Chapter 718:
Brad’s gaze rested on the necklace, and he repeated slowly, almost as if testing the words on his tongue, “Eternal protection and serenity…”
A quiet laugh slipped from him, his lips curling in a faint, ambiguous smile. “Interesting.”
Frank had leaned heavily on the legend, half truth, half embellishment, using romantic sentiment to cloak his financial strain. By insisting on its “special meaning,” he hoped to elevate the gift beyond its staggering cost, making it appear priceless in a way no money could measure.
Brad’s eyes, however, settled on Frank with unnerving sharpness, as though stripping away every layer of pretense. That unwavering stare stirred an unease in Frank, a reminder that Brad likely saw through everything.
At last, Brad’s gaze shifted toward Kristen. She sat with elegant posture, but despite her efforts at composure, the anticipation glimmering in her eyes betrayed her desire.
Kristen had always considered her beauty unparalleled, confident that her youth set her above the rest. In comparison, the man seated across from her was nothing more than a refined gentleman of advancing years.
With this thought in mind, she leaned closer and said softly, “Brad, I truly adore that necklace.”
Brad offered no verbal reply, only a sidelong glance in her direction. Just as the auctioneer prepared to hammer it down at the price of one hundred million, Brad calmly reached for the phone beside him.
The gavel was instantly withdrawn, and the auctioneer’s voice rang out with renewed fervor: “We have a new bid, one hundred and fifty million from our distinguished guest in Box Two!”
By the time the bidding reached one hundred million, the price had already surpassed the necklace’s true value. Yet the mysterious buyer pushed it even higher, adding another fifty million, leaving the entire hall stunned.
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The real shock, however, came moments later. The bidder who had offered one hundred million showed no intention of backing down, even though the price had far exceeded its worth. He pressed on with unwavering determination.
The auctioneer’s voice rang out with fervor, “Box Five bids one hundred and sixty million!”
Brad’s face remained composed, his tone calm as he countered, “Two hundred million.”
A collective gasp swept through the audience below.
Still, the bidding war raged on.
“Two hundred and ten million!” came the next call.
Brad’s voice followed without hesitation. “Two hundred and fifty million.”
Murmurs rippled through the crowd until someone blurted out in astonishment, “Who on earth is in Box Two, raising the bid by fifty million at a time? Do they not care about money at all?”
Kristen, for her part, was taken aback. She had never imagined Brad would actually spend such a staggering sum on her behalf. In that moment, he appeared far more desirable than Frank, who had always leaned on her support. Kristen’s eyes shifted ever so slightly, her expression betraying a change she didn’t voice.
Across from her, Frank observed the scene in silence, his face growing darker with every passing moment.
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