Chapter 151
Lirian frowned and looked in that direction with hostility.
I chuckled and said ruthlessly: “Tell him to buy it for himself and wear around his neck.”
The waiter nodded and stepped away to relay my message. Ryan’s expression didn’t waver, but there was a flicker of disappointment in his eyes before he raised his paddle again.
“Tive million.”
Six million.”
“Seven million.”
The room was alight with whispers. All eyes were on the two men–Caden, visibly straining under the weight of his bids, and Ryan, cool and composed, as if money was no object.
Caden hesitated, his grip on the paddle trembling slightly. Finally, he called out, “Eight million.”
The crowd gasped. Even Linda looked uneasy now, her confidence wavering. Caden had clearly reached his limit.
His pack was small, his wealth hard–earned, and spending such an astronomical amount would surely draw criticism from his elders. He will have to answer them too.
Ryan didn’t bid again. For a moment, it seemed like the necklace would be Caden’s after all.
I smiled faintly and leaned back in my chair. “I’m done,” I murmured, more to myself than anyone
else.
Truthfully, I had no real interest in the necklace. This was about pushing Caden to his breaking point, exposing the cracks in his façade. And it had worked..
But just as the auctioneer began to close the bid, a new voice rang out, smooth and commanding.
“Ten million,” Lirian said, his voice calm but commanding, instantly silencing the room.
I turned to him, stunned. Ten million? For a necklace?
I whispered, “I didn’t think you’d bid that high. Are you sure?”
The Alp
Chapter 31
tirian leaned closer, his voice low yet firm. “It doesn’t matter. I told you I’d give you everything you wanted tonight. This is me keeping my word.”
His confidence was almost maddening. Still, there was a warmth in his gaze, a silent assurance that couldn’t question.
The auctioneer, momentarily taken aback, recovered quickly. “Ten million going once, going twice. sold to the gentleman in the front row!”
Applause filled the room, though some clapped begrudgingly, their jealousy almost tangible. Lirian remained unfazed, his expression calm as he nodded in acknowledgment.
After the auction, I felt the piercing gaze of someone watching us. It didn’t take long to spot Linda, her expression a mask of bitterness and envy.
I could almost feel the storm brewing within her as she stomped toward us, dragging Alpha Caden along like a weapon she intended to wield.
“Enjoying yourself, I see,” Linda sneered, her tone laced with malice.
I didn’t rise to her bait, instead meeting her glare with a calmness that I knew would irritate her further. “Is there something you need, Linda? Or are you just here to make a scene?”
Caden stepped forward, puffing out his chest like he had something to prove. “I already know what kind of person you are,” he said, his voice dripping with disdain. “Linda told me everything. I’m surprised you even dare show your face here.”
I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. “Oh? And what exactly did she tell you? Let me guess–half–truths sprinkled with lies, all tailored to paint her as the victim?”
Linda’s face turned red, and Caden confident façade wavered.
“I’d advise you both to leave before you embarrass yourselves further,” I added, my voice sharp. “Unless, of course, you enjoy being the subject of ridicule.”
The humiliation was clear in their eyes as they turned and left, muttering under their breaths. Watching them retreat, I felt a mix of satisfaction and exhaustion.
As Lirian and I made our way to the car, ready to leave the auction house behind, a man *pproached us. He was older, with a weathered face that spoke of both hardship and wisdom,
“Excuse me,” he said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of urgency. “You’re the ones who bought the necklace, correct?”
Chapter 131
Lirian stepped slightly in front of me, his protective instincts kicking in. “We are. What’s this about?”
The man handed us a bank card, his hands trembling slightly. ‘I–I’m the original owner of the ……. necklace. I don’t need money – I can give you all the money on this card. But I have one request, and I
hope you agree.”
I exchanged a glance with Lirian, curious and cautious. “What is it?” I asked.
The man took a deep breath, as if gathering the courage to speak. “Do you know… Croatia?” he asked, mentioning the name of an actress whose face I hadn’t thought of in a long time.
I froze, the name hitting me like a bolt of lightning. Memories from a previous life flashed through my mind–scenes of a bright and beautiful woman reduced to despair, her once radiant face marred by burns from a fire.
Croatia is none other than the heroine of the former Fashion Queen.
And Linda ruined the man’s life by setting fire to the set out of jealousy and cruelty.
I looked at the man in front of me quizzically. What would he have to do with Croatia?
