Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 32

Natalie had to admit, she was charmed by the little tycoon's confidence.

The little boss in flip-flops was just too adorable.

Lucas raised a slight eyebrow, which nearly sent Marie into a fit of rage.

She was being outmaneuvered by a child!

And to top it off, he was bidding an exorbitant price for the painting just to give it to Natalie. What had Natalie ever done to deserve such treatment?

Natalie looked at Marie, her eyes deep and unreadable. Was she getting flustered already?

Marie turned to the auctioneer on stage, her voice tight with frustration. "He's just a child. His bid shouldn't count."

A murmur spread through the crowd.

"Ms. Ward is right. How can a child's bid be valid?"

Seeing public opinion sway in her favor, Marie's confidence grew.

"Young master, if you want to join in the fun, you're welcome to, but please don't raise your paddle without thinking."

Just as Marie was taking veiled jabs at Lucas, a deep, commanding voice cut through the room.

"Whatever price he bids is valid!"

Terence Lockwood had arrived. Though he was in a wheelchair, his imposing presence commanded respect and awe.

He was Terence, the patriarch of the Lockwood family, the most powerful of Eldoria City's three leading families.

Everyone knew him as the head of a prestigious Eldoria family, but few were aware that he was also the man pulling the strings behind the Aurelius Dominion Group, Aurelis's most mysterious and powerful conglomerate.

Lucas looked at Natalie gleefully. "Natalie, the bank has arrived."

Natalie didn't look at Terence, but his gaze was fixed squarely on her.

Terence had never seen his usually carefree son try to impress anyone.

But now, in front of this woman, he was strutting like a peacock.

How interesting.

Marie quickly tried to backtrack. "Mr. Lockwood, I see the young master is with you. In that case, I'm relieved he wasn't incited by someone else."

Natalie's gaze on Marie turned icy.

"It's wrong... because you're raising the price too slowly!"

Terence's words nearly made Marie choke with anger.

Everyone in the room was stunned. That was... too slow?

The Lockwoods were certainly lavish with their money.

But hadn't Darren just said that woman was his wife? Now the Lockwood father and son were openly backing her up. What was going on?

The gossip was practically palpable.

Facing the barrage of stares from all directions, Natalie felt a pang of awkwardness.

Terence's eyes remained on her as he spoke slowly, "When you want something, you should go all in."

Lucas grinned. "Got it, Dad."

He then turned to Marie and said, "Hey... are you going to bid or not? If not, it's mine. And don't say I'm just a kid who doesn't respect his elders!"