoid it.
After the vehicle passed, I looked up again toward where Nancy had disappeared, but the area was empty. Nancy's figure was nowhere to be seen.