Chapter 263: A Convenient Trick
Vivienne lifted the intercom with deliberate grace, her voice carrying quiet authority. “Jacob, remove all constraints on the bidding.” Her meaning crystallized—this extraordinary blue diamond would be hers, regardless of price. Such a rare specimen transcended mere investment; it represented an eternal treasure whose value would only appreciate with time.
Jacob absorbed her directive, a flutter of sympathy stirring for the other bidders. History had proven that Vivienne’s desires inevitably transformed into acquisitions, and today would prove no different.
He raised his paddle with practiced confidence, declaring, “One hundred million.” Other paddles rose in response, though their incremental increases of ten million revealed collective caution.
From her position in the audience, Natalie’s fingers curled into tight fists, her heart oscillating between hope and trepidation. She yearned for the diamond while harboring fears that Warren might withdraw from the escalating battle.
Perceiving her anxiety, Warren enveloped her hand in his while raising his paddle. “One hundred and fifty million.”
This auction represented more than a mere luxury purchase or romantic gesture; it served as a calculated statement of the Mitchell family’s unwavering financial dominance, a message aimed directly at their increasingly nervous board members. Despite recent scandals, Mitchell Group remained an indomitable force. His bold bid sparked immediate whispers throughout the assembly. “The Mitchell Group’s Warren Mitchell…” “Their influence remains formidable…”
The gathered elite of Lyhaton, well-versed in the family’s recent tribulations and stock market challenges, had anticipated a period of discretion rather than such an overt display of economic might.
But the competition was far from over. After a brief lull, the bidding resumed, the numbers climbing steadily. “One hundred and sixty million!” “One hundred and seventy million!” “One hundred and eighty million!” “Two hundred million!”
As the numbers climbed, Warren’s composed facade began to crack. Despite its inherent value, in Warren’s eyes, this diamond wasn’t worth over two hundred million. Besides, the family’s resources, already strained by their settlement with Vivienne, left little room for such extravagance. Doubt clouded his expression as perspiration dampened his palm.
“Natalie…” he began uncertainly.
“Perhaps we should withdraw,” Natalie interjected softly.
Warren turned to her, surprise evident in his features. She squeezed his hand, offering a tender smile. “While diamonds may be eternal, our lives outweigh any material possession. Your presence surpasses even that permanence.”
Diana, unable to contain herself, interrupted, “Warren, fulfill Natalie’s desire! This is unprecedented—the largest blue diamond ever auctioned!”
“Diana, other opportunities await us,” Natalie demurred, though disappointment shadowed her eyes.
Warren studied her expression intently before squaring his shoulders with renewed determination. His paddle rose once more. “Two hundred and ten million!”
A glimmer of satisfaction danced in Natalie’s eyes. She had mastered the art of strategic disappointment, knowing that the slightest display would awaken Warren’s guilt and inspire his unwavering devotion—a skill she had refined to perfection.