Chapter 102
Alex's POV
Early the next morning, I sat in my office at Morgan International, giving instructions to Lucas.
"Investigate Harrison Group comprehensively," I said. "I want their financial status, investor lists, all business partnership projects."
An hour later, Lucas came to report with files. "Sir, they're in the middle of IPO preparations."
Learning that Harrison Group was preparing for an IPO, I smiled coldly.
Lucas reminded me: "Sir, the Morgan family has always kept a low profile. Won't such a high-profile move attract unnecessary attention?"
"Grace originally planned to deal with Harrison herself, but that bastard is still pestering her," I said flatly. "I want Harrison Group's cash flow strangled before their IPO even launches."
"However, this matter must be kept secret. Don't let my father know," I instructed.
Lucas nodded, then placed another file on the desk.
"What's this?"
"Sir, I arranged investigations into Andrew and Elizabeth as you previously requested. Here are their recent activity reports and network analyses."
I flipped through the documents until I reached the final page and discovered something unexpected.
"Wilson Holdings invested in Harrison Group?" I asked.
"Yes, sir. According to this, it's a recent development."
I leaned back in my chair, my mind racing. Who specifically at Wilson Holdings was handling the Harrison Group investment?
"The investment happened three weeks ago," Lucas said, his voice carefully maintaining neutrality. "Fifty million dollars, passed through multiple shell companies."
Two possibilities. Either Andrew was targeting Grace through some twisted business revenge, or...
I killed the second thought before it could fully form. Grace had made her feelings clear. She had chosen me, married me, shared my bed. But the possessive beast in my chest still struggled with uncertainty.
"Sir?" Lucas prompted.
"I want all the information on this investment," I said, my voice cold as frost. "Every document, every communication, every damn signature. And Lucas?"
"Yes, sir?"
"I will personally handle this investigation."
---
Richard's POV
The afternoon sun cast long shadows in front of the Harrison estate as I adjusted my tie while waiting at the front door. I had originally planned to attend the charity auction alone.
But Laura had other plans.
"Darling!" She appeared at the top of the stairs, having spent an hour getting ready. The deep green dress perfectly outlined her curves, paired with a black coat. "I spoke with your father this morning. He thinks it would be wonderful if I accompanied you to tonight's event."
Ever since Laura signed the agreement with father, Holden had been accommodating Laura's requests.
My phone vibrated. It was the private investigator I had hired to find Grace.
"Mr. Harrison, we've hit another dead end. It's like she vanished into thin air. No credit card activity, no hotel registrations, nothing under her name."
I ended the call, feeling frustrated. How could someone disappear so completely?
Laura descended the stairs, expecting praise, expecting attention. But my thoughts were elsewhere.
"Ready?" Laura asked, her smile dimming slightly at my lack of response.
"Let's go."
---
Grace's POV
The auction hall was filled with Starport's elite as I was escorted to the VIP section on the second floor. When the auction house learned I was attending as a Wilson Holdings representative, they were very accommodating.
"Ms. Wilson," the concierge said smoothly, "we've prepared a private preview catalog of tonight's featured pieces. Would you like to review them before bidding begins?"
I nodded, accepting the leather-bound portfolio. Two items immediately caught my attention—an exquisite emerald necklace that would be perfect for Eleanor, and a pair of pink diamond earrings that would suit Daisy well.
Both pieces could serve as thank-you gifts, expressing gratitude for the Morgan family's acceptance of our marriage. It was important to show that their kindness hadn't gone unnoticed.
"I'd like to bid anonymously tonight," I told the concierge.
"Of course, Ms. Wilson. We'll handle all communications through our staff."
The auctioneer's voice echoed through the hall as the emerald necklace came up for bidding. I raised my paddle through the concierge, immediately increasing the bid by one hundred thousand dollars.
"We have a bid of eight hundred thousand from our VIP section," the auctioneer announced.
A curious stir rippled through the hall.
The necklace was mine within minutes, with the final price settling at eight hundred and thirty thousand dollars—far above the estimate, but every penny was worth it.
---
Richard's POV
When the next lot appeared on stage, Laura's eyes lit up. The pink diamond earrings were exquisite.
This would be perfect as a gift for the Wilson heiress. Thinking of the Wilson heiress I hadn't met last time, a surge of anticipation rose in my heart.
I raised my paddle. "Five hundred thousand."
"Five hundred and fifty thousand," came a voice from the main hall.
I countered. "Six hundred thousand."
Then the mysterious VIP bidder struck again. "Seven hundred thousand from the VIP section."
Laura's eyes brightened. "Richard, are you bidding for me?"
She had clearly misunderstood. I gritted my teeth and raised my paddle again. "Seven hundred and fifty thousand."
"Eight hundred thousand, VIP section."
The auctioneer's hammer hovered in the air. "Eight hundred thousand going once..."
I hesitated. Eight hundred thousand for earrings? That wasn't equivalent value at all.
"Going twice..."
"Sold to our VIP bidder for eight hundred thousand dollars."
"What a pity," Laura's disappointment was evident.
---
The underground parking garage was dimly lit, shadows stretching between concrete pillars like dark fingers. I adjusted my tie, still feeling the weight of tonight's failed bidding.
Laura walked beside me, her heels clicking against the concrete floor. "Tonight was quite unusual," she said, though her voice carried disappointment about the auction results.
I was about to pull out my car keys when Laura suddenly stopped. "Richard."
Her voice had changed—sharp, alert. I followed her gaze across the parking garage.
Grace.
She was walking toward a Rolls-Royce, and even in the dim lighting, her silhouette was unforgettable. My heart hammered against my chest. After weeks of searching, here she was.
"Is that...?" Laura's voice trailed off, but I could hear the growing suspicion in it. "Richard, is she following us?"
Following us? The thought hadn't occurred to me, but now it seemed possible. Did she know we'd be here tonight?
I watched Grace approach her car, and some primal instinct took control of me.
"I need to see her," I said, already starting to move. "Get in the car first."
"Richard, wait—"
But I was already running across the parking garage, my footsteps echoing off the walls. Grace had reached her car, her hand on the door handle.
"Grace!" I called out.