Chapter 334
Evelyn Roland studied the Ocean's Heart necklace, struck by its familiar design aesthetic.
The auctioneer's voice snapped her back to reality.
"Eighty million!"
Sebastian Orlando and Adrian Valentine were locked in a fierce bidding war.
Adrian raised his paddle. "One hundred million."
Sebastian countered without hesitation. "Two hundred million."
"Two hundred fifty million," Adrian upped the bid.
Sebastian lifted his numbered card with practiced ease. "Three hundred million."
The room fell silent.
Isabella Langley tugged urgently at Adrian's sleeve. "Adrian, I truly adore this piece."
Adrian's expression remained impassive. "It's not worth the price."
Isabella's knuckles whitened as her nails dug into her palms.
"But I've secured Master Peachbloom's collaboration. Acquiring this would demonstrate our sincerity."
Adrian kept his gaze forward. "Sincerity isn't measured in currency."
Isabella's hopes shattered.
"Three hundred million, going once!" The auctioneer scanned the crowd.
"Three hundred million, going twice!"
"Three hundred million—sold!"
Attendants swiftly processed the transaction.
Sebastian accepted the velvet case and turned to Evelyn. "For you."
Evelyn's lips curved. "Thank you."
The necklace's craftsmanship had genuinely captivated her.
Adrian's grip tightened until his knuckles bleached white.
Isabella trembled with suppressed fury—Adrian wouldn't even spend pocket change for her.
Cassandra Valentine spoke up. "Brother, Isabella rarely—"
"Enough." Adrian's icy tone silenced her.
Cassandra bit her lip.
Isabella forced a smile. "It's fine. Evelyn needs that necklace more—being single and all."
She deliberately raised her voice.
But Evelyn remained engrossed in examining the necklace, oblivious.
The third lot appeared—a necklace of twenty-six pigeon-blood rubies, each encircled by diamond pavé.
Isabella's eyes lit up.
"Perfect for Mother's birthday."
She missed the razor-sharp gaze boring into her back.
A stylish young woman glared daggers at her oblivious figure.