Alpha's Discarded Luna (Talia) novel Chapter 184

Chapter 179

Talia’s POV

As we enter the auction hall, Electra waves us over the moment she spots us. Her arm shoots up, her voice carrying across the room. “Talia, Mr. Capaldi, over here!”

I walk toward her, shaking my head. “I told you to come with me, but you insisted on coming alone.”

Electra grins, unrepentant. “You two walking in together… handsome guy, beautiful woman… I knew it would steal all the limelight from the paparazzi.”

She shrugs, “If I tagged along, I would just drag down the amazing aura.”

She raises an eyebrow, smug. “Did you see Imema and Aires earlier? They were practically glowing with self–satisfaction.” Her voice drops. “Especially Imema. She was strutting around like a peacock, shaking her feathers for everyone to see.”

She scoffs. “The people around them were not any better, either. They acted like she was some kind of divine being. Hyping her up as if she were the second coming of a goddess.” She rolls her eyes. “Please. Compared to you, she is nothing special. I do not get what they are bragging about.”

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Raymond chuckles beside me. “She must have something going for her.” He settles into his seat. “She has got Aires wrapped around her finger, and Nick is still hopelessly obsessed with her.”

He leans back. “From what I have found, she has been a top student since childhood. Campus beauty, straight–A student. Even turned down an offer to enter the entertainment industry from a famous director.” He ticks off her accomplishments on his fingers. “She is skilled in multiple instruments, but her strongest suit is the piano. Hence why she got into Altheria University.”

He pauses. “Even after breaking up with Aires, she did not waste those five years. She kept competing in international competitions. Won countless awards.” He glances at me. “In fact, I heard she once defeated a highly promising young pianist so badly that the poor guy never recovered from the loss.”

I keep my voice calm. “There are plenty of so–called geniuses in this circle, but few can sustain their success.” I pause. “Imema… she does have some real talent.”

I think about myself. Considering the one who deserves this success, I’m not sure I am really ahead of her. If I had not gotten divorced, would I have ever picked up the piano again? I am not

So sure.

The lights dim, and the auction officially begins.

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Chapter 179

Nick’s POV

Naturally, the closer to the front, the more prestigious the guest. Aires, Imema, and I are seated in the first row. As we walk past Talia’s row, I shoot her a glance. Then I let out a disdainful snort, my expression dripping with mockery.

So this is it? I thought she had managed to climb to the top, but in the end, she is still stuck in the fourth row.

Five minutes later, the auction officially starts. The first item up for bid is a set of royal cups from ancient times. Some audience eagerly place their bids. The set is eventually sold for three million dollars.

Next is a crown once worn by a royal family member in the last century. The crown is encrusted with dazzling diamonds, sparkling so brightly it is almost blinding.

Imema gasps beside me, her voice soft with admiration. “That is a stunning crown.”

I nod. “It is.” I glance at her. “If you wore that to a concert, it would be perfect.”

The starting bid is one million dollars. Without hesitation, I raise my paddle. “Two million dollars.”

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Chapter 179

Imema turns to me, her expression touched. “Nick, you do not have to spend so much. But the anticipation in her eyes gives her away.

I smile, enjoying this. “Do not worry.” I lean back. “I will make sure this crown is yours-”

Before I can finish, a familiar voice cuts through, cool and composed. “Three million dollars.”

This crown, at a glance, is probably worth a few million dollars at the very least. It is not strange that someone joined the bidding. But when I hear the woman’s voice, I react like someone who has been caught off guard.

Damn. It is Talia. How dare she fight me for this?

I raise my paddle again, my jaw tight. “Five million dollars.” E shoot Talia a fierce glare.

ľ

She does not even look at me. Her paddle goes up. “Ten million dollars.”

In less than a minute, the crown has already reached such a high price. The crowd murmurs, whispering among themselves. I catch fragments of their words. Where does this rich lady come from? So bold with her bids.

eyes narrow. Ruthless intent flickers in my chest. fteen5:36

Chapter 179

million dollars.”

Talia’s voice is calm, like a soft stream. “Twenty million dollars.”

I am a young rich man. I know the value of this crown. I budgeted no more than fifteen million for it. Anything above that, I would not bother. Not because I do not have the money,

but because it is not worth it.

Yet Talia’s bid stirs something inside me. Frustration coils in my gut. She used to be Alpha’s wife. I had to be cautious back then. But now? She is just a castaway woman. How can I let her win?

I grit my teeth. “Twenty–five million dollars!”

Aires leans over, his voice low. “Nick, this crown is worth at most thirteen million dollars.” He pauses. “A few million extra is fine, but bidding nearly double its value is a huge loss.”

Imema touches my arm, her voice soft with feigned concern. “Nick, if Ms. Jackson really wants it, maybe you should let her have it.”

Normally, she would not push me to keep bidding on something worthless. But today is different. If Talia wants something, Imema is determined to snatch it from her.

My competitive spirit flares. “The more she wants it, the less I will let her have it.” I raise my paddle again. “I will sh her 5:36

Chapter 179

that money is something she can never beat.”

The price climbs. Forty million. Forty–five. Fifty.

Then Talia stops bidding.

I feel a rush of victory. I look at her with a smug grin. Her expression remains neutral, unbothered. The staff came over, bringing a tray. I take the crown and place it on Imema’s head myself.

The third item up for bidding is a bracelet. I have some cash on hand after recent profits, but spending fifty million on that crown still stings a little. I originally planned to buy a few things I like. But this bracelet? I am not interested.

Then Talia raises her bid. Suddenly, I feel like the bracelet is too pretty to pass up. I turn to Imema “Imema, remember how Talia broke your bracelet last time?”

I nod toward the stage. “You have been looking for a replacement, right? This one looks great.”

I pick up my paddle. “Don’t you worry, I will get it for you.”

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