Chapter 42
Edward told me he couldn’t afford a 13,000,000–dollar loan, right? That would mean they couldn’t possibly bid ont the bracelet at a price I couldn’t beat.
The auction began.
Swedbury was one of the most globally recognized auction houses, so every charity auction they hosted attracted the rich, both local and international..
I knew some of the attendees they were part of Metropolis wealthy class.
Every collectible, painting, and more had ended at terrifyingly high prices. Even the least expensive items were sold for millions.
These millionaires and billionaires spent their money as though there was no tomorrow!
It made my anxiety skyrocket. I was starting to worry I wouldn’t be able to buy the bracelet after all.
Edward and Maddison spent most of their time whispering to each other as if they were the sweetest couple ever instead of two idiots who had fought publicly just a few days ago.
They bid a few times but never really bought anything. I guess they were just here for the fun of it.
I was staring absent–mindedly ahead when I felt a jolt on my arm.
Maddison had crossed Edward to poke me with her paddle. Why didn’t you raise your paddle even once? Didn’t you like any of the items up there?”
This pick–me bitch was at it again!
I rolled my eyes and ignored her, but she continued. “If you can’t afford the things here, we can get them for you.“”
I smiled. “Oh, I sure hope that’s true. Don’t back out on your word now.”
“Of course! We’re family, after all. Right, Eddy?” she replied sweetly.
She was really acting her ass off!
Edward simply looked at me pensively.
Soon, it was the bracelet’s turn.
This white nephrite bracelet was crafted from the finest nephrite by a skilled artisan. Glistening in a milky white glow, it was undeniably a highly valued collectible.
My mother passed the bracelet to me when I turned 18. She had told me that my maternal ancestor had been a noble who served in an imperial court. Then, a woman from our family married one of the dukes and received this bracelet as one of her many gifts.
Interestingly, this bracelet had a partner. The pair was separated during a war, and this was all that remained, My mother would have never sold it if it weren’t for my grandfather’s worsening condition, my father robbing half of our business shares, and our mounting debt. We needed the money to save ourselves.
I had assumed it was gone for good, that it would never show up again.
Who knew I’d still have one last chance to take it back?
The bracelet was presented in a box, suspended by a scaffold. It shone under the light with the glow of the moon.
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Chapter 42
The other bidders stirred in excitement.
“I want that, Eddy!” Maddison’s voice suddenly cut through the air.
I glared at both of them.
Maddison seemed to notice me. “You’re not here just for this specific bracelet, right?”
“My mom left me this bracelet all those years ago! You’ve seen it before! You used to shriek like an entitled brat over it!”
“Was it this one? It didn’t look like it, though. Your mom’s bracelet wasn’t this white or glowing.”
Fuck you, Maddie!
“Oy, Edward! If you still have any conscience left, don’t bid on it,” I warned.
As long as Edward stayed out of this, I was sure Maddison wouldn’t have enough money to outbid me.
Maddison rocked Edward’s arm. “I need this one, Eddy. Can you imagine how perfect it would look on my supple skin?”
“Hush now. We’ll see about this,” he comforted her.
I battled my disgust and calmed my breathing. Then, I focused on the auctioneer.
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