The Man Who Waited vs. The Man Who Wasted novel Chapter 112

"Adrian, didn't you say earlier that if I saw anything I liked at the auction tonight, you'd buy it for me? Well, I want this one. That necklace is absolutely stunning."

Adrian's frown deepened.

It was one necklace. How was he supposed to split it between the two of them?

"Adrian, you're... not going back on your word, are you?"

Adrian forced a tight smile. "Of course not."

"Then you'll bid on it?"

"Alright."

The price had already reached ten million dollars, and most people had lowered their paddles.

Just as everyone assumed the spectacular necklace would easily go to Adrian Lowell, another paddle went up.

Jocelyn looked closer.

It was Ethan.

An idea sparked, and she seized the opportunity.

"Adrian, isn't that Mr. Vance's assistant?"

Hearing that, Adrian didn't hesitate. He immediately raised the bid to top Ethan's.

Back and forth they went, driving the price all the way up to an astronomical twenty million dollars.

Jocelyn felt a surge of triumph.

As expected, Adrian couldn't handle being provoked. His competitive ego took over entirely.

Ethan finally stopped raising his paddle.

Adrian won the necklace.

The entire hall erupted in thunderous applause.

The host excitedly invited Adrian up to the stage.

"On behalf of all the children with cerebral palsy who will benefit from this, we thank you for your incredible generosity, Mr. Lowell. You are truly a remarkable entrepreneur—not only young and successful, but possessing a heart of absolute gold."

In reality, Adrian had considered dropping out of the bidding multiple times.

The only reason he hadn't was because he flat-out refused to lose to Julian Vance.

But the host's glowing praise made Adrian feel like the money was well spent.

But even after the gala ended, Jocelyn was still trying to process it all.

Logically, she should be thrilled. The necklace her father had given her was back in her possession. It was a beautiful reunion.

But something felt off. It felt as though someone was pulling their strings behind the scenes.

No.

More accurately, pulling Adrian's strings.

Someone had pushed Adrian into buying the necklace at a massive premium, and then orchestrated it so that he had no choice but to give it to her.

Jocelyn feigned gratitude. "Adrian, thank you. I really do love this necklace. But... I'm sorry you had to spend so much."

Adrian spoke to her with rare tenderness.

"I promised you, didn't I? Besides, you introduced me to Liam Bancroft, and he connected me with some very powerful people in politics tonight. Consider this your reward."

The moment he finished his sentence, his phone rang.

It was Claire. Her hysterical, tear-choked voice poured through the speaker.

"Adrian, someone beat me up..."