When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 52

She didn’t dare say anything else, worried that Brody might turn and leave at any second.

The auction was already underway, and Brody went ahead and took his seat.

Halfway through the event, Brody’s interest was already gone. The only thing that kept him there was the figure on the stage, holding his attention like a thread he couldn’t break.

He didn’t know what was wrong with him. These strange thoughts wouldn’t leave him alone.

Nelly had been an orphan for as long as he could remember. They grew up together. She always stuck close to him, barely had any friends of her own.

But the woman across the room was different. She was so dazzling, surrounded by friends, the center of attention.

It couldn't be her. Could it?

Time slipped by and soon it was time for the highlight of the night.

Collectors had been waiting for this moment—the Return series by Ms. Chelsea. As soon as the bidding started, the whole room lit up with excitement.

Within minutes, the price soared to thirty-five million.

Brody said nothing. He waited until the auctioneer was about to bring down the gavel before finally raising his paddle.

“Mr. Garland bids fifty million!”

The auctioneer froze for a second. Once he realized he hadn’t made a mistake, he repeated the bid, his voice booming through the room.

Silence fell instantly.

Garland Inc. was a huge name in Westhaven’s business world. Fifty million was a jaw-dropping number. Even if Brody had only added a small amount, he’d still beat almost everyone else.

Brody rarely showed up at art auctions. Unless someone was truly passionate, no one would dare challenge him openly.

Sheila never expected Brody to spend this much for her.

She already knew how hard it would be to buy back her father’s favorite piece. She’d even planned to sell the old family house. But that would only get her about thirty million.

Brody wasn’t the type to throw money around for no reason… Was he really doing this for her?

Sheila’s eyes filled with emotion as she looked at him.

“Fifty million, going once!”

The auctioneer’s voice was practically gleeful as he announced the new bid.

Nelly didn’t hesitate. She raised her paddle again.

“Miss X also bids sixty million!”

The room broke into excited whispers.

It was clear they were in a showdown. Brody would bid, and she’d match him. Now it was just a question of who would back down first.

As strong as Brody was, Garland Inc. couldn’t really compete with the Watson family… right?

Sheila hesitated, then walked over and gently put her hand on Brody’s arm.

“Let it go. Maybe this just wasn’t meant for Dad…”

“Eighty million.”

Brody raised his paddle again. Even the auctioneer’s voice shook a little this time.