Chapter 30 Nothing Precious
Donovan and Iris were whispering to each other. Sebastian couldn't make out what they were saying, so he sat across from them with a strained smile and halfheartedly flirted with Juniper.
He looked down and saw Iris' delicate, white finger pointing at the red-and-black sports car. Finally, unable to resist, he interrupted them.
"Donovan, if you've set your sights on this car, does that mean you're not leaving any room for others?"
Donovan looked up at him. "If you like it too, don't hesitate to bid against me at the auction."
Sebastian was slightly surprised by Donovan's different attitude compared to yesterday.
But he quickly composed himself, shrugging indifferently.
After all, he'd already made over twenty million off Donovan last night—that was more than enough.
He hadn't expected Donovan to pass up such a good opportunity over a woman.
The more Donovan acted this way, though, the more curious Sebastian became about Iris.
Iris, however, hadn't even glanced at him. After hearing their exchange, she lifted her head to look at Donovan.
"Donovan, aren't sports cars always sold at a fixed price? Why have an auction?"
"The listed price doesn't equal the actual value."
Her curiosity piqued, Iris stepped closer to examine the car.
"See that car over there?"
“Mhm.” Iris nodded.
Truthfully, she had noticed it the moment she entered that morning.
A sports car that commanded attention like a king stood on the central display platform.
Its sleek exterior design radiated supreme luxury, making it the most dazzling exhibit in the entire show.
Earlier, while flipping through the brochure, she had specifically looked for it, but unfortunately, it wasn't listed.
Donovan continued, "It's limited to just six units worldwide. Money alone doesn't guarantee you can buy it."
"But what does that have to do with an auction?" Iris still didn't understand.
"There's a race coming up shortly. The first-place prize is that car. So, no one cares about the listed prices. Speed is the price right now.”
The auction was also held in the lounge area.
Contrary to Iris' expectations, not everyone at the auto show was solely interested in the world-class sports cars.
After all, the starting bids for the participating vehicles alone were enough to deter most people, not to mention the uncertainty of actually winning one.
Most were simply there to view and purchase cars, with the spectacle being a secondary attraction.
Finally, the organizers announced the eight participants in the auction, including Sebastian and Donovan.
A waiter approached respectfully.
"Gentlemen, the auction is about to begin. Here are the complimentary gifts for participating in the car show auction."
The waiter bowed and placed an orange-yellow numbered card and an exquisitely crafted jewelry box in front of each of them.
Without a glance, Donovan handed the box to Iris.
"It's yours."
Just a gift—probably nothing valuable.
Iris opened the box carefully.
Inside lay a bracelet.
Flowers were intricately carved into it and adorned with rubies.
It was exquisitely beautiful and imbued with the cultural charm of Veronia. Iris couldn't resist its appeal and accepted it without hesitation.
"Thank you, Donovan."
She murmured her thanks softly as she reached for the bracelet to put it on. But then she heard Sebastian across the table apologizing to Juniper.
"Darling, rubies are the stone of love. I must take this back for my wife. If you like it, too, then tonight...”
He leaned close to Juniper's ear and whispered something before grinning mischievously.
"Tomorrow, I'll buy you one that's even more valuable."
Iris' hand froze mid-motion.
She didn't bother looking at Juniper's reaction. Instead, she glanced up at Donovan.
The man was flipping through a catalog of car models intently, seemingly oblivious to Sebastian's words.
Noticing Iris' gaze, he looked up.
“What is it?”
"Nothing," Iris said, lowering her head and offering the bracelet to Donovan. "Donovan, this bracelet... I think it's better if..."
"Don't like the freebie?"
Donovan closed the booklet and watched as Iris' ears and neck flushed crimson.
A faint smile touched his lips as he raised an eyebrow at her.
"Then tomorrow, I'll buy you an even more expensive one."
"Huh?" Iris froze and shook her head hastily. "I...I didn't mean that..."
"Then what did you mean?"
Iris looked up into Donovan's lazy, unfocused eyes, unable to read him.
Donovan hadn't even looked inside the box before handing it to her.
He seemed to care only about the price of the bracelet and paid no mind to the symbolic meaning of the ruby.
In this light, it seemed like she was overthinking things.
So Iris spoke up hesitantly, "I meant, it's really nice. I like it."
"If you like it, wear it."
"Oh..."
Iris didn't hesitate any longer and prepared to slip the bracelet onto her left wrist.
But the chain was slippery, and she was nervous. Her right hand repeatedly fumbled with the clasp, failing to fasten it.
She kept her head bowed, but she felt Donovan's gaze lingering on her.
Her palms grew slightly sweaty, and her fingertips began to tremble uncontrollably.
The more anxious she became, the harder it was to align the tiny clasp.
Finally, she pursed her lips in frustration and let out a soft sigh.
Maybe she should just put it away and deal with it later.
Just as she was about to give up, she felt a sudden warmth touch the back of her hand.
A large hand covered hers, and the next instant, her palm was empty as the bracelet landed in Donovan's grasp.
His movements were swift. With a few deft motions, he secured the bracelet firmly around her slender wrist.
The pad of his thumb brushed lightly against her soft skin, followed by a low chuckle.
"How clumsy can you be?"
Iris remained silent.
At that moment, the large screen at the center of the lounge lit up.
The auctioneer cleared his throat and stepped before the display.
"Welcome, distinguished guests, to this private car exhibition on Tide Island. May you all find enjoyment here!”
"I will preside over today's pre-race auction."
“Based on preliminary voting, five top-tier sports cars have been finalized for this island circuit race. After the auction concludes, any guest who fails to secure one of these models will automatically forfeit their eligibility to participate.”
“All vehicles' starting bids are set according to their market valuation, with a minimum increment of one million.”
"The championship prize for this race is a super-luxury sports car!"
“The auction is open!"