Chapter 30 Throw Money Around

Waverly was so distraught she could barely speak through her tears. Shanice, standing nearby, quickly assumed the role of victim, exaggerating and embellishing the events.

“It’s all because of Raylee! She’s so impressive now, isn’t she? Even Jeremiah’s backing her! She saw us and took revenge! Look what she did to my face! She acts like she’s in charge, ordering Jeremiah to attack me!” Shanice cried.

Waverly sobbed uncontrollably, her injustice palpable. “Mr. Lorimer even threatened to have Shanice and me thrown in prison! I don’t know what I did to upset Raylee. Why does she treat us this way?”

Mere complaints were insufficient. Shanice produced a bystander's video, perfectly capturing Raylee slapping her. Raylee was caught on camera assaulting someone; there seemed to be no room for denial.

Samuel and Casimir wore grim expressions. Though Shanice and Waverly had been ejected, the two men brought them back to the banquet. The auction had already begun; they took their seats, deciding to settle the score with Raylee later.

Waverly continued to weep. Samuel gently patted her back. “Don’t be upset. I’ll ensure justice. There’s a rare pink diamond up for auction; the starting bid is in the tens of millions. I’ll bid and gift it to you.”

Waverly stopped crying instantly, playfully clinging to Samuel’s arm. “Really? Samuel, you’re too kind! I love you!” He fondly ruffled her hair.

Turning to Casimir, Samuel asked, “Casimir, have you taken a liking to anything?” He hoped to subtly encourage Casimir to gift something to Waverly. Casimir simply shook his head. “No.” Samuel frowned.

Casimir added, “Old Mrs. Goodridge donated an antique ring, didn’t she? It’s a Goodridge family heirloom; we shouldn’t let it fall into the wrong hands. If necessary, I’ll help you make a no-limit bid.”

“Casimir, why are you so interested in my grandmother’s belongings? Winning her favor? Or is there an ulterior motive?” Samuel asked sarcastically. Casimir remained silent.

The auction was in full swing. Raylee, not seeing Jeremiah, sat quietly, awaiting Vera’s ring.

The host announced, “Next, a magnificent fifty-carat pink diamond, the Star of Tears. Your bids!”

Samuel’s voice boomed, “Twenty million!”

Raylee noticed the excitement on Waverly’s face. It was obvious he was bidding for her. She looked away. She remembered a time when Samuel had lavishly spent money for her, even traveling thousands of miles. But that was in the past; then, only his sister Waverly mattered.

The pink diamond was highly sought after; the price soared to sixty million. To these wealthy bidders, the price was merely a number. Samuel bid again, “Eighty million!”

A man in glasses next to Raylee made a gesture. Those around him gasped. “A no-limit bid?” It meant he would buy the item regardless of the price. Waverly, recognizing the gesture, knew the diamond was lost to her; her face fell.

Samuel, despite a stern expression, eventually stopped bidding, visibly frustrated. The bespectacled man secured the diamond for two hundred million.

Samuel comforted Waverly. “Two more high-quality pieces are coming. I’ll bid on them for you.” Surprisingly, the bespectacled man secured both with no-limit bids. Waverly got nothing, leaving her furious.

Raylee stole glances at the bespectacled man. Who was he? He spent a fortune without flinching.

Soon, Vera’s antique ring was presented. Before Raylee could bid, Casimir made several bids, each time glancing at her. Was he aware it was her grandmother’s ring?

Lost in thought, Raylee heard the bespectacled man make another no-limit bid. She realized she’d lost Vera’s heirloom. Casimir was surprised; he hadn’t expected the man’s interest in both rare jewels and antiques.

After the auction, Raylee felt disheartened, unsure how to explain things to Vera. The bespectacled man approached, presenting neatly packaged items. “Ms. Somers, these are from Mr. Lorimer. Three pieces of jewelry and a…”

Raylee’s eyes widened. “Mr. Lorimer? Jeremiah?”

“Yes, I’m Mr. Lorimer’s assistant, Matthew Sloan.” He handed her the items. “My task is complete. Mr. Lorimer has urgent matters but should be back in half an hour. Ms. Somers, if you’re not in a hurry, wait for him.”

“All right.”

Raylee stared at the hundreds of millions’ worth of items. She couldn't process it. While flattered, she felt accepting them was inappropriate; her relationship with Jeremiah wasn't established. She'd only accept the ring at auction price.

Suddenly, an angry voice echoed, “You ruined the auction, preventing me from getting anything!”

Raylee turned to see Samuel striding towards her, furious. Casimir, Shanice, and Waverly followed. Raylee frowned. Shanice’s presence was bad enough; now two more men joined the mix.

Shanice sneered, “You see how she abuses her authority, using Jeremiah’s support for wicked games! She’s devious and malicious! Samuel, discipline this ex-convict adopted daughter before she takes advantage of you!”

Raylee narrowed her eyes. “Had I known you wouldn’t change, I wouldn’t have stopped Jeremiah from sending you to prison!”