Chapter 68

The mysterious beauty exuded arrogance as she dramatically escalated the bidding price.

Mom, did I hear that correctly?

Cassandra Blackwood was stunned. Did that country girl just bid sixty million dollars? How dare she raise the price so recklessly? Was she bluffing?

Penelope Whitmore remained silent, her icy gaze locked onto Evelyn Carter’s back.

A sudden realization struck Penelope. She smirked and glanced toward Lillian Hartwell, Harrison Kingsley’s second wife.

Does that little gold-digger Evelyn really think she can marry into the Kingsley family? We’ll see about that.

"Seventy million."

Nathan Blackwood’s deep voice cut through the tension as he lifted his sculpted hand. The light cast a striking silhouette across his sharp features, making several women in the room sigh in admiration.

His bid forced many competitors to withdraw in frustration.

"Seventy-five million."

Evelyn didn’t hesitate, her expression unreadable as she raised her paddle again.

Gasps rippled through the crowd.

Even Julian Montgomery, a seasoned auction attendee, was speechless.

It felt like witnessing a high-stakes duel—two forces of cold dominance clashing, the air thick with tension.

"Eighty million." Nathan remained composed, though irritation flickered in his eyes.

She’s really determined to help Sebastian win this.

Evelyn pressed her tongue against her cheek, suppressing her frustration.

Even if she exceeded her budget, she’d use her own funds to outbid Nathan.

But she wasn’t reckless.

Antiques held historical value, but she had limits. Eighty million was already pushing it—anything beyond would be pure pettiness.

Nathan, why are you being so insufferable?

Julian leaned in, whispering, "Evelyn clearly wants this chair. Why not let her have it? She’s your ex-wife. Isn’t it ungentlemanly to publicly fight her like this?"

Nathan didn’t even glance at him. "She’s representing Sebastian Kingsley. This isn’t about her—it’s about Monarch Group."

Julian exhaled sharply and gave up.

"Eighty million, going once! Eighty million, going twice—"

"One hundred million!"

A sharp feminine voice rang out from the back. Nathan’s brows twitched, but he didn’t turn.

All eyes landed on the elegant woman holding her paddle high—Lillian Hartwell, Harrison Kingsley’s second wife.

Evelyn’s lips curved in satisfaction. Now she understood why Lillian was here.

Harrison must have sent her as insurance, in case Sebastian hesitated to spend.

Nathan’s jaw tightened. He could afford the bid, but continuing would be undignified.

In the end, Monarch Group secured the antique rosewood chair, earning thunderous applause.

Just as the crowd thought the auction was over, the auctioneer announced with a smile:

"Our final item, generously donated by Monarch Group—a masterpiece from renowned Belvaux jeweler, crafted over a month. Presenting… Crimson Promise!"

Nathan’s breath hitched. His heart stopped.

It felt like a bullet had just pierced his chest.