The Villianess's Redemption (HYUNJIN ff) ✓

25. The Auction Unfolds

Chapter 25: The Auction Unfolds
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Jeongin's POV

The auction hall buzzed with quiet excitement, murmurs of anticipation filling the air as guests moved about, admiring the rare and exotic items on display. From intricate tapestries to ancient relics, the room was a treasure trove of opulence. But none of that seemed to matter to Seungmin, who stood beside me, his expression distant as he stared across the hall at Eliza.

I glanced at him, noticing the way his brow furrowed in concern, his hands clasped behind his back as though he was deep in thought. Eliza, usually so lively and engaged, was sitting by herself in a corner, her eyes wandering across the room with a glazed-over look. She wasn't herself.

"Seungmin," I said softly, drawing his attention. "What's on your mind?"

He sighed, his gaze flicking back to Eliza. "It's her," he admitted. "I'm worried about Eliza. She hasn't been herself lately... something feels off. She's distant, quiet. It's like she's lost in her own world, and I can't reach her."

I followed his gaze, seeing what he meant. Eliza, once the radiant center of every room, now looked like a shadow of her former self. Her usually warm and sparkling eyes were dull, her posture slumped as though the weight of the world had settled on her shoulders.

Jeongin glanced at Eliza before looking back at Seungmin.

Flashback
Eliza held my hand tightly before I left her room.
"Seungmin can't know about this," she whispered suddenly and avoiding my gaze she continues. "If he finds out... he won't be happy. So promise you won't tell him about this."

I give her a hesitant look."I.........." She gives me a desperate look.

I sigh. "Okay........I promise I won't tell him anything about this."

End Flashback

I snapped back to the present, looking at Seungmin, who was still watching Eliza intently.

"I think she's just stressed about everything that's happened recently," I offered, trying to ease Seungmin's concerns. "The yacht incident, Isabella's kidnapping... it's all been a lot to handle."

Seungmin sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. "I hope that's all it is."

I nodded, but a sense of unease gnawed at me. There was more to this than just stress. Eliza was keeping something from Seungmin, and the weight of it was pulling her down. But I had promised her I wouldn't say anything. For now, I had to keep her secret.

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Hyunjin's POV

The grand hall of the auction was filled with the clinking of glasses, soft conversations, and the hum of anticipation as guests mingled and admired the items up for bid. I stood near the back, keeping a watchful eye on the crowd, but my mind was elsewhere.

"Hey, what's with the serious face?" Jisung's voice broke through my thoughts. I turned to see him grinning at me, his eyes dancing with amusement.

I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"You're brooding again," Jisung teased. "What's on your mind, Hyunjin? Let me guess... are you thinking about the suspect in Isabella's case again?"

I shot him a knowing look, but said nothing.

"Ah, there it is," Jisung chuckled, nudging me with his elbow. "Come on, lighten up. We're here to enjoy ourselves, not to worry about all that. Nothing's going to happen to Isabella today."