Chapter 725

The necklace's price had exceeded Joseph's budget. Elizabeth glanced at him; he was gently rubbing his nose, looking troubled. She knew he wouldn't spend any more. "6.2 million, calling once, calling twice—"

The auctioneer waited impatiently. Just as he was about to call again, Elizabeth, unable to bear it, raised her paddle.

"7 million!"

She didn't believe anyone would follow. The young man seemed stunned, silent. Just as Elizabeth thought she'd won, he countered, "7.2 million!" He'd only raised the bid by $200,000 again. Elizabeth felt a surge of anger. Is he doing this on purpose? She didn't know him; why was he opposing her? Regardless of the necklace's actual value, she worried Joseph wouldn't pay the now-exceeded budget.

The high price drew everyone's attention to the two bidders. Whispers rippled through the crowd:

"Look at her. Is she afraid now? What's she trying to prove? Does she really think she's a rich man's wife?"

"Exactly. How arrogant. She's just a mistress. That man's money is still controlled by his wife. No way she can spend that much."

"She's just a fling. Does she think she's a big shot? A necklace for over 7 million? He won't buy it for her!"

"Haha, what a joke!"

Each word stung Elizabeth. Her eyes reddened; anger swelled in her chest. She resolved to win, releasing years of pent-up resentment. Without looking at Joseph, she raised her paddle decisively.

"10 million!"

Instead of bidding in increments of a million, she'd made a leap.

Silence fell over the crowd. Everyone knew this far exceeded the necklace's value. It wasn't worth 10 million.

The auctioneer, visibly excited, shouted in a trembling voice, "10 million! Any higher bids? The price of this sapphire necklace is now 10 million. The final caller is… Mr. Tanner. Anyone else? 10 million, calling once, calling twice…"

He eyed the young man, looking agitated. But the young man didn't counter. He bowed his head, seemingly in discussion, then decided against a higher bid.

"10 million, sold!"

The necklace was auctioned at an exorbitant price. Camera flashes erupted; Elizabeth beamed, feeling a release of years of pent-up anger. She waved victoriously at the cameras.

She then looked for her opponent, only to find he'd disappeared, whether out of anger or simply leaving, she didn't know. She'd won; the spotlight was on her. To Elizabeth, that victory was worth 10 million dollars.