Chapter 317
“$100,000.”
The moment the auctioneer called out the number, the crowd erupted in chatter.
“Who spends that much? Out of their mind.”
“This gemstone’s worth tops at $35,000. Anything more is just burning money.”
“Some rich rookie tossing cash around. Show’s over.”
The bargain hunters nearby knew they stood no chance. One by one, they drifted away. Few had bothered bidding on the piece anyway.
The auctioneer read out a few more slips, but none came close to Sophie’s forty thousand.
David grew more certain than ever the stone was his. He raised his hand with smug confidence. “No need to drag this out. Just announce the winner already.”
Then he cast a scornful glance at Sophie and Adrian. “So these two can stop chasing shadows.”
The auctioneer looked up at the remaining crowd. Most had left the moment they heard the hundred-thousand-dollar bid. Only a handful lingered, waiting for the drama to unfold.
The auctioneer asked, “Any objections if I close the lot now?”
The stragglers shrugged.
“Just call it.”
“Who else could it be? The bidder offering $100,000 takes it.”
The auctioneer nodded. “Very well.”
He flipped through the last bid forms, then announced the result.
David flung his arms wide, chin tilted high. He looked every bit the king, ready to bask in his glory.
“Lot C3281 goes to bidder 101, at $100,001.”
“What?!” David froze, the smile wiped clean from his face. He spun to the auctioneer, stunned. “Say that again! What number?”
The auctioneer clipped the tag to the slab’s stand. The winning bid and number were plain to see. “Check for yourself. Disputes can be filed during the posting period.”
Without another glance, the auctioneer moved on.
David fumbled out his bidder card, eyes darting to the posted slip. It wasn’t his number. One dollar. Someone had beaten him by a single dollar. The gemstone was gone.
Sophie caught the look on his face and knew at once. She grabbed Adrian’s arm, her voice bubbling with glee. “Would you look at that? A real upset!”
David stormed over and snatched her card. “You? You slipped in after hearing my bid? Too scared for a fair fight?”
Sophie yanked it back, stabbing a finger at the print. “Lost it, did you? And now slandering me? Open your eyes. That isn’t my number.”
David frowned. “Not you? Then one of your lackeys? Who else throws a fortune on junk like this—and by one buck exactly? How did they know?”
Sophie scoffed. “Because you shouted it for the whole hall to hear.”
The onlookers laughed among themselves.
“Serves him right. I thought he had it locked in. Hilarious.”
“He earned the slap. Most people keep bids quiet. But he wanted the spotlight.”
“Exactly. $100,000 is nothing for real gems. He was just showing off on a bargain stone. Now look at him.”
“Hero move, beating him by a dollar. Bet that stings.”
“For a whale like that, it’s pocket change. Spent a fortune just to see him squirm.”
David’s cheeks burned, then drained pale. The laughter cut deep, each word grinding his pride into dust.
Beside him, Alice squirmed in secondhand shame. She slipped her arm through his. “David, it’s over. Let’s go. We’ve got more important things to handle.”
Her words gave him an escape. “Right. I’ve got business to see to. No time to waste here,” he responded.
Sophie rolled her eyes. “Funny. Weren’t you the one picking a fight?”
David gave a sharp snort. “Gloat all you like. This emerald may not be mine, but what does it have to do with you?”
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