Chapter 8

The auctioneer presented item after item. At first, Melissa bid cautiously, but as the event progressed, her hesitancy faded. If her gaze lingered on an item, or she merely mentioned liking it, one of the Horton brothers would immediately secure it for her. Their extravagance drew envious stares from the crowd.

“The Horton brothers are so generous with Melissa,” someone whispered. “If only I were in her shoes.”

“I used to think they adored Emelie, that she’d marry one of them,” another commented. “Who would’ve thought? They’ve abandoned Ms. Richmond for the maid’s daughter. How humiliating!”

Emelie felt the pitying glances but remained unmoved. She silently counted the lots, patiently awaiting the final one—a bracelet. As the auctioneer reverently described its history, Emelie stirred. Clenching her bidding paddle, she prepared herself. This bracelet, once her father’s token of love to her mother, she would reclaim.

“The starting bid is 30 million. Let the auction begin!”

“40 million!” “50 million!” “60 million!”

The price escalated rapidly. Soon, only a few remained, including Emelie. Her resolute bidding alerted Melissa to the bracelet's significance. Her eyes gleamed. Turning to Anthony, Marcelo, and Connor, she said, “That bracelet is gorgeous. I wonder if it would look good on me.”

The brothers sprang into action. “I’ll get it for you!”

They joined the bidding war, driving the price higher and higher.

“100 million!” “150 million!” “200 million!”

Emelie's heart sank with each increment. They knew what the bracelet meant to her. Years ago, when it was lost, she had been inconsolable. They had comforted her then, sketching the bracelet and vying to cheer her.

“Don’t be sad, Emelie. We’ll find it, no matter the cost. One day, it will return to you.”

Now, that promise felt like a cruel joke.

As the price soared to an unimaginable 1.5 billion dollars, Emelie checked her finances. Winning would deplete her inheritance and force her into debt. As she hesitated, Anthony made a gesture that silenced the crowd—a gesture signaling his intent to win, regardless of the cost.

Emelie's hope vanished. She had no chance.

When the bracelet was given to Melissa, she looked at Anthony with adoration. “Anthony, you won this for me. Why don’t you put it on me?”

Marcelo and Connor immediately protested.

“Mel, I could’ve bought it for you too! Anthony, I’ll reimburse you. Let me put it on her.” Marcelo handed Anthony his card.

Connor shoved his card forward. “I’ve got money too, Anthony. Let me.”

As they argued, Melissa fumbled with the bracelet. It slipped, striking the floor with a sharp crack, shattering into pieces. Emelie felt her own heart break.

“Oh, no! I accidentally dropped it!”