Chapter 34
Chapter 34:
Willa’s heart skipped a beat. That single sentence sent a wave of panic through her.
Noelle? Connected to the Martin family? Impossible. That couldn’t be true. The Martins would never pay attention to someone like Noelle. It had to be a misunderstanding—a coincidence.
But Ruben’s attitude just now… it had been far too respectful to ignore.
The Moss family had pulled every string and called in every favor they could to secure just three invitations to this auction—and even then, their seats were on the first floor.
They had no access to the second-floor suites. The only reason they had even gone upstairs was because Willa had begged to explore.
With the auction about to begin, the Moss trio had no choice but to return to the first-floor hall. But Willa couldn’t stop thinking about Noelle.
The image of her sitting comfortably in a private suite above, sipping coffee and looking down on everyone—on her—only fueled the jealousy burning in her chest.
𝘙eа𝗱 𝖿𝗿е𝖾 𝗻𝘰𝘷𝖾𝗹ѕ 𝘰𝘯
In the private suite, Noelle had returned to her seat beside Ethan.
The table in front of them was filled with tiny pastries and fresh-cut fruit. She picked at a few pieces absentmindedly, her chin resting on her hand as she gazed out over the crowded first-floor hall.
She wondered if there would be any auction items that would catch her attention this time.
Soon, the auction officially began.
The auctioneer stepped onto the stage, his voice loud and energetic as he welcomed the guests and introduced the first item of the night.
Everyone held numbered paddles, ready to raise them once bidding began. The highest bidder after three strikes of the gavel would win.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer announced, “our first item is a stunning princess tiara, once worn by the Queen of Fluidor herself! Decorated with 108 diamonds and 99 pearls p>
An usher walked through the room with the tiara, giving everyone a chance to admire it up close. The crowd leaned forward with interest.
“The starting bid is eight hundred thousand,” the auctioneer declared. “Let the bidding begin p>
“Eight hundred and eighty thousand p>
“Nine hundred thousand p>
“Nine hundred and fifty thousand p>
In moments, the bids were flying.
Willa’s eyes locked onto the tiara the instant it was revealed.
Gerard noticed immediately. Raising his paddle high, he called out, “One million p>
Willa gasped, her face lighting up with emotion. “Gerard p>
Gerard smiled proudly, playing the role of the devoted older brother. “It suits you, Willa. You’re the princess of our family. A tiara like that belongs to you p>
Malcolm nodded in agreement. “Gerard’s right. If you want it, Willa, let your brother get it for you p>
Willa’s eyes shimmered with tears. “Thank you, Malcolm. Thank you, Gerard p>
On stage, the auctioneer’s voice rang out. “One million from Mr. Gerard Moss! Do I hear a higher bid p>
In the suite above, Ethan glanced at Noelle as soon as the tiara was displayed. Her expression didn’t change. Clearly, it didn’t interest her.
Ethan gave Ruben a brief, meaningful look.