Chapter 89 Buying It For Fun
That evening, Daniel and Olivia wrapped up their work and headed to Summit Haven.
This auction was super exclusive, with only the rich and powerful in attendance.
When they arrived, the place was already bustling.
Given Daniel's status, his seat was naturally in the front row of the VIP section.
Olivia's invitation, courtesy of David, got her an even better seat, closer to the center.
They decided to sit together.
Not long after they settled in, someone arrived nearby.
Olivia was engrossed in the auction catalog and didn't notice until Daniel nudged her gently.
She looked up, about to ask what was going on, when she saw Michael and Sophia.
Michael and Sophia were dressed to impress.
Michael wore a sleek black suit with subtle patterns, exuding a cold, regal aura.
Sophia donned a tight white dress, looking particularly seductive and alluring.
Standing side by side, they almost looked like they were wearing matching outfits.
Olivia's words caught in her throat, and her gaze turned cold.
Why did they show up everywhere?
She frowned and looked away, choosing to ignore them.
Michael also noticed Olivia.
Seeing her with Daniel again, his expression darkened, and a hint of displeasure crossed his face.
He had messaged her about Bianca recently, but Olivia hadn't responded at all.
Yet here she was, chatting away with Daniel!
Sophia noticed Michael's attention was on Olivia and felt a bit upset, but she feigned surprise and said, "What a coincidence, running into Olivia here. Mr. Wilson seems to value her a lot, bringing her everywhere. The last time was at the Miller family's party, and now this auction... Olivia's research skills must be exceptional, right?”
Her words were subtle but clearly implied something more, as if telling Michael that Olivia and Daniel's relationship was not ordinary.
Michael's brows furrowed, and the temperature around him seemed to drop.
Sophia, having achieved her goal, looked pleased but said gently, "Let's sit down, Michael. The auction is about to start."
Michael took his seat without responding.
Their interaction didn't go unnoticed by those around them.
After all, both were CEOs of major corporations, and there had been previous conflicts at social events. Seeing them together again naturally sparked discussion.
"Did Mrs. Johnson divorce Mr. Johnson? Is that why he's here with another woman?"
"Doesn't seem like it. Mrs. Johnson once made a scene demanding a divorce, but Mr. Johnson has been seen with Sophia multiple times now."
"Is Sophia that desperate for a man? Clinging to someone else's husband so blatantly, even before the divorce is final."
"Truly shameless. No wonder Mrs. Johnson was upset."
"She just got divorced and is already back to ruin someone else's marriage. Disgusting. I hate homewreckers."
"So, what's the deal with Mrs. Johnson and Mr. Wilson? Their relationship seems unusual too."
"They're business partners, nothing more. We saw their collaboration with the Miller family."
"Mrs. Johnson is quite capable, contrary to the rumors."
"And she's prettier than Sophia. What's Mr. Johnson thinking?"
The gossip continued, inevitably comparing Sophia and Olivia.
Sophia, repeatedly disparaged, looked furious.
She couldn't accept her tarnished image and being overshadowed by Olivia.
Before, standing next to Michael always brought her praise and admiration.
How did opinions change so drastically after a few events?
Feeling wronged, she glanced at Michael, seeking comfort.
But Michael's attention wasn't on the gossip; his deep eyes occasionally drifted towards Olivia.
Sophia was taken aback and began to resent Olivia.
That wretch Olivia, always ruining things for her!
Olivia, meanwhile, didn't spare them a glance.
She rarely attended such auctions and was soon captivated by the items in the catalog, chatting casually with Daniel.
As time passed, the auction finally began, and the guests' attention shifted.
The auctioneer took the stage, gave a brief introduction, and presented the first item—a luxurious sapphire necklace.
Its craftsmanship and age made it extremely valuable, with a starting bid of five million dollars.
Sophia, eager to regain her standing, bid forty million dollars after a few rounds of bidding had raised the price to thirty million.
Her bid silenced many potential bidders. Adding ten million at once was indeed bold, but it exceeded the necklace's worth.
Most people dropped out, unwilling to overpay.
Sophia felt a surge of pride, sensing the change in the way people looked at her.
Olivia and Daniel noticed too.
Olivia remained indifferent, but Daniel's expression turned amused.
The auctioneer asked twice if there were any further bids.
When no one responded by the third time, Daniel lazily called out, "Eighty million dollars."
The room erupted in shock.
Who bids by doubling the current price?
Even Sophia was stunned.
The auctioneer was taken aback, "Are you sure?"
Daniel grinned mischievously, "Sure, just buying it for fun."
As he spoke, he glanced at Olivia.
Olivia was equally shocked.
'What do you mean by looking at me?' She thought.
Daniel smiled, seemingly oblivious to her questioning look.
Their silent exchange carried a different meaning to onlookers.
Sophia was furious.
Was Daniel crazy?
Not only did he overshadow her, but he also doubled the bid.
The Brown family's business might be improving with the Johnson Group's help, but spending so much on a necklace was outrageous!
Daniel seemed confident Sophia wouldn't raise the bid, looking at her playfully, "Want to keep up?"
Sophia's face turned pale.
If she continued, she'd have to spend a fortune.
But if she didn't, she'd be mocked.
And Daniel seemed to be buying it for Olivia.
She couldn't let Olivia win.
After much internal struggle, she coldly said, "Eighty-one million dollars!"
Daniel's voice was relaxed, "One hundred million dollars."
The guests were stunned.
Olivia was also surprised and whispered, "Are you crazy? You could do so much more with that money! Why buy a necklace?"
Daniel gave her a reassuring look and said, "I know you really want it. Don't worry, no matter the cost, I'll get it for you tonight!"
Olivia was flabbergasted, thinking, 'What? I never said I wanted it! You're making things up! I don't want it at all!'