Chapter 443

This philosophy has guided Evelyn Carter's jewelry designs for years.

As her devoted admirer, I aspire to walk the same creative path. I hope Ms. Cassandra Blackwood won't mind my bold request.

The gift moved me deeply—precisely why I wish to elevate its significance.

Isabella Wang's declaration left Cassandra speechless.

All she wanted was for the blinding spotlight to switch off, for her flushed face to vanish from the massive screens.

If possible, she'd dissolve into the air itself.

Evelyn's creations are rare treasures with immeasurable value. Therefore, Ms. Wang announced this lot would have no reserve price!

The auction began, but bidders hesitated.

"Thirty million."

Alexander Whitmore's calm voice cut through the silence as he lifted his paddle with a confident smile.

Thirty million dors?!

The highest bid of the night so far!

If the opening bid already reached thirty million, would this escalate to hundreds of millions?

While an Evelyn Carter piece justified such sums, the staggering amount deterred many hopeful bidders.

"Fifty million." Nathan Blackwood raised his paddle, his expression icy yet determined.

A fierce glint in his eyes betrayed his relentless ambition.

The crowd gasped—did the Blackwoods operate a private mint?

A twenty-million-dollar leap in one bid!

Several tentative bidders immediately withdrew.

"Seventy million." Alexander countered without hesitation, his challenge clear.

Nathan didn't flinch. "Ninety million."

"One hundred million." Alexander fired back.

The auction hall erupted in disbelief.

Confirmed—the Whitmores also printed money in their basement.

Evelyn crossed her arms, long lashes fluttering over unreadable eyes, crimson lips pressed thin.

She watched the bids skyrocket like speculative stocks, yet her face remained impassive.

"Ms. Kingsley," whispered Vivienne Laurent, "this isn't bidding—it's a testosterone-fueled duel."

"Exactly! They're treating this gala like a drag race!" Evelyn scowled, itching to confiscate their paddles.

Nearby, Penelope Whitmore gaped at the spectacle.

"Mother, you claimed Mr. Whitmore was penniless!" Cassandra hissed. "Yet he just bid a hundred million!"

Penelope had no rebuttal.

Had she gravely miscalculated? Was Alexander a wolf in lamb's wool?

"One hundred twenty million." Nathan's voice was steel.

Evelyn had been his unresolved obsession for years—tonight, he'd claim this piece at any cost.

"One hundred fifty million!"

A crystalline voice rang out.

Evelyn finally raised her paddle, frosty determination in her gaze. The game had changed.