When the Dead Still Call novel Chapter 54

ter 54 A Dangerous Decision

Where was she supposed to find 1.5 million dollars? If her dad ever found out, she’d be dead.

Gianna had no choice but to call her brother.

1-1 need to make a call,” she stammered.

Her fingers shook as she dialed Marcelo’s number.

While waiting for him to arrive, she sat limp in her chair, surrounded by whispers from the other socialites.

‘Did you hear? The Nygards are having financial problems.”

‘Gianna can’t even come up with 1.5 million.”

“Those earrings she wore look fake too.”

“What a fool! Spending that much on a fake necklace. What was she thinking?”

“Come on, it’s for charity. You wouldn’t understand.”

The mocking voices stabbed at her from every direction.

It felt like ants were crawling all over her heart, biting until she could barely breathe.

Even if the necklace was fake, she had no choice but to accept it.

It was for charity, after all. She could only pretend it was a good deed.

But 1.5 million dollars… It felt like a knife twisting in her chest.

That money could’ve bought her countless designer bags and dresses.

All because of that wicked Amelia.

She had set her up, made her look like a fool, and left her paying for it.

Amelia, I swear! You’ll pay for this.

Gianna clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms without her even noticing the pain.

Her eyes locked on the VIP room door, as if her glare could burn a hole through it.

“Gianna!” Marcelo stormed in, his face dark with anger. “What happened?”

Over the phone, she hadn’t made sense. This was supposed to be a charity gala.

Why did she suddenly need rescuing?

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“Marcelo!” Gianna rushed to him like he was her laChapter 53 The Bidding War

What’s wrong with rich socialites doing something good for once?

The second item up for auction was a sapphire bracelet.

Demi’s eyes lit up. “Amelia, what do you think of this one?”

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Amelia took a closer look and nodded slightly. “The texture’s smooth and glossy. The quality’s pretty good, though there are some tiny streaks inside the stone. Most people wouldn’t notice them with the naked eye.”

“Perfect! I’ll buy it for my mom. Her birthday’s coming up.” Demi beamed with excitement.

Finally, she’d found something worth bidding on.

With Amelia around, she didn’t have to worry about buying a fake.

She raised her paddle and called out brightly, “Five hundred thousand!”

No one else joined the bidding. Everyone thought the bracelet wasn’t worth that much.

Demi’s budget was around a million. She was happy to have gotten it at half the price.

Gianna and Belinda exchanged mocking glances. Isn’t Amelia supposed to be the big expert?

Why is she suddenly so quiet?

Hmph. I know it.

Amelia was throwing random guesses earlier. She knew nothing about jewelry.

The final and main auction piece was a ruby necklace. As soon as the auctioneer announced the starting bid of 500 thousand, Gianna immediately raised her paddle.

She’d come tonight for that necklace.

Amelia gave it a brief glance, then calmly raised her paddle too. “Six hundred thousand.”

Gianna’s face tightened. Amelia competing with her made her panic. “Eight hundred thousand!”

She didn’t even think about how much money she actually had.

The family had been going through financial trouble lately, and her allowance had been cut.

She had begged her brothers for money just to attend this charity gala.

Her total budget was less than one million.

Amelia noticed how nervous Gianna looked and smiled faintly, her tone light but sharp. “One million.”

Gianna’s hand trembled, her face turning pale.

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Chapter 53 The Bidding War

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That witch! She’s doing this just to spite me!

Grinding her teeth, Gianna forced herself to shout, “One million one hundred thousand!”

Amelia didn’t even flinch. Her voice stayed calm, as if she were talking about the weather. “One million three hundred thousand.”

The crowd gasped.

That price was high for the necklace’s real value.

Gianna’s fingers dug into her palms so hard they almost drew blood. Sweat rolled down her forehead.

She looked at Belinda for help, but Belinda had already slipped to the back of the room.

“Ms. Gianna, would you like to continue bidding?” the auctioneer asked eagerly.

Gianna’s jaw tightened as she glared at Amelia’s calm, confident smile. “One and a half million!” she shouted through gritted teeth.

She couldn’t lose, not to Amelia. Besides, she’d dreamed about that necklace for months.

“One and a half million, going once! Going twice! Sold!”

The sound of the gavel hitting the podium made Gianna’s knees weak.

She finally let out a shaky breath, relief washing over her. The ruby necklace was hers now. Her mood soared. That was all that mattered.

Amelia suddenly stood up and began to clap gracefully. “Congratulations, Gianna, for winning the necklace at such a high price.”

Gianna lifted her chin proudly. “So you do admit this, Amelia. If you like it that much, I can lend it to you

sometime.”

Amelia smiled faintly. “Thanks, but I don’t wear fakes. You love fake jewelry. It suits you perfectly.”

“Fake?” Gianna frowned at her words. “What are you talking about?”

Demi quickly followed Amelia, whispering, “Amelia, that necklace was really fake?”

Demi’s eyes widened in realization. “So you knew it was fake and purposely bid it up to embarrass her?”

Gianna had it coming.

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“It was Amelia!” Gianna shouted, her voice cracking. “She kept raising the price on purpose. She knew it was fake, but she still bid against me. I loved that necklace, and-”

Marcelo’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “What did you say? She did this?”

Gianna’s face twisted with anger. She ground her teeth and said, “She admitted it herself! I never imagined Amelia hated us this much. She’s out to destroy us. Marcelo, are we just supposed to sit back and take it?”

Marcelo sat in silence for a moment, then let out a cold laugh. “Of course we can’t just let it go. Let’s head home.”

The thought of losing so much money for nothing made his chest ache.

He glanced at Gianna, noticing her red, watery eyes. Marcelo sighed and decided not to scold her.

After all, the real culprit behind this mess was Amelia.

Gianna was too naive. They had shielded her for too long, and she had no idea how cruel people could be.

When their car pulled up to the villa, Marcelo stepped out first. The butler hurried over. “Mr. Marcelo, Mr. Raymond is waiting in the study. He doesn’t look happy.”

Marcelo’s brows furrowed. He turned to Gianna and said quietly, “Go to your room. Don’t let Dad see you.”

Nothing good ever came from being summoned like this.

Gianna bit her lip and whispered, “Marcelo, I’m sorry.”

He waved her off and walked to the study.

When he pushed the door open, Raymond was standing by the window. His back stiff, the air heavy with

tension.

“Dad,” Marcelo called softly.

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Chapter 54 A Dangerous Decision

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Raymond turned slowly, his face as dark as a storm. “News of Gianna spending L5 million on a fake necklace has spread everywhere. Where is our family’s dignity now?”

Marcelo’s heart sank. “Dad, there’s more to this. Amelia set her up-

“Enough!” Raymond slammed the desk with his palm, his voice booming. “You two are nothing but trouble! The company’s finances are already tight, and here you are throwing money away, making us a laughingstock!”

It was the first time Raymond had scolded him so harshly.

Marcelo was relieved that Gianna wasn’t in the room.

He had no idea that Gianna had been standing outside the study door. She heard every word.

Her chest tightened painfully. She felt uneasy.

Raymond had always loved her, but now she had disappointed him.

Amelia! This is your fault!

Gianna stormed back to her room, her chest burning with anger. She couldn’t swallow the humiliation.

Her lips pressed into a thin line. A cold glint flashed in her eyes, something dark and dangerous.

She picked up her phone and dialed a number she hadn’t called in a long time.

“Hello? Uriah? It’s been a while.” Gianna lowered her voice on purpose, softening her tone until it sounded almost like a playful pout.

A deep chuckle came from the other end of the line. “Gianna, long time no see. What made you think of calling me tonight?”

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