The price of betrayal (Jack and Ashley) novel Chapter 71

However, Megan's bid was quickly drowned out by others. After several rounds of bidding, she couldn't take it anymore and called out, "30 million dollars!"

30 million dollars was far more than the actual value of the painting, so no one tried to one-up her offer. Only then did she heave a sigh of relief. She could not go beyond 30 million dollars in her current state. If someone else outbid her, she might have to give up on the painting entirely.

At that moment, Nolan gave Audrey a bemused look and said, "If I'm not mistaken, Audrey, you've been into art since you were a child. Harmon Sandler is one of your favorite artists, right?"

Audrey had always been demure, preferring quietude to rowdy activities. She had a special love for painting, and she was known for being quite the painter as well.

She nodded when she heard Nolan's question and said, "That's right. I do like Harmon Sandler. It's too bad I never got to own his paintings.

"But don't you dare bid for the painting now, Nolan. The current bidding price is worth far more than the painting itself, and we're short on money."

Having sensed what Nolan might do, she stopped him before he could act on impulse. It wasn't just about the money. She knew Megan wanted the painting—if her 30-million-dollar bid was any indication.

If Nolan were to outbid Megan, his intentions might not be to gift the painting to Audrey but to spite Megan. Audrey had no way to confirm this, but either way, she thought the painting was not worth the outrageous price.

However, Nolan had his own opinions on whether the painting was worth it or not. He countered, "Audrey, all things aside, do you or do you not like this painting?"

Audrey stared at him and slowly nodded. "I do, but…"

"He wouldn't have enough money even if Audrey handed over her life savings to him. He's only digging his own grave by calling out a price that high."

Megan frowned at this and hissed, "He must have a foolproof plan. Don't forget. He knows Shaun, who still owes him a favor. Even if he can't afford the painting, Shaun might not object to his bidding and speak up for him.

"I wouldn't put it past Nolan to use such tactics to aggravate me. If he's so keen on playing this game, I guess I'll just wait and see what he does next."

With that, she raised her hand and called out, "3.5 million dollars!"

She cut an icy look at Nolan across the hall as if daring him to outbid her.