Chapter 26

Strictly speaking, Yasmin and Caleb weren't seated directly beside each other; one person sat between them. However, a slight turn of their heads allowed them to see each other. Caleb, tall and long-limbed, only needed to extend his arm to reach Yasmin.

The auction proceeded smoothly, but Yasmin showed little interest in the items. Despite her distraction, she keenly felt a pressure emanating from her right. Annoyed, she glanced at Caleb, surprised to find him looking straight ahead. He only turned when he sensed her gaze. His brow arched slightly. What was Yasmin up to?

Yasmin clenched her teeth, huffed, and quickly refocused on the auction. Brendan nudged her and whispered, "Your soon-to-be ex-husband is staring at you. Veronica is watching you both."

Yasmin immediately turned, looking past Caleb at Veronica. The charged atmosphere was palpable. Jeremy, previously engrossed in the auction, snapped to attention, his expression battling.

"Next up, we have a platinum necklace featuring an ornate pattern, accented with emeralds and diamonds!"

The auctioneer's voice drew everyone's attention. It was the emerald bead necklace that once belonged to Annie. When the auctioneer described the necklace's platinum clasp, Yasmin looked at Veronica with a mocking expression. What was the point of arguing when the details matched?

Veronica stared ahead, feigning ignorance. She acted like a typical bidder. If Veronica were beside Caleb, she might have explained herself. But with Caleb and Yasmin seated so close, who knew what rumors Yasmin might spread?

The bidding began. Many participated, and the price quickly escalated from the estimated $5.5 million to $10.5 million. Some realized Veronica intended to win. Given her close relationship with Caleb and the powerful Whitmore family's backing, many chose to withdraw, leaving only two bidders.

"Eleven million dollars," Veronica confidently raised her paddle. Surely no one would challenge her now; the price far exceeded the estimate.

"Twelve million dollars."

Veronica turned to see a young man in a suit, a Bluetooth earpiece in his ear—clearly a proxy bidder.

"Is there a bid higher than twelve million dollars?" the auctioneer called.

"What are you waiting for? Raise your paddle!" Jeremy urged Veronica.

Veronica's expression darkened. "This price is already more than double the estimated value. It's not worth it!" she whispered. It had originally sold for only five million dollars! Most auction items exceeded their estimates, but she refused to spend more on Yasmin's belongings. She and Wanda had agreed that if the price soared, they'd use inflated value and insufficient funds as an excuse to withdraw.

"But we promised to return Annie's belongings to Yasmin!" Jeremy's voice, loud enough for nearby attendees to overhear, caused several to turn and listen.

Oh, there was more to this story?

Curious eyes shifted between the three Whitmore siblings. Yasmin calmly stared at Veronica.

"Who's Annie?" someone whispered.

A nearby lady replied, "She was the previous matriarch of the Whitmore family and Yasmin's mother. She came from a wealthy Glenfield family."

Those present quickly connected the dots. The deceased biological mother's inheritance had been squandered by the stepmother. Yasmin had discovered this, and the Whitmore family now faced the consequences.

"The Whitmore family really does have some nerve!"

"Exactly!"