Chapter 154
Natalie didn’t understand what he meant.
Alexander continued, “Prestige Properties Group isn’t what it seems on the surface. You’d be wise to terminate your partnership with them p>
“It’s just a charity auction. Prestige Properties approached Billy Firth, their
paperwork is all in order, and I have no reason to refuse p>
Besides, she had already signed a contract. Backing out now would be a breach, and without a valid reason, the head office would hold her accountable. Thıs content belongs to.net
“You don’t believe me?” Alexander frowned. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. It’s not too late to pull out now p>
There was that domineering tone again.
Natalie’s face hardened. “Alexander, I’m not your employee, and you’re not my anything. Please watch your tone. You’ve had your meal; it’s time for you to leave p>
She turned slightly away from him, issuing a clear dismissal.
Alexander stood up and looked down at her cold expression. She might seem gentle on the outside, but she was stubborn to the core. Nothing he said now would get through to her.
“Prestige Properties has underworld connections. They didn’t make their fortune cleanly, and the head of the company has a lot of enemies. I don’t know what their motive is for this auction, but you will be in danger p>
Alexander softened his voice, hoping she would listen and reconsider.
Natalie remained silent, her head turned to the side.
He didn’t press further. “I’m leaving,” he said simply.
She heard the door close behind him and finally sank into a chair.
Everything she could find online about Prestige Properties Group was positive. They had provided certificates of origin, authenticity, and other documentation for every auction item. Nothing seemed out of place.
Natalie took out her phone and made a call.
“Ava, I need you to re-verify the provenance of every item from Prestige Properties. Make sure everything is absolutely legitimate p>
The value of the items was important, but their origin was critical. If any of them were problematic, the company could face huge repercussions, including legal liability.
It wasn’t that she hadn’t heard Alexander’s words, but his overbearing attitude had put her on the defensive.
Ava Thompson meticulously checked the origin of every piece again and confirmed that everything was legitimate.
The auction was tonight. Natalie fell into deep thought.
If Prestige Properties had a shady past but had managed to grow to its current size; it likely meant the
company had cleaned up its act and was now using charity to improve its image. Maybe they were
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overthinking things she was just an auctioneer, and she had no personal history with the company’s owner.
Natalie instructed Ava to proceed with the preparations for the evening’s auction.
The event was scheduled to start at seven o’clock in the grand hall of a private clubhouse provided by Prestige Properties Group.
Natalie arrived an hour early.
The owner of Prestige Properties, a man in his forties named Mr. Byron, was dressed in a black suit and had a refined, gentle demeanor. Natalie greeted him politely.
“Nora, all proceeds from tonight’s auction will be donated to impoverished mountain regions, so I hope you’ll use all your skills to make it a success p>
“Mr. Byron, I will certainly do my best p>
With all preparations backstage complete, Natalie had five minutes before she was due on stage. She thought for a moment and called Ava over.
“Once the auction starts, there won’t be much left to do here. I want you to take the team and head back to the office p>
“But what if something comes up that needs handling? You can’t manage it alone. And there’s the handover after the auction. Nora, we can’t leave yet,” Ava said, completely bewildered. This was a strange and unprecedented request.
“Just do as I say. The auction is about to begin, and I don’t have time to argue. Get everyone out of here as soon as you can p>
While Prestige Properties Group appeared perfectly normal, Natalie couldn’t shake her unease. If something did happen, it was better to have fewer people from Billy Firth involved.
As Natalie was the boss, Ava had no choice but to agree.
Five minutes later, Natalie walked onto the stage. The eight large round tables in the hall were nearly full. The guests were dressed in loud floral Shirts or jackets with embroidered dragons and tigers, a stark contrast to the usual attendees.
As she looked out at the sea of fierce faces, a chill ran down
Natalie’s spine, and her nerves began to fray. She took a step and suddenly twisted her ankle, but thankfully, she was right next to the
auction podium and managed to steady herself.
“Hey beautiful, you alright? Hahaha someone from the crowd shouted with a booming laugh.
“Keep it down,” a man in the front row snapped over his shoulder.
At that moment, Mr. Byron smiled warmly at Natalie. “Nora, don’t be nervous. You
can begin p>