Chapter 327

Shirley's heart had been repeatedly wounded by Alex, but she refused to admit her own folly. She clung to the excuse that she needed to win against Cynthia, who so desperately desired the brooch. Shirley rationalized her actions: "I forcefully took it. That must have been painful for Cynthia, and that is enough."

Alex smirked, his disdain palpable. "Ms. Jones, you're adorably naive," he said. "Haven't you realized Cynthia manipulated you, intentionally inflating the price to burden you?"

Shirley paused, then finally understood. "Are you saying Cynthia tricked me?"

Alex spread his hands. "Everyone here knows except you. You kept raising the price! I feel sorry for Ms. Bennett's money. Shirleydoes your name mean 'funny'?"

Shirley's face flushed crimson; rage consumed her. She trembled, incredulous that Cynthia had played her again. She'd lost $10 million and become a laughingstock among the elite.

She finally understood Cynthia and Jonathan's earlier suppressed amusement; they'd treated her like a fool. Shirley spun around, ready to confront Cynthia, but Whitney intervened calmly, "Calm down. We're live-streaming. Don't do anything embarrassing."

Whitney, responsible for bringing Shirley, knew that Shirley's actions reflected on her. In the end, Shirley restrained herself, realizing confrontation would only worsen the situation.

Whitney said lightly, "Ms. Jones, think before you act. Sixteen million dollars isn't insignificant, but consider how to make it worthwhile."

The auction resumed. Shirley, seated at the edge, watched Cynthia, who didn't bid further, having successfully baited her. Shirley seethed, Whitney's words echoing in her mind. A malicious plan formed, a glint in her eyes. Cynthia, today you will be humiliated, she thought.

Jonathan noticed Cynthia's distraction. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"Nothing," she replied.

He gestured to a bracelet. "It's a Miss Y design. If you like it, I'll bid."

Cynthia stopped him. "It's not necessary." Jonathan had already gifted her a Miss Y necklace, "Turning Darkness Into Light," which she loved. She hadn't told Jonathan she was Miss Y, but felt no need; he'd learn soon enough.

With Cynthia's urging, Jonathan refrained from bidding. Three Miss Y pieces were sold, one—a crown—fetching an astounding $40 million.

Two hours later, David announced a break before the auction's highlight: the Queen's Tears. This piece, the only one Miss Y had publicly showcased (only a design sketch, not the finished piece), was the most anticipated item. Even the sketch was lauded by an 80-year-old master jeweler as unparalleled. The Queen's Tears, featuring a massive Kashmir sapphire from Queen Elizabeth's coronation, symbolized wealth and power, coveted by billionaires and royalty. The anticipation was palpable.

The live stream, unplanned, had garnered an astonishing 100 million viewers. Comments flooded in:

• "[How did a little office worker like me get here?]"
• "[Prince Harry, the First Lady of Korea, the Smithswow!]"
• "[I only care about the Queen's Tears. What kind of jewelry attracts these people?]"
• "[I'm shipping the Stunning Couple!]"
• "[Who was the cool guy in glasses? Bodyguard?]"
• "[He's the CEO of QUEEN!]"

Cynthia returned from the restroom. Shirley followed, then screamed, halting David's announcement. "My jewelry is gone! It's been stolen!"