CHAPTER 450: CONGRATS TO YOU BOTH

Both refined and handsome men, Taylor and Stephen bore some resemblance, yet they exuded entirely different auras.

The former carried himself with calm composure, every movement radiating elegance.

Calvin didn’t seem like a businessman at all—more like a professor steeped in scholarly refinement.

The latter was easygoing and unassuming, yet his sharp, penetrating gaze and profound demeanor made it impossible to underestimate him.

"Mhm."

Sinclair responded indifferently, wrapping an arm around Camilla as they settled onto the sofa across from Taylor.

Taylor glanced at Kai.

"Two cups of black coffee."

"Understood."

Kai nodded and turned to leave.

"Wait—"

Two voices spoke in unison, halting Kai in his tracks.

Kai paused, looking back at them.

Taylor’s gaze followed suit.

"I don’t drink coffee," Camilla smiled faintly under their watchful eyes as she spoke with effortless grace.

"Just replace one of those with green tea, please."

After all, she wasn’t drinking for one these days.

Every little detail—from food to daily habits—required extra care now.

Sinclair’s dark eyes narrowed slightly in silent agreement, though he remained wordless.

Just switching to tea—why were Mr. Sinclair and his wife make such...a deliberate point about it?

Kai searched his mind for the right term before nodding understanding and exiting.

Taylor’s observant eyes swept between them, something unreadable flickering briefly in their depths.

Without comment, he picked up a cigarette from nearby with an easy smile, bringing it to his lips as his gaze settled on Camilla.

"Mind if I smoke?"

Camilla leaned back into Sinclair’s embrace, her gaze meeting Taylor’s warm, dark eyes as she spoke with quiet amusement.

"Please hold off, Mr. Taylor—or step outside if you must.

Finish your smoke before coming back in."

The corners of Sinclair’s lips curved faintly as he tightened his arm around her waist, silently endorsing her words.

"Seems I was right," Taylor remarked without surprise, leisurely plucking the cigarette from his lips and flicking it aside.

His jade-like features softened with a knowing smile as he studied the couple.

"When did this happen?"

Between perceptive minds, few words were needed.

Since Taylor had already pieced it together, Sinclair and Camilla saw no reason to evade.

"Just over a month."

"Who would’ve thought Sinclair would be the first among us to have it all—career and family," Taylor mused, crossing his long legs as he reclined against the sofa.

His eyes glinted with genuine warmth. "Congratulations." Sinclair’s usually sharp and cold features softened slightly.

"We appreciate your congratulations," he said, then turned to Taylor with a measured tone.

"But speaking of which..."

Camilla studied Taylor’s expression, unable to suppress her curiosity any longer.

"Mr. Taylor, did you come here because of Melissa and Mr. Vincent?"

Hadn’t Sinclair mentioned that Taylor had already accepted Melissa and Vicente’s relationship?

If he suddenly showed up now, did that mean something had changed his mind?

If that were the case, she needed to find a way to warn Melissa so they could prepare.

With that thought in mind, Camilla kept a close watch on Taylor’s reaction, ready to gauge his intentions.

"Melissa’s situation is indeed one of the reasons I’m here," Taylor admitted, his voice calm and composed as he glanced at Sinclair.

"But it’s not the main one."

A faint, resigned smile touched his lips.

"As for my primary purpose..."

Taylor paused, his gaze lingering on Camilla with mild amusement.

"Didn’t Sinclair tell you?"

It would be rather awkward for him, of all people, to explain it all over again.

Just what exactly hadn’t she been told?

Camilla narrowed her beautiful eyes slightly, gazing at Sinclair with curiosity.

"No," Sinclair replied, his fingers idly tracing the curve of her waist, his expression calm and indifferent.

"Why should I tell Camilla about your business?"

Sinclair said it plainly, and he meant it.

In his mind, this matter—or anything concerning other men—was hardly worth bringing up to her.

*What exactly is this about?*

Listening to their cryptic exchange, Camilla’s curiosity only grew.

She leaned closer to Sinclair, her voice soft and coaxing.

"But sweetheart, I want to know."

"Fine."

Sinclair’s lips curved faintly as he took in her eager expression.

Then he lifted his gaze to Taylor, his meaning unmistakable.

*The moment it’s about Camilla, his attitude changes just like that.*

Taylor could only shake his head at his friend, a resigned smile playing on his lips.

"It’s really nothing important..."

Taylor succinctly explained the engagement he had only recently learned about.

"An engagement?"

"The Bernardo family... ?"

A flicker of confusion crossed Camilla’s delicate, porcelain-like face as she narrowed her eyes in thought.

She was certain—in her past life, she had never heard of Taylor being engaged.

At least until the day she and Sinclair died, he remained single.

Yet now, the Bernardo family had suddenly appeared. It seemed that in this lifetime, Taylor’s fate had also taken a different turn.

But this change was for the better.

How wonderful.

A radiant smile bloomed in Camilla’s beautiful eyes as she tilted her head playfully.

"Well, congratulations are in order then! When do you plan to treat us to the wedding banquet?"

"What wedding banquet?"

Taylor replied, his lips curling into a faint, humorless smile.

"I came to Country E precisely to find a way to break off the engagement."

"Calling off the engagement?"

Camilla studied Taylor’s expression—he didn’t seem to be joking.

A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes, but she wisely chose not to press further.

Silence settled between them as an image of that beauty she’d glimpsed at the Taylor family estate floated inexplicably into her mind.

Some instinct told her that woman shared a profound connection with Taylor. Just then, a stir rippled through the auction hall.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s auction."

"I’m Manson, internationally certified auctioneer number eight."

"This auction will be conducted in accordance with the International Auction Law, adhering to the principles of transparency, fairness, and integrity, where the highest bidder prevails."

The auctioneer’s voice, accompanied by real-time translation, echoed through the space.

"Thank you for your cooperation. Let’s begin with our first item..."

These early lots were merely appetizers to warm up the crowd—hardly worthy of consideration for elites like Sinclair and his circle. No one paid them much attention.

"Sinclair," Taylor narrowed his eyes slightly before addressing Sinclair.

"Any news from the Bernardo family?"

Taylor had complete faith in his friend’s capabilities.

News about the Bernardo family? Camilla turned her head toward her husband at the mention, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

For some reason, she had a hunch this was going to be juicy.