Chapter 8

"Five hundred million."

Evelyn's crimson lips parted. "One billion."

Adrian's fingers paused mid-air as he turned to stare at her. "Evelyn, do you even know the rules?"

Jumping the bid by half a billion—she certainly didn't hesitate.

Her gaze remained icy, as if looking at a stranger. "No upper limit, right? Who's the one breaking rules here?"

His brow furrowed. "One point one billion."

Evelyn: "Two billion."

Adrian raised his paddle again, but Julian gripped his wrist.

"Adrian, if you go higher—"

"Hmph!" Adrian cut him off coldly. "Two point five billion."

Evelyn: "Three billion."

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

All eyes snapped toward Evelyn, only to see her aloof silhouette.

Adrian clenched his fists. This was blatant provocation.

Isabella's eyes widened. How could this backwater girl have such audacity?

Wait—where did she get that kind of money?

Evelyn became the instant center of attention.

This should have been Isabella's moment—proof of Adrian's devotion. Now Evelyn had stolen the spotlight.

She was deliberately ruining this for her.

Using someone else's money to show off? Disgusting.

A flame-bright smile curved Evelyn's lips.

Adrian's liquid assets barely topped ten billion. Against her resources? Ten of him wouldn't be enough.

That smile stunned Adrian. In his memories, she only smiled like that for him.

As he prepared to counter, Julian whispered urgently, "Don't be rash. The Sterling Manor heir has returned. Future collaborations matter more."

Adrian glanced at Evelyn, then gritted his teeth and yielded.

Isabella feigned concern. "Let her have it, Adrian. Don't spend so much for me."

Though furious, she prioritized long-term gains.

Evelyn was clearly baiting him—they couldn't take the hook.

The Violet Diamond sold for three billion.

After completing paperwork, Evelyn had bodyguards deliver the gem to the estate before heading alone to the parking garage.

Around the corner, Julian's voice carried.

She froze.

"Don't be upset, Bella. Next time we find a better jewel, I'll make sure Adrian buys it for you. You're all he sees now—there will be plenty of chances."

"That ice queen Evelyn can't compare to your adorable charm. If Adrian hadn't claimed you first, I'd have pursued you myself."

"Remember our bet that Adrian and Evelyn wouldn't last three years? Divorced right on schedule. You're his treasure now—Evelyn isn't fit to polish your shoes."

Evelyn's mouth twitched.

Julian really committed to his bootlicking role.

The Valentines always looked down on her for being the discarded country orphan mistakenly raised by the Langleys.

Little did they know—in her eyes, they were the trash.

"Julian, shut your mouth!"

Adrian's roar echoed.

"Did I lie? Thank God you cut losses early, or Bella would be mine now. That unsophisticated Evelyn—good riddance. You didn't even dare announce the marriage. Suffocated for a whole year, didn't you?"

Julian always suspected Evelyn hid secrets.

Under her clear gaze, he felt like exposed scum.

"You—"

Adrian suddenly stiffened, staring past them.

Evelyn stepped into view.