His Genius Wife is a Superstar

Those who were more discerning knew that although the gold pocket watch was a precious heirloom, it still couldn't compare to Jin Liwei's top-quality Irish whisky collection. A big part of the reason was the different identities of the original owners. 

Yes, the pocket watch might belong to a long line of aristocrats but the Spanish viscountcy of Castillo de Estrellas was not really a major noble house. If not for Wei Lan marrying the current viscount, then they wouldn't even know that such a viscountcy existed. It might be a different story if the title was in the level of a duke, or better yet, a royal.

In comparison, the people present tonight put more importance on an elite businessman like Jin Liwei especially because aristocracy had already been long abolished in the country. For them, Jin Liwei was the epitome of a modern business emperor whose wealth was literally helping to finance various important industries across the world.

An old-fashioned viscountcy was indeed fascinating but it wasn't something that most people like them would prioritize getting involved in. It was better to work on building closer connections with a modern man like Jin Liwei than antiquated foreign aristocrats. 

Nevertheless, the guests wouldn't say these to René Alejandro's face. That would be too rude especially since they came tonight as guests for his special birthday celebration. 

The bidding for the heirloom was also lively. Its price also climbed up in a short time. When the price reached half a million, the bidding started to stall.

"1 million!"

Everyone turned their heads and saw the extremely beautiful man lowering his paddle that he just used to make the latest bid. Emilio Miguel flashed them an angelic smile, effectively causing many minds to blank out.

René Alejandro frowned for a second but his dimpled smile never wavered. Nobody noticed this momentary change of expression except for two people sitting at the same table—Emilio Miguel and Iris Long. 

"1 million, going once, going twice. Sold! Congratulations!"

The bid was finalized with the sound of the gavel.

Emilio Miguel's otherworldly smile became brighter. His beauty became even more pronounced.

René Alejandro returned to their table. He was smiling as he shook Emilio Miguel's hand and congratulated him. Everyone gave them polite applause.

Wei Lan had a hopeful expression. She planned on asking Emilio Miguel later to give her the pocket watch. The man looked like an angel so maybe he also had a golden, generous heart.

It would be nice if she could get it without paying. She was determined to get her hands on the heirloom. It was an important heirloom of her husband's family. Now that she was married to her husband, she was also a part of his family, so the heirloom should also naturally belong to her.

While she was absorbed in her own fantasies, René Alejandro silently communicated with Emilio Miguel using their organization's own code. 

René Alejandro: "You only come tonight to ruin my plans, no? That pocket watch is supposed to belong to one of the guests tonight so that I can build more connections!"

Emilio Miguel: "Stop bitching like a little girl, my cute little brother. I just want the pocket watch belonging to Uncle, that is all. There is no rule in the auction tonight forbidding me to join the bidding."

It was taking a lot of René Alejandro's self-control not to slug it out with the motherfucker. Ever since the leadership of their mission in this country was split between the two of them, René Alejandro was filled up with growing dissatisfaction. 

His team had been slaving away to assist the Matador's team with whatever they needed and yet the motherfucker wasn't even reciprocating. 

It was almost driving him crazy but the success of the organization's missions was the number one priority. Always. His personal feelings had no place in the grand scheme of things. 

These thoughts calmed him down in an instant. Indeed, he only needed to do his part. His life didn't belong to him anyway. If he failed, only death, or more likely something that was worse than death, awaited him. He had no choice but to do everything to succeed even if that included putting up with an unbearable monster like the Matador.

His charming façade was effective. Nobody noticed anything amiss about him or the beautiful man sitting beside him.

Iris originally wanted to observe the two Spaniards longer but her drowsiness was getting worse.

"Let's go home?" Jin Liwei whispered to her ear.

She nodded. 

They were about to excuse themselves to Wei Lan and René Alejandro when the emcee spoke again. 

"I know that I mentioned before that Mr. Rene Alejandro's heirloom pocket watch will be the final item of the night but there has been a change. An additional item was put up at the last minute. I request our dear guests to please remain in your seats as we present the final item. I promise that this will really be the last!"

Iris paused before deciding to settle back on her seat. Jin Liwei was displeased at the unexpected change in schedule.

"Let's stay a little longer," she said. "It'll only be a few minutes."

"Fine."

The emcee introduced the next item. It turned out to be donated by Emilio Miguel. 

Iris glanced at the beautiful man out of the corner of her eye. He caught her and sent her a blinding smile. She didn't react and quickly returned her gaze forward to the stage.

When the emcee lifted the cloth and revealed the item, everyone glanced at the large monitor to see a close-up look at the small item.

"This is a uniquely crafted, one-of-a-kind gold and silver smoking pipe shaped into a devil bejewelled with diamond, rubies, emeralds and obsidian. It is said that this special smoking pipe was commissioned by a wealthy Armenian merchant to impress his prospective father-in-law a long time ago but got beaten up instead because of its devil shape. When I first saw this pipe for the first time earlier tonight, I couldn't believe how luxurious it is made. Look at the exquisite details! I say, this is the grandfather of all smoking pipes!"

Iris paled as soon as she saw the item.. She couldn't tear her wide, shocked eyes away from the smoking pipe.