Outside a profusely decorated building, a cheap-looking car stood out sharply against the background.
"Are you sure bringing Laura is a good decision?"
Caliban turned from the driver's seat, looking at Laura and Logan in the back. "It could make things worse. She's young and inexperienced."
Logan rolled his eyes. An albino white man would be the center of attention anywhere. Compared to Laura, though young, at least she would draw less attention.
"Laura won't cause trouble. If it weren't for the invitation, I'd rather go alone."
Logan pulled a black invitation from his pocket, the cover adorned with a silver cross of quite sophisticated craftsmanship.
"Cross Auction Invitation." This was the invitation he had recovered from Notland's office the night before. In addition to requiring an invitation, it specified that two people must attend and required proof of funds exceeding $200,000.
Therefore, he had to dress Laura meticulously to accompany him to the auction.
As for the minimum verification fee of 200,000, it was relatively easier to handle. The money saved from the Lawrence family, plus the payment Gabriella made before leaving, barely covered the 200,000.
"Maybe Victor doesn't want us to rescue him. Taking such a huge risk would put us all in danger and leave him with a lifetime of guilt."
Caliban looked at Logan, firmly opposing the risky operation.
"Shut up!" Logan interrupted Caliban coldly, in a voice that left no room for doubt. "He's worth it."
"Hey, don't get worked up," Caliban intervened quickly, raising his hands to signal Logan not to get angry. "I was just saying, and besides, Victor might not even be inside. He's the Sabretooth; who can catch him?"
Logan ignored Caliban and turned to fix Laura's collar. The girl was wearing a new black suit and pink sunglasses; her delicate features were charming.
Logan had bought new suits for himself and Laura specifically for the auction. Although they weren't as expensive as a tailored suit, they were much better than the cheap ones he usually wore.
He told Laura gently: "Don't be nervous, just follow me."
Laura nodded obediently, with a hint of anticipation in her gaze.
"Let's go."
Logan got out of the car and both walked together toward the magnificent building.
Inside the car, Caliban watched the two figures, one tall and one short, with some concern. Escaping wouldn't be easy if a conflict broke out there.
Meanwhile, Logan led Laura inside the building and took the elevator to the fourteenth floor, where the Cross Auction was being held.
As soon as they stepped out of the elevator, Logan was immediately impressed by the elegant banquet hall.
The entire hall was decorated in a very sophisticated style, with soft colored lights illuminating the space—not dazzling, but creating a relaxing atmosphere.
A skilled pianist played soft and relaxing notes on the stage; the music seemed capable of purifying the soul.
The buffet-style pastries on the tables were exquisitely presented, out of reach for most.
Inside the hall, many people stood talking in low voices with wine glasses in hand. They were elegant and refined; the men brimmed with gentlemanly elegance, the women looked like princesses. Aside from Logan and Laura, the rest were undoubtedly wealthy and influential businesspeople, figures who could directly influence Nevada's economy.
"Sir, what would you like to drink?"
A waiter in a tuxedo approached, greeting Logan politely and asking in a low voice.
"Orange juice," Logan replied, looking at Laura beside him.
The waiter showed no surprise at Laura's age, nodding respectfully before serving them two drinks.
Logan, with his drink in hand, accompanied Laura to a table.
Clearly, the banquet was just a formality; the main event was the auction, so the exquisite food on the table was naturally left untouched.
However, Laura Kinney didn't care. For starters, food was scarce in the laboratory, and after escaping, she lived a simple and austere life with Gabriela. She had never seen so much food. Without hesitation, she tried all the sweets and pastries on the table, with a satisfied smile on her lips.
"Mr. Notland, why are you so late?"
A voice caught Logan's attention. He looked toward the door, where Notland stepped out of the elevator.
He smiled at his inquisitive friend and said, "Something came up."
He glanced around the banquet hall, but luckily he didn't recognize Logan.
It was understandable, since Logan hadn't had direct contact with him before, only having appeared at his office door once with Victor.
Logan, sitting in his chair, listened intently to Notland's movements.
"What good things are you planning to buy this time?"
Notland smiled as he took a glass of red wine from the waiter, speaking in a low voice to his old friend.
"It's hard to say. There are so many items up for auction, and they are all very attractive," his friend replied softly.
After a pause, he smiled at Notland: "And you? I'm sure you've got your eye on something."
"No, no, no," Notland narrowed his eyes, shaking his head with a smile, "I've prepared a great surprise for you."
"Oh?" his friend asked, somewhat curious.
Notland feigned mystery, taking a sip of wine and saying in a low voice: "You'll find out soon; it will surely open your eyes."
His friend's curiosity was piqued. "You've got me even more excited for this auction."
Logan listened to the conversation, frowning slightly.
At that moment, a waiter came out, the piano music ceased, the colored lights went out, and the waiter announced through a microphone that the auction was about to begin, directing participants to go to the hall to get a number and occupy their seats.
The crowd began to move toward the room.
Logan was assigned seats 17 and 18, relatively close to the front, and sat down with Laura.
Just as he sat down, Notland, holding number 16, sat down to Logan's left.
Logan looked at him briefly before looking away, intending to ignore him.
However, Notland greeted him cordially: "Lance Notland, may I ask your name, sir?"
"James Logan," Logan replied with a forced smile.
"James..." Notland murmured, and then asked with some curiosity: "What do you do, Mr. James?"
He knew most of the wealthy businessmen in Las Vegas, if not all, but Logan's name was completely unknown to him.
"Logistics. I rarely show my face," Logan replied indifferently, trying to avoid looking at him directly.
"Logistics business? I've never heard of a family named Logan in the logistics sector."
Notland stared at Logan's face and suddenly spoke: "But you look familiar. Haven't we met?"