LittleNovelChapter 816: The guests exchanged amused glances, their expressions filled with intrigue.
As soon as Leah placed her bid, a hush fell over the hall.
The auctioneer, adhering to protocol, announced, "The current bid stands at four million. Does anyone wish to go higher?" Once again, silence enveloped the room.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Four million, going once." Corrine had no particular attachment to the mirror. She already owned an exquisite ivory one from an era renowned for its craftsmanship, its surface adorned with rose motifs. The auctioned mirror would have made a fine companion piece-but that wasn't what intrigued her now. Watching Leah's determination to outmaneuver her, Corrine's interest shifted like a seasoned chess player drawn to the thrill of a well-laid trap. The satisfaction was never in the capture, but in the pursuit.
And now, she had led Leah straight into bidding four million.
Corrine savored the moment.
It wasn't her loss to bear-it was Leah who had dug this pit for herself. She mused briefly-could Leah's finances endure such reckless indulgence? From his seat, Nate caught the mischievous glint in Corrine's eyes and immediately grasped her intent.
The auctioneer cast an expectant glance in Corrine's direction, waiting to see if she would bid again. Instead, she simply set her paddle down, lifted her coffee mug with effortless grace, and took a leisurely sip. "Four million, going twice. Four million-sold!” The gavel fell with a decisive thud.
A slow, satisfied smile curved Leah's lips, pride gleaming in her eyes. She basked in her victory, oblivious to the fact that she was merely a pawn in Corrine's game.
The next item appeared-a jade necklace featuring forty-three flawless beads, held together by a diamond- studded clasp.
Exclusive updates galA murmur of interest rippled through the audience as jewelry enthusiasts eagerly raised their paddles. Corrine and Leah were among them.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLeah, turning to Bruce, explained sweetly, "Your mother has always had an eye for fine pieces like this. If I win, I'll gift it to her." Bruce squeezed her hand. "It's the thought that counts. You don't have to spend so much." Leah's tone was gentle but firm. "Your family is my family now. I want to show them my sincerity."
Just as Leah made her bid, Corrine's voice cut through the chatter. dne e million.
The sudden leap from six hundred thousand to one million sent a ripple through the crowd. Eyes turned to Gorrine assuming she was dead set on acquiring the necklace. None suspected that she was laying yet another snare for Leah. Predictably, Leah countered, saying, "One million four hundred thousand." Unsurprisingly, the jade necklace bechers.
And then, she went on to claim the following two items as well. Corrine watched Leah revel in her victories, her own smile laced with irony.
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