Chapter 480

Hannah paid no attention to Lindsay's scornful words. She rose from her seat and moved directly to the display table. Lifting the carefully wrapped vintage watch, she turned around and walked toward Terrell.

Cradling the box with both hands, Hannah earnestly addressed Terrell, "Mr. Hobbes, you're its rightful owner. A present from a dear one cannot be measured in price. I merely stumbled upon a hidden gem."

"You..." Lindsay was completely stunned by the sight. She exclaimed, "How could you hand over such a roughly-looking thing to Mr. Hobbes? That's unbelievably insulting!"

Lindsay had no idea she had once again spoken out of turn.

This time, Evelyn grew truly alarmed. "Lindsay, that's enough!" She yanked Lindsay's arm with force,sharply halting Lindsay before she said something worse.

Terrell refrained from taking the box at once. His sharp eyes locked on Hannah. He asked, "Claude, were you the one who told her this belonged to me?"

Lindsay stood dumbfounded. Could that actually be Terrell's possession? How was it possible? He has vast wealth. How could he own such a worthless trinket?

Claude shook his head without hesitation, his voice firm. "No. I've never spoken of this watch to her."

Hannah met Terrell's piercing gaze and replied with composure, "Mr. Hobbes, I guessed."

A spark lit up in Terrell's eyes. "Explain your deduction."

Hannah gave a faint smile, her tone soft. "It wasn't dificult. When the auctioneer introduced this item, your demeanor shifted. I guessed it might be yours then. But the strongest clue came when Ms. Cortez ridiculed it-you looked offended, which told me the item mattered to you deeply. Moreover, you submitted the piece yet chose not to reveal your identity, proving it carried intimate meaning. So I concluded it was yours, and that it held immense significance." Hannah's precise, thoughtful reasoning drew the full attention of everyone, especially Terrell. The last flicker of suspicion disappeared from his eyes, replaced with open admiration.

Terrell extended his hands solemnly and accepted the small box. "Ms. Scott, your observations are remarkable."

Lindsay's complexion drained at once. She finally grasped the gravity of her blunder. She had ridiculed what turned out to be Terrell's most treasured item. Frightened, she hurried forward, tears shaking her voice. "Mr.Hobbes, I didn't intend that. I had no idea it belonged to you. If I'd known, I would never have spoken those words."

Terrell ignored Lindsay completely. HHe quietly placed the box inside his suit pocket. His unbroken silence cut Lindsay deeper and shamed her more than any harsh rebuke could.

Lindsay turned desperately to Evelyn, pleading, "Mrs. Hobbes, I truly didn't mean it. Please trust me!"

Evelyn studied Lindsay's frantic look, her heart weighed down with both disappointment and dismay. She let out a sigh and softly tapped Lindsay's hand. "That's enough. Lindsay, say no more. Let's pay attention to the following auction pieces now."

Evelyn withdrew her hand and directed her focus back toward the auction platform, refusing to look at Lindsay again.

Lindsay remained motionless, terror threatening to consume her entirely. She noticed Terrell lean slightly and murmur something to Evelyn.

Terrell's voice was low. "I could see through Lindsay's true color. Clearly, she's someone who curries favor with the powerful while looking down on those without any connection. But Ms. Scott has left me genuinely impressed."

Lindsay heard every word. The statement shattered her completely. She had utterly forfeited Terrell's favor and perhaps Evelyn's regard as well. She placed all the blame on Hannah.

Lindsay's eyes burned with bitter hatred and fury.

Claude also had caught Terrell's words. Beaming, he turned toward Hannah, speaking with warmth."Why did you bid for the watch earlier? Was it for me?"