Chapter 43
The auctioneer’s introduction had all but confirmed the bracelet was my mother’s
Apparently, it had passed through the hands of Metropolis antique and collectible enthusiasts for a fraction of its actual worth, until an expert identified its true value. That was why it was here now.
“The white nephrite bracelet. Starting price: 2,000,000 dollars”
A paddle shot up. “3,000,000 dollars!”
Another voice echoed. “4,000,000 dollars!”
“4,500,000 dollars!”
I knew how this would play out. I stayed quiet, watching, waiting Then, unexpectedly, Maddison called out, “6,000,000 dollars!” The crowd buzzed with murmurs, heads swiveling toward her.
That bitch had entered the fray.
“6000,000 dollars! Going once, going twice-
“7,000,000 dollars!” I shouted.
Maddison turned to gape at me, but I ignored her.
“Where did you get that much money?” Edward asked softly.
I ignored him too.
The room fell still. Eyes darted between Maddison and me.
Maddison’s irritation was palpable as she hesitated before mising her paddle. “8,000,000 dollars!”
I didn’t flinch. “9,000,000 dollars!”
“10,000,000 dollars!” Maddison snapped.
Edward glanced between us, exasperated. “Can the two of you please stop? This bracelet isn’t worth it!”
“My mom left this for me. It was my grandmother’s most cherished possession. No price is too high,” I said, my voice firm, raising my paddle. “10,900,000 dollars.”
Maddison’s expression faltered. She couldn’t outbid me, and I knew it.
This was no longer just about the bracelet. It was about pride–my mom’s dignity and my own.
Edward leaned in, his tone sharp. “Do you even have that much money, Taylor? If
just be embarrassing–it’ll ruin you. Don’t be reckless!”
“Shut up. I didn’t ask,” I snapped.
u win and can’t pay, it won’t
The auctioneer surveyed the room. “10,90 dollars! Going once, i
twice-”
Edward’s paddle shot up, stunning both Maddison and me, 11,500,000 dollars!”
She quickly latched onto his arm, her tone syrupy. “Aww, Eddy, darling! I knew you’d do this for me!”
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I glared at him, teeth clenched. He had said the bracelet wasn’t worth it—so why the hell was he bidding now?
The wealthier attendees smirked knowingly. To them, the bracelet wasn’t worth the fuss either.
“Going once
“12,000,000 dollars!” I called, my voice cracking slightly under the weight of my decision.
“Damn it, Taylor!” Edward growled.
Maddison leaned around him, her tone dripping mockery. “Do you even have that kind of money, Tay–Tay? Why are you trying so hard? I can always lend you the bracelet.”
Edward stared at me as if her words didn’t even register and raised his paddle. “12,500,000 dollars.”
I raised mine immediately. “13,000,000 dollars!”
The room fell into a tense silence. Everyone could see this wasn’t just a bidding war anymore–it was personal.
Edward hesitated, his face unreadable.
Maddison’s composure cracked. She gripped his arm tighter, her voice shrill. “Eddy, I know you can win this! I believe in you! Please, I want this bracelet so badly!”
“16,000,000 dollars,” he said.
His voice was steady, resolute–Maddison’s flattery had worked.
The world seemed to tilt beneath me. A lump rose in my throat, and my eyes stung with unshed tears.
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Chapter 44
Chapter 44
