Chapter 317 - Isn't That.. Lucifer's Voice

"$12.5 million!"

It was the persistent woman in black dress, her voice was heard loud and clear moments later. She sneakily glanced at Xav, he was looking at Sera's smile as she was in the middle of a heart-to-heart conversation with Maya.

Tensed, the woman turned around to peer at the front.

"$13 million!"

The middle-aged man continued with another offer, it was tempting. At this moment Adrian, who had a jittery heart squinted as he glanced at the unperturbed Lucifer.

Their eyes met for a fraction of second.

Wordlessly, Lucifer turned towards the front, and only his voice was heard, it was low yet audible.

"Find out about that person, and investigate the purpose of that woman's bidding. Something about her seems fishy. Find out about that old man as well.."

"Yes, Boss!"

"$14 million!"

"$14.5 million!"

The woman sounded a little impatient, proving just how desperate she was to get it.

"$14.5 million! This young lady over here is offering $14.5 million. Is there anyone else? $14.5 million, once!"

"$14.5 million, twice!"

"$14.5 million…"

In the end, the lady on table 4 won the bid with $14.5 million dollars.

There were still a lot of rare collector items after that, but the woman from table 4 never placed any bids again. Nor did the two gentlemen from table 5 and table 7.

- - -

After all the items were auctioned off, the crowd slowly dwindled away leaving a few, chatting on their respective tables. Amongst them were the trio - Sera, Xav and Maya.

"Did you see that? I mean, wow.. $14.5 million"

Staring at her two friends who were having troubled expressions as they exchanged sneaky glances. A flabbergasted Sera excitedly squealed.

"Yeah.. Haha.."

Breaking away from Maya's glare, Xav nodded his head forcing a laugh while his dear sister rolled her eyes at his act. Annoying! She grumbled

Sensing the weird atmosphere between the hot-blooded, zany pair of siblings, Sera glanced askew.

"What's wrong with you two?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, Xav glared at Sera shaking his head. His queer smile easily raising goosebumps.

"Uh nothing.."

At the same time Maya chimed in as she smiled reassuringly.

"Yup! Nothing at all.."

No matter what, Sera could feel the tension between them. Thus, she excused herself to give the two some time alone to sort things out.

"Okay! I'll go take a breather.. It's too stifling here"

Having known Sera, Maya and Xav were aware of her intentions. So, they didn't stop her and accepted her good intentions by facing each other.

One was furious while the other was fidgety.

The first one to speak out was none other than the fuming Maya, she glared at him as she questioned, almost hollering in rage.

"What the hell Xav?"

Feigning ignorance, Xav shot an innocent glance at his sister.

"What?"

Quirking her perfectly carved pair of brows, Maya intimidatingly took slow steps towards Xav. Her tone seemingly hinting at something.

"Don't even try to act smart with me! It was you.. You bid for that ROSE's miniature painting easel.."

Pulling onto Maya's elbow, Xav shushed her, his eyes darting around nervously. He reminded her of Sera's existence, it was effective and she immediately clamped shut.

"Sshhh.. Keep it down!"

After a beat, Maya pushed away Xav's hand holding onto hers, her tone slightly pleading. Her chocolate brown eyes were hiding a whirlpool of complex emotions in them.

"Just, why? What are you trying to accomplish.."

Heaving a helpless sigh, Xav's full lips curled into an afflicting smile. He raised his head to meet Maya's soft gaze, his low gentle voice reached her ears. Tinged with melancholy.

"It's a gift.. It's for Sera's art gallery, it's her birthday gift. From me, from us.."

With her hand on her small forehead, Maya had a helpless expression as she glanced at her brother. Patting on his sturdy back, she mumbled in a low voice.

"You should've told me.. Brother"

Chuckling, Xav shot a mischievous glance at Maya.

"It was supposed to be a surprise, I'm sorry for hiding it from you.. It's just that, you suck at keeping secrets from Sera! You big blabber mouth!!"

Angered by her insensitive brother's comment, Maya struck his chest with her fists, bellowing.

"Xav! You dumb ass.."

Laughing gleefully, Xav held both of her hands and pulled her body in his arms and pressed a chaste kiss on her hair. His lips curled into a bright smile, almost blinding.

"I'm kidding, I love you my pink panther.."

With her palm against Xav's chest, Maya leaned closer and mumbled almost inaudibly. He smiled at her reluctance, mildly shaking his head.

"I love you too, brother.."

- - -

A slender figure in deep shade of emerald sauntered through the dark corridor leading to the washroom. Soothing music could be heard in the background, light-hearted laughter and flirty remarks coupled with coquettish giggles entered one's keen ears.

Just as the silhouette was about to turn to the left, a heart stirring vibrato resounded forcing to halt in their steps.

Holding her breath, Sera pressed her ear to the wall in order to listen closely.

"Hmm.. Take her with you. Don't let them know that we're following.. Also, don't stay closer to her, it might be a trap. Call me once everything is sorted.."

In the faint cacophony, it was symphonous but cold. The voice lacked emotions, yet the hand gripping the hem of the gown trembled lightly.

Widening her beautiful pair of eyes, Sera gasped with her mouth agape. Disbelief etched all over her pretty face.

"Huh? Isn't that.. Lucifer's voice?"

Slowly, the slender hand with trembling fingers moved forward. It was close to the slightly ajar door, after a beat the door was finally pushed open.

"Lucifer.."