Chapter 46
Chapter 46:
Ellie’s irritation was impossible to hide. Clutching Theo’s arm tightly, she let out a plaintive whine. “Theo, I adore that jewelry set too. Can’t you get it for me p>
Theo hesitated, his tone uncertain. “That wouldn’t be appropriate… It’s actually intended for Gracie p>
Ellie’s pout deepened, her voice laced with disdain. “So what if it is? Brayden won’t care. He’s spent hundreds of millions on jewelry. Any random piece he hands her would outshine this one by far p>
Brayden’s reputation for reckless extravagance was legendary. Everyone knew that every grand gesture and million-dollar indulgence he made was for Lia alone.
Whatever treasures he bought likely ended up decorating Lia’s collection. They were certainly never meant for Gracie. Ellie’s words weren’t just jealousy—they were barbed on purpose, a subtle attack disguised as idle chatter.
Theo, seemingly oblivious to her provocation, turned toward Brayden. “What do you think, Brayden p>
Brayden’s expression remained composed, his reply even. “Bid according to what you believe it’s worth. If your price surpasses mine, I’ll withdraw p>
Relieved, Theo exhaled and raised his paddle. “Thirty-one million p>
The auctioneer’s eyes lit up at the fierce competition. “Thirty-one million from number twelve! Going once! Going twice p>
Before the gavel could fall, Brayden’s deep voice cut through the room. “Forty million p>
Gasps rippled through the crowd. The auctioneer’s voice trembled slightly as he turned toward Brayden. “Forty million from number one! Any higher offer p>
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Theo’s jaw tensed. “Forty-one million!” he called, though unease flickered in his eyes—the bid already exceeded the piece’s real value, and his liquid funds were dwindling.
“Forty-five million,” Brayden countered smoothly, glancing sideways at Theo. “Still want to push this further p>
“Well…” Theo faltered.
Ellie, however, refused to back down. Tugging insistently at his sleeve, she urged, “Don’t stop now p>
With a tight grimace, Theo lifted the paddle again. “Fifty million p>
Brayden’s hand lowered. He’d made his point.
When the gavel fell, Theo emerged as the winner of the sapphire jewelry set for fifty million.
Ellie immediately cast a smug, triumphant look at Gracie, her eyes gleaming with malice—as if to proclaim that even fifty million couldn’t measure Gracie’s worth in Brayden’s eyes.
But Gracie wasn’t looking at Ellie at all. Her attention lingered on Brayden, her thoughts clouded and heavy.
Brayden, heir to the vast Stanley empire, was the kind of man who rarely lost anything he desired. Not even Theo could rival him when he decided to act.
In another lifetime, Gracie had learned that Theo’s cash flow was perpetually strained.
What Brayden did today wasn’t random rivalry—it was strategic. He was deliberately bleeding Theo dry.
The auction moved forward without further friction. Brayden later purchased a pair of cufflinks, while Theo managed to claim a bracelet.
By the time Gracie woke from her brief nap, the event was already over.
She followed Brayden to settle the payments and retrieve his purchases.
Just as they reached the exit, they crossed paths with Theo and Ellie, who were finishing their own transactions.
Ellie lifted her chin proudly. “Gracie, do you want to see the jewelry Theo gave me? I doubt you’ll ever receive something like this in your lifetime p>