Chapter 120

Everyone knew the Dominguez cousins had a long-standing feud.

So when people saw the two of them competing over something as simple as a hairpin, it didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, the crowd was entertained, eager to see who would win and at what price the piece of jewelry would be sold.

In an unexpected turn, the bidding quickly soared to more than double the hairpin’s original value, but neither of them showed any sign of backing down.

Eloise hadn’t expected Gabriel to take it so seriously. She knew he didn’t even like the hairpin.

“Don’t fight him for it. If he wants it, let him have it. Let him overspend,” she whispered softly to Cosmo.

“You don’t want it anymore?” Cosmo asked, his brow slightly furrowed. “Don’t worry about the money, I’m richer than him.”

“You are, but you don’t have to look like a fool in front of everyone,” Eloise replied bluntly, though with a hint of humor.

Cosmo fell silent.

“That hairpin doesn’t even suit Ciela. Gabriel’s only pushing for it to provoke you. Let him spend big, at least it’ll go to charity,” Eloise added.

Cosmo smirked. “But if he wins, isn’t that embarrassing?”

“And if you win, won’t you feel like you just wasted money? You’d only look more immature and impulsive,” Eloise said with a smile.

Cosmo didn’t argue further. He stopped raising his bids after a few more rounds.

In the end, Gabriel got the hairpin at five times its actual value. He flashed a smug grin at Cosmo, as if he had just won a battle.

The next item was a diamond jewelry set, which Cosmo also bid on. But Gabriel outbid him again, and this time Cosmo didn’t bother to continue.

“Sorry, cousin. Looks like I won the jewelry your wife wanted too. If she likes it, I can give it to her,” Gabriel said with a mocking smile.

“She doesn’t need those things,” Cosmo replied calmly. “But thank you for supporting my mother’s charity.”

Gabriel’s smile froze for a second, but he quickly recovered and said, “Of course, anything for Auntie.”

While Cosmo spoke with someone about a drone investment project, Gabriel went to take a closer look at the hairpin he had won. The green jade gleamed under the light, smooth and cool to the touch. He couldn’t help but imagine how elegant Chloe would look wearing it in her hair.

Meanwhile, Eloise and Ciela were still inside the venue. With Gabriel by her side, many assumed Ciela was close to Eloise, even giving the impression that one day, the two women might be family.

Eloise didn’t like it, but she couldn’t exactly say they weren’t close in front of everyone. She forced herself to chat with Ciela, though after ten minutes she could no longer stand the pretense. She excused herself and went looking for Cosmo.

He was still in conversation, but even then, his presence was commanding, his manner calm and assured. Eloise quietly watched him until he was free.

“I was right in front of you earlier, but you didn’t even notice me,” Eloise teased once he finished.

“You were staring?” Cosmo asked with a smile.

“Well, you stood out too much,” Eloise replied, pointing at the man he had been talking to. “You two talked for so long. Was it about drones?”

“Yeah. That’s their company. They’re short on funding and tech support. He wants me to invest,” Cosmo explained.

“Hmm. The drone industry is promising,” Eloise remarked.

She wasn’t entirely new to the subject. Back when she was with her ex-fiancé Zedrix, she had helped him with a drone project, so she was somewhat familiar.

“You know something about that?” Cosmo asked, surprised.

“Just read a few articles,” Eloise answered casually. “Are you planning to invest?”

“I want to do more research first,” Cosmo said. “Sometimes these people talk big, but they don’t have real technology.”

They spoke for a bit longer before Tania arrived, looking tired but alert.

“Gabriel again? He even snatched the item you wanted. He’s really out of control,” Tania said in frustration.

Cosmo only smiled. “Well, at least he used real money.”

Tania had to admit he was right, though she couldn’t stand Gabriel’s habit of always competing with Cosmo.

“What’s his plan with Ciela? Is he planning to marry into the Baylons?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Cosmo replied curtly.

Tania frowned. If the Baylon family sided with Gabriel, it would give him a strong advantage. Still, she knew it wasn’t the right time to bring it up, so she just left a few reminders before returning to her duties.

“Do you want to go home?” Cosmo asked Eloise.

Truthfully, yes. Rather than listening to the shallow conversations and fake pleasantries inside, she’d rather just watch a movie with Cosmo.

“Would that be okay?” Eloise asked, hesitant since it was Tania’s event.

“It’s fine,” Cosmo answered without hesitation. If she wanted to leave, then they would.

As they waited outside for the car, with Paolo driving, Ciela suddenly rushed out of the venue. She stopped in her tracks when she saw them.

“Cosmo, Eloise, have you seen Gabriel?” she asked, clearly distressed.

“No,” Eloise replied. “If you’re looking for him, why don’t you try calling?”

“I already did, but he’s not answering. I even searched the entire banquet hall, he’s nowhere to be found. The staff said they haven’t seen him either,” Ciela said, her voice trembling, almost on the verge of tears.

“Didn’t he buy something at the auction? Maybe he’s settling the payment or getting the receipt. Did you ask the organizers?” Eloise suggested.

Ciela paused, then quickly thanked her before rushing back inside. She was clearly in a hurry.

“Do you think Gabriel just left her behind?” Eloise asked, still in disbelief.

“What’s something he wouldn’t do?” Cosmo answered with a faint smile, his tone carrying weight.

“He really has the nerve, huh? Showing off by bringing someone to the event, then suddenly ditching her. So full of himself,” Eloise shook her head.

Cosmo only smiled. He was used to Gabriel’s behavior, Gabriel did whatever came to mind.

“Do you think the items he bought were really for Ciela? Or maybe for Chloe? Maybe he couldn’t wait and already gave her something?” Eloise guessed.

“So curious about him. Don’t you have his number? You could contact him and ask,” Cosmo replied, a slight smile tugging at his lips.

Eloise smirked. “And if I did contact him, would you be mad?”

“No,” Cosmo answered, expressionless.

He was quiet, but his eyes carried an unspoken warning, as if to say, Go ahead and try.

Eloise laughed and pinched his cheek. “You’re so stiff, you know that?”

It seemed she was the only one who dared tease him like that. By now, she was already used to being close to him.

On their way home, the car was warm inside, making the ride feel comfortable. They kept chatting while Cosmo stayed in touch with Tania. Meanwhile, Eloise called Sasha to update her about the day. They also talked about the taping of Sasha’s show, only two episodes left before it ended, with the final shoot scheduled in Tagaytay.

They talked for a long while. Cosmo didn’t pressure her to end the call; she hung up on her own when she was ready. Afterward, Eloise helped him bathe.

She had grown used to doing this for him. But while washing his legs, she suddenly wondered, was there any update on the specialist Tania had been looking for? Why was there still no news?

Now that she had some free time, maybe she should search on her own. Just in case, she thought. As long as there’s hope, I won’t give up.

“What are you thinking about?” Cosmo asked, watching her closely.

“Nothing,” Eloise answered quickly, changing the subject. “I was just saying Sasha’s show is about to end. What are your plans for her after this?”

“Really?” Cosmo’s voice carried a hint of doubt, though his smile was teasing. “I thought you were wondering if my legs are finally getting better.”