Phineas led Eleanor and Alexander toward the auction hall: “There’s really nothing interesting at the exhibition. If you want to see something, they have illustrated guides in the lobby. Just look at those.”
“Eleanor, if you and your parents fancy anything, let me know. I’ll make sure you win the bid—don’t hold back with me.”
Phineas cast a sneering glance at Alexander and added: “As for you, worthless trash, I don’t care. Whatever you want, earn the money yourself. Though, even if you worked your whole life, you couldn’t afford a single bid. Such a pathetic soul.”
Eleanor held Alexander’s hand, gently rubbing his knuckles with her thumb, silently comforting him.
Alexander smiled at her, ignoring Phineas’s taunts.
Phineas, watching Alexander and Eleanor’s show of unity, felt a surge o
