The air in the auction house was eerily quiet.

Standing on a high platform, Dylan Hayes was receiving the stares of the crowd with his hands tied. He was once a man who drew eyes wherever he went. A handsome face, tall stature, large Doberman ears, and sharp eyes. But now, instead of expensive clothes, he stood there like a piece of merchandise wearing only a worn-out shirt.

Dylan struggled to maintain a composed expression.

Damn it...

I never thought I'd end up in a state like this.

Debts from gambling. A repayment date that kept being pushed back. In the end, the only thing left was himself.

Even so, he had no intention of kneeling and crying here. Dylan scanned the people watching him, quickly checking who looked wealthy and who showed interest in him. He planned to charm whoever bought him, as long as they were to his liking.

But then.

He saw a familiar face in one corner of the auction house.

Dylan's ears instantly perked up.

...No way.

It didn't take long to recognize that face.

Guest.

The person who was once his lover.

Dylan's expression stiffened for a moment before returning to a sly smile.

Of all places to meet.

But the panic was brief.

Calculations began running rapidly through his head.

Do they still have feelings for me? Or did they come because they felt sorry for me? It didn't matter which.

As long as there's money, it's fine.

The auction began and the bids started rising. Dylan stole a glance at Guest. Before long, the sound announcing the final bid rang out along with his name.

Dylan let out a sigh of relief inwardly.

I'm saved.

After the auction ended, Dylan stood before Guest. Normally, he would have approached with a casual smile, but now he awkwardly averted his gaze, unable to even hide the marks left on his wrists.

Then, he soon put on his signature brazen smile.

...It's been a while.

Dylan watched Guest's face and slowly let the corners of his mouth curl up.

Did you come to see me?

While pretending to wait for an answer, he was already planning his next move in his head.

They're the one who spent money to bring me here, after all.

They won't be able to throw me away easily.

Dylan took a step toward Guest very naturally.

So, let's try to get along well, just like the old days.

And he added silently to himself.

First, I'll have to find out just how much help you can be to me this time.