Three years of loving him, three days to erase myself from his world novel Chapter 279

Soon, it was time for Seraphina's design.

The auctioneer smiled brightly. "This magnificent sketch belongs to Ms. Shaw! A beautiful concept and a breathtaking design. We'll start the bidding at five hundred thousand dollars."

The crowd immediately sprang to life. "Seven hundred thousand!"

"One million!"

"..."

The numbers skyrocketed, quickly shattering the two million mark with no signs of slowing down.

A triumphant smile spread across Seraphina's face. She instinctively looked toward Julian.

There was no way Julian wouldn't back her on her big night. Right on cue, Quentin, the Second Secretary, raised a paddle and casually pushed the price to four million dollars, doubling the previous bid in a single breath!

"My god, that is insane! Mr. Lowell absolutely spoils his sister!"

"Sister? He treats her better than most men treat their wives!"

"..."

Seraphina beamed, shooting Clara an arrogant glare. "Did you see that? Do you see how good Julian is to me? Take a wild guess how much he'll bid when it's your turn."

Clara's face went completely blank for a second.

The image of Julian's proxy raising the paddle played on a loop in her mind.

She clenched her fists and replied coldly, "What does that have to do with me?"

Seraphina let out a mocking laugh. "You're just jealous!"

Clara lowered her eyes and stayed silent, refusing to engage in such a pathetic argument.

The auction blazed on.

The audience was enamored with Seraphina's work, fiercely driving up the price.

"Four million, one hundred thousand!"

"Four and a half million!"

"Or were you lying to me the other night? Have you actually fallen for Clara Vance?"

Julian froze. Inexplicably, the image of Clara glowing with brilliance on the stage flashed through his mind.

A strange, uninvited flutter stirred in his chest.

His frown deepened as he muttered, "I don't love her. I just refuse to be your puppet."

Isabella seethed. "I don't care if you like being managed! You are coming home tomorrow, no excuses! How am I supposed to face Mr. Hamilton if you stand his daughter up again?"

"You've been in the corporate world for years. You understand the politics of these things better than anyone!"

In truth, the blind date with Beatrice was merely a smokescreen. She knew her son better than anyone; if he didn't want a woman, nothing could force him. She had accepted that over the last few days.

Her real motive for dragging him home tomorrow was to ensure Clara could leave the city without any interference!

Julian remained silent for a long moment before abruptly asking, "Why tomorrow specifically? Are you hiding something from me? Does this have to do with Clara?"

"..."