Chapter 9

At the auction, many expensive items remained on the table. However, the bidding seemed tame after the Kendrick-Zabinski family competition. Once the auction ended, attendees departed.

Before leaving, Kendrick glanced towards the second-floor VIP room, a shadow crossing his eyes. The two high-priced postage stamps were sent to Carlos. Robert exited through the VIP lane.

Suddenly, a voice rang out. "You spent a lot, Robert, bidding down those stamps for $900,000. You're less approachable than you appear." A beautiful, short-haired woman—the one from earlier—approached, her slender legs clad in black stockings. Smiling faintly, she extended a hand. "Robert, I'm Naomi Labelle, Connor Labelle's daughter."

Robert recalled Connor Labelle from a list; a prominent Yrinas real estate figure. He shook Naomi's hand, only to see Marilyn and Kendrick approaching. Marilyn, in a fiery-red dress, was dazzling.

Robert grabbed Naomi's wrist, pulling her close. "You want a date? I'm free tonight."

Naomi giggled, "Robert, you're rushing things. Shouldn't illustrious gentlemen wait for us to approach?"

Their intimate exchange was witnessed by Marilyn and Kendrick. Marilyn's expression turned awkward; her heart pounded. For a moment, she wanted to intervene. Kendrick sneered, "Marilyn, your ex has a knack for women. He's already with Connor Labelle's daughter. Looks like she's smitten." His sneer calmed Marilyn. She shook her head, "Why bother?"

Kendrick became smug. "Marilyn, he's good with women, but a man needs accomplishments. Otherwise, he's just social trash."

As they passed, Robert and Marilyn briefly met each other's gaze before quickly looking away.

In the car, Naomi straightened. "They're gone. No need to act anymore."

Robert looked at the departing car, then at Naomi's smiling face. "You"

"The affection in your eyes was obvious, Robert. I did you a favor. Dinner's on you." Naomi slipped him a note with her number and left, her fragrance lingering.

Through the rearview mirror, Marilyn saw Naomi's figure, her face paling.

"Marilyn, what's wrong?" Kendrick reached for her hand; she dodged him. Tidying her bangs, she shook her head. "I'm fine. Stop the car; I'll go home." She looked out the window, her hands clenched, replaying Naomi in Robert's arms.

Internally, Marilyn thought: "I initiated the breakup. He's no longer my concern. Tomorrow should be our last meeting." A faint mist gathered in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Carlos picked up Robert. Despite his auction victory, Robert felt no elation. He wanted Marilyn. He closed his eyes, thinking of tomorrow's graduation.

"Mr. Zabinski, documents concerning new groups seeking entry require your approval. One is your classmate, Barry," Carlos reported.

Robert nodded. He knew Barry, a proud man with little contact with him.

At the hotel, Carlos provided information on the Zabel family—investments, trade, assets. This was invaluable information for Robert.

By midnight, he had a plan to deal with the Zabels. "I hope your strength matches your arrogance, Kendrick. Your family's Yrinas business venture? Interesting." He closed his laptop.

The next morning, dressed in his academic gown, he went to university.

"Robert's here!" "He's a university student!" "Four years on scholarship! Many companies will want him after graduation!"

Graduating students donned their gowns. "Aren't you guys nosy? Marilyn probably already has someone," someone remarked.

Attention turned to Marilyn. Makeup-free in her gown, she was radiant. "Robert and I broke up," she stated calmly, showing no emotion.

Robert mirrored her composure, noting her appearance. Laughter and scorn erupted. "They broke up! Good riddance! A loser like Robert with Marilyn?"