Chapter 719:
By now, the bidder in Box Five had gone quiet, before suddenly requesting direct communication with Brad.
For confidentiality, the voices between the private boxes were altered with special sound processing, ensuring that no one in the hall could recognize them. The guest in Box Five, a man from Ostium, spoke with a cultured, steady voice. “Tomorrow marks my thirtieth wedding anniversary. I hoped to win this necklace as a gift for my wife, a symbol of our lasting devotion. I ask that you show kindness and allow me this chance.”
The hall fell silent at his words, sympathy stirring in many hearts. Most assumed that the bidder in Box Two would now withdraw, yielding to such a heartfelt plea.
But…
Brad remarked lightly, “Apologies, I also plan to place a bid, intending to gift it to my cherished future wife as a token of our love.”
Cherished wife?
Kristen’s eyes widened as she stared at Brad in astonishment. What had he just said? Was he implying that she would be his wife? She quickly flicked a glance at her boyfriend, Frank, and noticed the shadow that had fallen over his face.
The guest in Box Five stayed quiet for a moment before letting out a gentle laugh. “Alright then. Since this is meant for you youngsters, feel free to make your bid.”
Brad answered, “Thank you.”
Ultimately, he claimed the gemstone bracelet called “Heart of the Ocean” with the winning bid of two hundred and fifty million.
The item arrived swiftly at Brad’s VIP box.
Frank could no longer restrain himself. “Brad, isn’t this a bit improper, bidding under such a guise?”
Brad turned to him, calm and measured. “And why would you think that way?”
Frank’s fingers curled into a tight fist. “I only asked for your help in placing the bid. Now it seems you intend to hand it to Kristen by claiming that she’s your future wife. If anyone finds out, it could tarnish both our reputations.”
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Kristen’s attention was fully captured by the bracelet, displayed elegantly in its crystal case. Just as her fingers reached toward the box, someone’s hand darted forward and snatched it before she could touch it. She lifted her gaze. “Brad?”
“Frank, I was not lying.” Brad slid the box into his pocket and rose to his feet, his expression completely unreadable. “It’s a gift I purchased, for my woman.”
Frank froze, shock and anger crashing over him, his cheeks flushing a deep red. “Your woman? Brad, what exactly are you saying? You clearly just—”
“What exactly did I just do?” Brad cut him off sharply. “When have I ever claimed this bracelet was meant for you or Miss Fowler?”
From start to finish, it had been nothing more than Frank awkwardly requesting Brad’s assistance. At no point had Brad claimed that he was bidding on Frank’s behalf.
Brad took the item and walked away without another word.
Frank had never experienced such intense humiliation, and Kristen felt a sharp sting of embarrassment as well. Watching him leave with the box, she slammed her purse onto the table in frustration. “I’ve always had everything I wanted since I was a child. I never imagined I’d be humiliated like this now.”
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