Chapter 150
The auction began shortly after we took our seats. The items came and went–art pieces, rare artifacts, even an antique watch–but nothing caught my eye.
That was, until the diamond necklace appeared.
It was stunning. The necklace was crafted with precision, each diamond set to perfection. The centerpiece was a pear–shaped diamond, large and luminous, surrounded by smaller stones that shimmered like drops of starlight.
The chain itself was delicate, almost invisible, allowing the diamonds to take center stage. It was the kind of piece that demanded attention without being gaudy–a true masterpiece.
What’s more noteworthy to me is that I remember in my last life, Linda and I used to fight over this
necklace.
Of course, it was eventually carried by Ryan himself on Linda’s slender neck.
“The starting bid is five hundred thousand,” the host announced, his voice clear and practiced. “Bids will increase in increments of no less than ten thousand.”
The room stirred as the bidding began. Several hands shot up, and the price climbed steadily. Six hundred thousand. Seven hundred thousand. A million.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed a man in the front row. His determination was palpable, his hand rising after every bid without hesitation. It was clear he had no intention of leaving without
the necklace.
The price slowed at one million, and the room grew quieter. Whispers floated through the crowd.
“Beautiful, but overpriced.”
“It’s not worth more than that.”
‘I am thinking to bid for it“, I whispered to Lirian, from beside me, Lirian leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “Bold move,” he said with a chuckle. “Are you sure you want it?”
Just as the host was about to call it, I raised my paddle. “Two million.”
The room fell silent.
10
Heads turned toward me, their surprise evident. Even the man in the front row faltered, his hand hovering before slowly lowering.
Then, as if on cue, Linda, sitting in the front row, whipped her head around to glare at me. Her expression was a mix of shock and fury, her perfectly painted lips pressed into a thin line.
The murmurs of the crowd grew louder as I turned my gaze toward the stage. The diamond necklace on display sparkled brilliantly under the lights, each gemstone refracting light like tiny stars captured in an intricate web of silver.
Its allure was undeniable, but what truly captivated me wasn’t the necklace–it was the scene unfolding around me.
Beside Linda sat a man whose presence seemed out of place. He was plain–looking, with unremarkable features that made him easy to overlook. Yet, I knew better.
This was Alpha Caden, the newly crowned leader of a small but rising pack. He wasn’t known for strength or charisma but for his exceptional talent in stock speculation, a skill that had made him rich but not respected.
Caden’s pack, Black Ridge, was new to the game–a far cry from the influence and power of the Moonshadow Pack or even Ryan’s Stardust Pack. Despite his wealth, his position as Alpha was fragile, built more on strategy than tradition or strength.
His entire demeanor spoke of someone who felt the weight of expectation pressing heavily on his
shoulders.
Caden’s gaze flickered toward me, hesitant and calculating, before he turned his attention back to
Linda.
The necklace, I surmised, was intended as a birthday gift for her. Linda, ever the expert manipulator, had undoubtedly spun her usual web.
I could almost hear her syrupy voice now, as she’d whisper sweet nothings into Caden’s ear.
“Both of my exes were extraordinary,” she’d say, with a wistful smile. “But none of that matters because I love you” for who you are. Your heart, your kindness–they mean so much more than
power or status.”
4 was a carefully crafted lie, designed to inflate his ego while simultaneously planting the seeds of
insecurity.
Carlen, already grappling with feelings of inadequacy, would do anything to keep her happy. Including spending a fortune on a necklace like this.
Taimed. A Saul Reborn
Chapel 190
The bidding continued and I had made the move…
Two million,” was the call from me..
Caden stiffened slightly, his jaw tightening as Linda leaned into him, whispering something. He hesitated but raised his paddle. “Two hundred and ten thousand.”
I smirked, leaning back in my chair. “Two and a half million.”
Gasps rippled through the room, and Linda’s expression faltered. Her carefully maintained smile slipped for a moment, replaced by a flicker of unease.
She clung to Caden’s arm, her nails digging into his sleeve.
Three million,” Caden countered, his voice strained but determined.
Before I could respond, a deep, familiar voice cut through the tension. “Four million.”
My heart skipped a beat as I turned toward the source. There, standing with an air of calm authority, was Ryan.
His dark eyes met mine, filled with an emotion I didn’t want to place. He wasn’t bidding for the necklace–he was bidding for me, for my attention, but to me it was just a wastage of energy..
A waiter approached my table discreetly, leaning in to deliver a message. “Miss, Mr. Ryan has instructed us to inform you that he will secure this necklace for you if it’s something you desire.”
