The Love I Begged For Was Never Real novel Chapter 147

Nora didn't bother defending herself. She was long used to Giselle's manipulative tactics.

She simply turned a page in her catalog, focusing her attention entirely on the upcoming lots.

The auction officially began.

The auctioneer took the stage, introducing each item with electric enthusiasm. After the first dozen lots successfully sold, the atmosphere in the room grew heated.

"Next up is lot number fifteen."

The auctioneer gestured to the massive high-definition screen behind him. "This is an eleven-pound, partially exposed rough jadeite stone. As you can see, a large window has been cut into it. The color revealed is absolute Imperial Emerald Jadeite—flawlessly translucent, with an ancient origin and exceptionally fine texture."

"If this block yields solid green bangles, its value will be immeasurable. Bidding starts at two million dollars. Increments of no less than one hundred thousand."

High-resolution photos displayed the raw stone from every angle. Under the harsh glare of a flashlight, the green in the exposed window was breathtakingly vivid.

Nora studied the images intently. This stone was the exact reason she had come today.

She picked up her paddle and raised it high.

"Two million, one hundred thousand."

Nora's crisp voice cut through the quiet auction hall.

The auctioneer immediately pointed in her direction. "Two point one million to the lady in the back."

The words had barely left his mouth before Cassidy raised her paddle without a second of hesitation.

"Three million."

Cassidy threw down nearly a million-dollar jump, her tone thick with provocation.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. Such a massive leap in price meant the bidder was either desperate for the piece, or deliberately targeting someone.

Nora glanced at the back of Cassidy's head and lifted her paddle again.

"Three million, one hundred thousand."

Cassidy instantly countered. "Four million."

Nora kept her paddle up. "Four million, one hundred thousand."

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