Chapter 109
Ariana glanced at the diamond necklace displayed on the stage and frowned. “The necklace once worn by the Queen of Eaton?”
She remembered this necklace vividly. In her past life, Evelyn had adored it, and Brian had gone to great lengths to secure it for her at the auction. It had become a heated bidding war when Victor, smitten with Evelyn at first sight, had joined the fray, driving the price sky–high.
But why was Victor suddenly bringing up this necklace now
“Actually the necklace is not particularly special,” Victor sad nonchalantly. “But it caught my eye. The starting bid is ten million. No matter how high the price goes, I want you to win it.”
Ariana’s expression darkened upon hearing his words. Win it at any price? With her current financial situation, ten million was a daunting figure. Was Victor deliberately testing her limits?
“What’s wrong? You can’t do it?” Victor asked, his voice tinged with amusement. “If you can’t, I’m sure we can find alternative ways for you to repay me.”
A shiver ran down Ariana’s spine at the implicit threat in his tone. She had always known Victor was a dangerous man. But now that she had caught his attention, if she backed down, all her efforts to secure his favor would have been for nothing.
“Fine. I’ll do it.” Ariana said. “Spending some money for your help doesn’t seem like a bad deal to me.”
Victor’s raised an eyebrow upon hearing Ariana’s words. This woman was far more entertaining than Evelyn.
The charity auction began shortly after, with the diamond necklace as the first item up for bid. Its starting price was set at ten million.
Still smarting from the earlier altercation, Brian sought to restore Evelyn’s dignity. He gestured for Emily to raise the paddle.
“15 million! Calling once!”
“17 million!”
“18 million!”
“20 million!”
201
The bids escalated rapidly. Ariana, maintaining her composure, raised her paddle. “25 million.”
The bold five–million jump stunned the room into silence. Brian frowned slightly. Emily hesitated and glanced at him. “Mr. Lodge, should we continue?”
“Continue,” Brian said curtly, and Emily raised the paddle again.
“30 million!”
30 million for a necklace was already an outrageous price. The other bidders began withdrawing, as they sensed the growing tension.
Ariana, though her heart ached, kept her voice calm as she countered, “35 million!”
“40 million!” Emily swiftly responded on behalf of Brian.
Chapter 109
+25 BONUS
By now, Ariana was reaching her limit. Victor, sitting next to her, seemed amused, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
“50 million!” Ariana called, raising the bid by 10 million in one go.
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