Second Chance His Unending Love (Calista Hartwell) novel Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Bradley said, “The final highlight tonight is an ancient vase. The opening bid is one hundred million dollars. Whoever is in the second floor box is most likely here for

that.”

Killian pressed his lips together slightly. “Hard to say.”

As they spoke, murmurs spread through the crowd

around them.

“Did you hear? They say the person upstairs is from the Hayes family.”

Killian and Bradley exchanged a glance.

“Stillwater Bay’s Hayes family?” someone asked in disbelief.

“Across the whole country, who else could carry that kind of presence under the Hayes name?”

“That’s true. The Hayes family has deep roots. Military, politics, business. All three. They’re not even in the same

world as us.”

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“So who came this time? Sir Hayes, or that one?”

The unspoken name needed no explanation.

With a status like that, even saying his name aloud felt improper.

“No idea. But as long as it’s the Hayes family, that alone is enough to intimidate anyone.”

“Let’s just hope they’re not interested in what I want. Otherwise, who could compete with them?”

As the chatter continued, the auction officially began.

Once everyone took their seats, the auctioneer opened the night’s bidding.

The early lots were small and went quickly, the hammer falling one after another.

Then came the sapphire chess set.

The auctioneer introduced it enthusiastically. “This sapphire chess set feels warm to the touch. The black

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pieces are carved from deep sapphire, while the white pieces are made from moonstone. Every piece is hand-polished. The craftsmanship is exceptional. Whether for personal use or as a gift, it holds great value. The opening bid is one million dollars.”

In a room where bids jumped by millions of dollars without hesitation, one million dollars was modest.

Bradley had come prepared. After a brief pause, he raised his paddle.

“Two million dollars.”

Most others continued to observe.

Sapphire and moonstone, while valuable, were not exceptional enough to guarantee appreciation.

Chess also had a niche audience. This was the kind of

item meant for someone who truly cared.

The auctioneer lifted his hammer. “Two million dollars, once. Any higher bids?”

Just as Bradley expected the hammer to fall, a paddle 5:38

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rose from the second floor box.

“Five million dollars,” came the voice from above.

The auctioneer’s excitement was visible. The reserve price was only two million dollars. Anything beyond that meant a significant profit.

“Five million dollars, once.”

Killian turned to look at Bradley.

“Mr. Ferrer, this set isn’t particularly special. There’s nothing irreplaceable about it. You could choose something else for your woman. They tend to be happier with diamonds or jewelry.”

He meant it as consolation. Unintentionally, he had diminished the value of Bradley’s feelings.

A chill settled over Bradley’s refined features.

He didn’t respond. Instead, he raised his paddle again.

“Six million dollars.”

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For people like them, money was merely a number. What mattered was desire and worth.

Seeing Bradley’s determination, Killian stopped trying to dissuade him.

Even the most composed men fell at the feet of love. It seemed Bradley was no exception.

Killian found himself genuinely curious. What kind of woman could capture a man as reserved and aloof as Bradley?

The bidding narrowed to just two parties: Bradley and the bidder in the second floor box.

Back and forth, the price climbed.

Eventually, it reached ten million dollars.

Bradley frowned, then finally lowered his paddle.

It wasn’t a question of funds. It was intent. Clearly, the

man upstairs also wanted this chess set.

The Ferrer family was a rising force, but the Hayes family

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was a century-old dynasty.

If they continued, the competition would no longer be about money.

The hammer fell. Soon, the sapphire chess set went to the

second-floor box.

*****

Inside the private box, Evander reclined comfortably on the sofa, turning a black chess piece between his fingers.

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