Then he stayed by your side for three straight days and nights . Didn't leave your room once . Listening to the nurse paint that scene , Lena could almost see.it - Hunter outside the emergency room , devastated and desperate . But just as vividly , she also saw the image of him pulling Eleanor away to safety when the chandelier came crashing down . She didn't doubt his feelings . But if his whole heart could be shared between two women , then she didn't want it at all . In the following days , Hunter canceled all his work and stayed at the hospital to care for her . He went with her to check - ups , changed her dressings , fed her congee , and handled everything she needed . But unlike before , she no longer joked with him or chatted playfully . She stayed quiet . Eventually , Hunter started to notice - she didn't seem happy . So when discharge day came , he tried to lift her mood by taking her to an 01 : 130 auction and telling her to pick out anything she liked . But when they arrived , Lena realized something - Eleanor was there too . Hunter explained that he'd invited her to help with the bidding . Throughout the auction , Lena didn't bid on a single item . Meanwhile , every time Eleanor spotted a set of jewelry she liked , she would gasp in admiration , her eyes sparkling with desire . Hunter didn't say anything in front of her , but toward the end of the event , he quietly got up and left . Eleanor slipped out not long after . Lena stayed in her seat , quietly nibbling on a dessert . Not long after , the auction house owner walked up to her with a respectful smile . " Ms. Steele , Mr. Langdon just instructed us to buy back several jewelry sets at ten times the final bid price . We've already contacted the buyers- seven agreed to resell , but one is still holding out . The event's about to end , and we haven't been able to reach Mr. Langdon again . What would you like us to do - keep trying , or just let it go ? " The sets the staff brought over were all the ones Eleanor had praised earlier . And now Lena understood . Hunter hadn't left for no reason - he'd gone to buy those pieces for Eleanor . He didn't want to do it before her , so he planned to buy them back afterward at an inflated price . Realizing this , a wave of tight pressure gripped her chest , and a bitter smile crept across her lips . Just as Hunter returned , she looked at him and shook her head , her voice 35.76 01.13 cold . " I don't know . You should ask him . " The owner took the hint and left , heading straight to the door to whisper something into Hunter's ear . Whatever he heard made him look up and glance in the direction the man pointed , and then he turned and followed . With the auction wrapping up , Lena decided to slip out early to avoid the crowd . But just as she turned the corner near the elevators , she heard Hunter's voice - low and tense . " Mr. Mercer , I already offered 20 times the price . Why won't you sell ? " " This isn't about money , Mr. Langdon , " the man replied . " I like that sapphire set , too . I'm afraid I'm not willing to part with it . " Hunter's expression turned even colder . " Then I'll make it 30 times . " Seeing how determined he was , Ryan Mercer let out a surprised whistle . " Well , well . Everyone says you spoil your girlfriend , and I didn't believe it before . But now ? Clearly , your reputation's well earned . Ms. Steele must really love this set - you're even offering a ridiculous premium just to get it back for her . I'm touched by your sincerity . Tell you what , I'll give it to you for free . No money is needed . Just one condition - you introduce me to that assistant of yours . Deal ? " 01