Chapter 136 The Land is Acquired

Amelia couldn't stop thinking about the piece of land at the orphanage, making it hard for her to sleep. She got up at dawn, put on a set of light sportswear, and went for a jog along the tree-lined path outside Serenity Retreat.

After her morning run, she stopped by the breakfast shop at the entrance of the community and bought two breakfasts: a bowl of oatmeal, a hot milk, and a sandwich. Returning to Serenity Retreat, she placed the breakfast on the dining table.

Dorian came out of the bedroom and immediately noticed the breakfast on the table, frowning slightly. He had experienced Amelia's cooking before; while it wasn't inedible, it was far from delicious. The breakfast in front of him, however, smelled delicious and was clearly made by a professional chef.

He walked to the table, picked up a spoon, and took a bite of the oatmeal, savoring it. The consistency was just right.

"Did you make this?" Dorian looked at Amelia, his tone tinged with disbelief.

Amelia was sitting at the table, leisurely drinking her hot milk. Hearing Dorian's question, she looked up, her eyes clear and calm. "Bought it outside."

Dorian put down the spoon, his gaze sharp as he scrutinized Amelia. "What's going on? Why so diligent today?"

Amelia put down her cup, her tone indifferent. "The sooner you finish eating, the sooner we can get to the bidding site."

Dorian raised an eyebrow but didn't ask further, lowering his head to continue eating the oatmeal.

After breakfast, the two of them headed to the bidding site.

The bidding site was bustling with people, the atmosphere lively. Amelia sat quietly next to Dorian, her gaze sweeping over the determined faces. Representatives from various companies were eager and ready to win. Clearly, the piece of land at the orphanage had become highly sought after.

Amelia noticed that besides the Talbot Group, several other powerful companies were participating in the bidding, including Alton.

Today, he was wearing a flamboyant bright purple suit, his hair meticulously styled, and a playful smile on his face as he whispered to the woman beside him.

Seeing Dorian, he gave a provocative glance.

Dorian remained expressionless, not even lifting an eyelid, as if he hadn't seen him.

The bidding process was tense and exciting, with each company taking turns to quote, the price climbing steadily. Amelia's heart fluctuated slightly with the price changes; she knew Dorian was determined to get this land.

In the end, the Talbot Group successfully secured the land for 500 million dollars. When the host announced the result, Amelia breathed a sigh of relief.

Amelia looked at the final price announced, silently noting the number: 500 million dollars. This was no small amount. She thought to herself that she must repay Dorian when she had the means.

Dorian seemed to read her mind, turning his head to look at her with a half-smile. "What? Feeling the pinch?"

Amelia remained expressionless. "I'm just calculating how long it will take to pay off this debt."

Dorian chuckled, his tone teasing. "Just consider it as five hundred times as my companion, and it will be offset."

At this moment, Alton swaggered over, a playful smile on his lips. The woman beside him clung to his arm, her makeup exquisite, her smile charming.

"Mr. Talbot, what a big spender, 500 million dollars without batting an eye," Alton said sourly, as if he had eaten a lemon. "It seems the Talbot Group is really flush with cash lately."

Dorian glanced at him, his gaze cold as ice. "If Mr. Bridges is envious, you can try harder next time."

Alton sneered. "Envious? Envious of what? Envious that you bought a piece of land? You know, my family never lacks land. This time, my father just asked me to make up the numbers."

His eyes roved over Amelia with a suggestive look, his tone frivolous. "Ms. Boleyn is so beautiful and capable. Mr. Talbot is really stingy, buying a piece of land and making Ms. Boleyn pay such a high price."

Amelia frowned slightly, her gaze icy as she looked at Alton.

She didn't like being treated like a commodity. Before she could speak, Dorian stepped in front of her, his tall figure like a mountain, separating her from Alton.

Dorian's gaze was sharp as he stared at Alton, his tone cold. "Mr. Bridges, my woman is not for you to comment on."

His tone was domineering, like a lion protecting its food, warning the intruder.

Alton raised an eyebrow, smiling indifferently. "Mr. Talbot, why so nervous? I was just joking. Are you worried I'll steal your woman?"

Alton's playful smile carried a hint of provocation, his gaze shifting from Dorian to Amelia, his tone frivolous. "Ms. Boleyn, interested in switching sides? Follow me, and I'll buy you a piece of land. How about it?"

He extended his long fingers, drawing a number in the air, as if Amelia was already in his grasp.

Amelia's expression remained unchanged, her gaze cold as water, without a ripple. She glanced at Alton indifferently, her tone calm and unperturbed. "No need, Mr. Bridges."

Alton raised an eyebrow, seemingly surprised by her reaction. He asked with interest, "Really? Why? Does Mr. Talbot offer you more?"

Amelia shook her head slightly, her gaze falling on the land just acquired by the Talbot Group, her tone still calm but with a hint of seriousness. "I just have a special feeling for this land, nothing else."

The woman beside Alton's face changed, pouting. "Alton, what are you saying? I'm not happy!" She clung tightly to Alton's arm, afraid he would really be "snatched" by Amelia.

Alton laughed, reaching out to pinch the woman's cheek, his tone coaxing like a child. "Alright, my little darling, don't be jealous. I was just joking."

He turned to look at Amelia, shrugging. "It seems Ms. Boleyn is not swayed by money. How rare." His eyes gleamed with interest, as if he had found an intriguing toy.

Amelia remained expressionless, not responding.

Dorian's gaze was icy as he watched Alton, his lips tightly pressed, exuding a cold aura. Though he said nothing, his demeanor made his stance clear: Amelia was his, and no one else should even think about it.

Sensing the tension, Alton didn't press further. He chuckled, wrapping his arm around his companion and turning to leave, throwing a parting remark. "Mr. Talbot, cherish your treasure."

His tone carried a hint of deeper meaning, hard to decipher.

After he left, the tense atmosphere gradually dissipated.