Chapter 37: The Auction and the Luna’s Gift–2
Connor’s ice–blue eyes revealed nothing as he raised his paddle again. “7 million.”
The bidding war escalated, neither of us willing to yield. I bit my lip, calculating rapidly. The pendant wasn’t worth this much, but the potential alliance with the Silverridge pack certainly was.
“7 million to number 20,” Victoria announced. “Do I hear 7.1?”
I raised my paddle again. “7.5 million.”
(Connor’s POV)
I watched Ethan Grey’s desperate bidding with mild amusement. His determination to outbid me was transparent–this was about more than just the pendant.
Victoria Blackwell announced with practiced neutrality, “Seven and a half million, number 20. Anyone higher?”
I raised my paddle once more. “Seven and a half million.”
“Eight million,” Ethan called out immediately, his voice strained.
I was about to continue when I felt Olivia’s gentle pressure on my hand. I turned to meet her amber eyes, which communicated her thoughts clearly.
“Forget it, it’s not worth it,” she whispered.
She was right, of course. The pendant’s real value was no more than two or three million. Besides, I knew she preferred a blue moonstone pendant scheduled for auction later.
Without hesitation, I lowered my paddle, immediately deferring to her wishes despite my competitive instinct to outbid Ethan Grey.
“Eight million going once… going twice… sold to number 20!” Victoria announced.
Ethan’s face lit with triumph, though he’d paid nearly triple the pendant’s worth. Beside him, Cassandra cast a mocking glance in our direction, clearly assuming I was unwilling to spend for Olivia.
She couldn’t be more wrong. I would give Olivia the world if she asked for it–but she
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+8 Points >
never would. Her quiet dignity and self–assurance were what drew me to her in the
first place.
I squeezed her hand gently. “The blue moonstone comes up in three lots. Shall we
stay for that?”
Her smile was answer enough.
(Olivia’s POV)
During a brief intermission, I excused myself to the powder room, leaving Connor
engaged in conversation with a business associate.
The elegant bathroom was empty as I calmly retouched my lipstick. Through the
mirror, I noticed Cassandra entering, a smug look plastered across her face.
“Oh my, just a few days apart and you’ve already hooked a new Alpha?” she sneered, her green–gold eyes flashing with malice.
I ignored her, focusing on my makeup with steady hands.
Cassandra laughed coldly, moving closer. “I merely said I liked that pendant, and
Ethan spent eight million to buy it for me. But your Alpha? Can’t even do that much
for you.”
Her reflection showed her triumphant expression as she continued her attack.
“Of course, wealthy Alphas aren’t fools. They spend on what’s worthwhile. You? Not
worth it.”
I finished applying my lipstick with deliberate care, then met her gaze in the mirror.
My amber eyes remained unwavering, showing none of the hurt she so desperately
wanted to inflict.
“Is that so? Then good luck to you.”
With that, I turned crisply on my heel and left, utterly unfazed. Cassandra’s words held no power over me anymore; the bitterness behind her insults was obvious and pitiful.
To me, she resembled nothing more than a petty gossip–noisy but irrelevant.
Days later, the grand engagement banquet at the Silverridge Estate arrived. Luxury vehicles worth millions lined the expansive driveway as guests streamed into the
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lavish grounds.
Business leaders, socialites, and dignitaries mingled beneath crystal chandeliers, some seeking to strengthen connections, others simply enjoying the prestige of
being invited to such an exclusive event.
+8 Points
Alexander had personally invited Connor and me, intending to introduce me to his extensive network–a crucial asset for a lawyer like myself, where connections often
determined success.
We arrived early, greeted warmly by Alexander himself. Dressed in an impeccable white suit that complemented his striking good looks, my cousin’s playboy reputation
was evident in his charming smile.
“Liv, finally, you’re here!” he beamed, embracing me warmly. “Getting prettier every
year.”
Turning to Connor with mock annoyance, he teased, “Never thought I’d have to call you brother–in–law someday, ha! Come on, say ‘brother‘ for once.”
Connor merely snorted softly, his ice–blue eyes remaining cool. Alexander pretended to be affronted, throwing his hands up dramatically.
“See that attitude? My poor cousin, suffering under your cold tyranny.”
My eyes curved in mirth at their interaction. “Cold tyranny? I don’t think so. Connor is always gentle with me.”
Alexander surrendered with a laugh. “Not even formally engaged yet and you two are already showing off your perfect relationship.”
After chatting a while longer, Connor and I entered the mansion’s grand hall, which bustled with unfamiliar faces. Almost immediately, Connor was surrounded by eager social climbers and potential business allies, his status drawing attention like moths
to flame.
Finding the crowd stifling, I slipped away to the garden for fresh air, promising to
return shortly.
(Ethan’s POV)
“Remember to smile,” I murmured to Cassandra as we approached the Silverridge
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Estate.
She adjusted her designer dress, ensuring it showcased her curves to maximum
effect. “I know how these events work, Ethan.”
+8 Points >
We arrived fashionably late, making our entrance when the party was in full swing. I
scanned the crowd, searching for Alexander Winters while trying not to look for
Olivia.
Finally spotting our host, I approached with confident strides, Cassandra on my arm.
“Mr. Winters, long time no see,” I greeted politely.
Alexander turned, his expression immediately going blank. “Who are you?”
The blunt question caught me off guard. His face revealed he knew exactly who I was but chose to snub me publicly.
My face flushed with awkwardness, but I quickly recovered. “Ethan Grey, from Harbor
City. We met at the Northern Territory Business Summit last year.”
“Ah, right,” Alexander replied, his tone making it clear I’d made little impression. “Grey
pack, wasn’t it?”
Maintaining courtesy for the sake of potential business connections, I nodded. “Yes, that’s right. I’ve been hoping to discuss some potential ventures with you.”
Before he could dismiss me, I presented a lavishly wrapped gift box containing the
Royal Moonstone Pendant.
“I heard your cousin is getting engaged. Congratulations. This is my gift for her.”
Though the gift was ostensibly for Alexander’s cousin, we both understood I was buying favor with Alexander himself, hoping this gesture would smooth future business cooperation.
Alexander, clearly used to such flattery, initially seemed ready to brush me off. However, seeing the valuable present, his tone softened slightly.
“How thoughtful. I’ll thank you on her behalf, She’s inside–come, deliver it to her
yourself.”
Relief washed over me; my expensive gamble seemed to have paid off. Flashing a
SAVST
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bright smile, I said, “Thank you, Mr. Winters, I’ll trouble you then.”
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