Chapter 7

A bidding paddle rose abruptly from the last row of the auction hall.

Victoria Laurent's icy voice cut through the room. "Twenty million."

Adrian Valentine narrowed his eyes. "Thirty million."

Without hesitation, Victoria countered, "Fifty million."

Adrian's knuckles turned white. Who dared challenge him?

A dangerous smirk played on his lips. "One hundred million."

Evelyn Roland's fingers trembled slightly. Why was Adrian so persistent? Did he know the painting's secret?

She kept her gaze forward, expression unreadable.

Victoria raised her paddle again. "Two hundred million."

Adrian's brow furrowed. Who was this woman?

A one-hundred-million jump? Such audacity.

Isabella Langley tugged his sleeve. "Adrian, it's just a painting—"

He ignored her. That Renaissance masterpiece felt hauntingly familiar.

The auctioneer's voice shook with excitement. "Two hundred million going once... twice... sold!"

The gavel fell.

"Congratulations to bidder twenty-seven!"

Julian Roscente grinned triumphantly. The painting he'd acquired for two thousand now fetched a hundred thousand times its value.

Little did he know, he'd just lost a billion-dollar treasure.

Evelyn's shoulders relaxed slightly. Why had this missing masterpiece resurfaced after six years?

Pain flickered in her eyes. Alexander, I will avenge you.

When the next lot—a blue-and-white porcelain—was presented, Evelyn caught Julian's smug expression and smirked.

Five minutes later, the porcelain sold for one hundred million.

Finally, the star lot appeared—the Violette Diamond.

Its dazzling brilliance captivated the room.

Evelyn studied it. This ordinary-looking stone—why had her mentor been so obsessed?

The auctioneer announced, "Natural Violette Diamond from the Montagne Perdue, starting at fifty million!"

Gasps filled the hall.

Julian lounged with crossed legs, eyes gleaming.

Adrian's gaze lingered on Evelyn. Post-divorce, she radiated an even colder allure.

His jaw tightened. Had she already secured the Cortez family's backing?

Julian deliberately raised his voice. "Adrian, going all out for Isabella, aren't you?"

Evelyn's lashes fluttered. A sharp pang pierced her chest.

Isabella beamed. Would this diamond be hers?

Bidding skyrocketed to two hundred million.

Julian nudged Adrian impatiently. "Your move."