Chapter 8 Rules
Cristofer raised his paddle and bid casually.
“80 million dollars.”
Maryanne shouted, “160 million dollars.”
Cristofer paused, glancing at her. “Maryanne, do you even know the rules of an auction?”
Jumping the bid by 80 million dollars? She was bold.
Maryanne smirked coldly, her gaze distant. “No upper limit, right? Who’s the one clueless here?”
Cristofer frowned. “200 million dollars.”
Maryanne shouted, “330 million dollars!”
Cristofer moved to raise his paddle, but Esteban stopped him.
“Cris, going higher would…”
“Enough!” Cristofer cut him off coldly. “400 million dollars!”
Maryanne shouted, “500 million dollars!”
The crowd fell silent, all eyes fixed on Maryanne, only her elegant back visible.
Cristofer narrowed his eyes. She was doing this on purpose.
Latoya gaped in shock and wondered, “Where did this country girl get such nerve?
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“How could a small–town nobody afford this?”
Maryanne had stolen the spotlight.
This moment should have been her glory, proof of Cristofer’s love. Now Maryanne had snatched it away.
Latoya thought, “Maryanne just wanted to ruin me. How spiteful!
“Using someone else’s money to flaunt her pride? Shameless.”
Maryanne’s lips curled into a dazzling smile, radiant as a sunset.
Cristofer’s liquid assets barely touched billions of dollars. Against her wealth? Ten of him wouldn’t suffice.
He didn’t miss her mesmerizing smile. Her eyes, clear and pure, held no pretense. This version of Maryanne was only shown to him.
As Cristofer prepared to bid again, Esteban gripped his arm. “Stop. Last month, news broke that Nebula Group’s heir has returned. Future collaborations depend on this. Remember your plans.”
Cristofer glared at Maryanne, swallowing his anger.
There’d be other chances. He’d outplay Leandro eventually.
Latoya put on a gentle act. “Cris, let her have it. Don’t waste so much money on me.”
Although she wanted to defeat Maryanne, she had to prioritize the long game.
Maryanne was scheming. She couldn’t let Cristofer fall for her tricks.
Cristofer held back.
In the end, Maryanne won the purple diamond with a bid of 500
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million dollars.
After finalizing the paperwork, Maryanne handed the diamond to a bodyguard to deliver to Theron. She then headed to the parking lot. As she stepped outside, she overheard Esteban speaking around the
corner.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she paused.
“Toya, don’t be upset. Next time there’s a better gem, I’ll make sure Cristofer buys it for you. He’s finally over that lifeless beauty. Now he only cares about you. There’ll be plenty of jewels later.
“Relax. Maryanne, that clueless doll, can’t compare to you. She’s so soft and sweet. If Cris hadn’t claimed you first, I’d have chased you myself.
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“We even bet that Cristofer and Maryanne wouldn’t last three years. Look how fast they split! Now you’re his treasure. That fool Maryanne isn’t worth your shoelaces.”
Maryanne’s lips twitched.
Esteban was peak sycophant.
She knew Cristofer’s circle despised her as she was an orphan from a backwater town.
She was a child the Nielsen family took by mistake and dumped in the countryside.
But to her, these people were trash too.
“Esteban. Finished yet?”
Cristofer’s furious shout cut through.
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“Cris, why the rage? Am I wrong? Good thing you ditched her. Otherwise, Toya, this sweetheart, would’ve been mine. Maryanne’s a disgrace. Divorcing her was smart. You hid your marriage. It proves how miserable you were.”
He disliked Maryanne, sensing she hid secrets.
He partied recklessly, but her clear eyes made him feel like scum.
“You…”
Cristofer stiffened as Maryanne strode toward them.
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.