Chapter 35

Last year, Mandy sold Jane Wood Gardens at a low price, claiming it was for medical expenses. Now, after all the twists and turns, it reappeared here.

“Eight million.”

“Eight million for Rosewood Gardens, going once.”

As the price continued to rise, Julie’s hands, which were resting on her knees, clenched tighter and tighter.

Still watching, Lucian noticed her change in demeanor. He couldn’t help but ask, “What’s wrong?”

Julie’s hands tightened before relaxing. She briefly glanced at Lucian but said nothing.

Seeing her ignore him again, Lucian’s tone turned colder. “Such bad manners. I’m talking to you, and you don’t even respond.”

Julie looked up, and that was when Lucian noticed her slightly reddened eyes. He dreaded more than seeing her cry. Whenever she cried, it was like a floodgate had opened. She would become completely uncontrollable.

“Why are you crying? Don’t cry, okay? Your makeup looks so good today. If you cry and ruin it, you won’t look pretty anymore.”

Julie sniffed. “I’m not crying.” She paused and added, “And I’m not a child.”

Lucian’s lips twitched. “You’re crying over that?”

“That’s Rosewood Gardens, something my dad gave me. But my mom sold it.”

Lucian said nothing, his gaze shifting toward the stage. The next moment, he grabbed a bidding paddle, placed it in Julie’s hand, and raised her arm. “Ten million.”

Julie froze, staring at him in disbelief.

“What? What are you doing? I don’t have that kind of money!”

Before Lucian could respond, Blaine leaned in and whispered, “Relax, Luce has plenty of money. Spend away; don’t hold back.”

“Fifteen million, going once. Fifteen million, going twice.”

Just as the auctioneer finished speaking, a man’s voice rang out from behind.

“Twenty million.”

The room erupted in murmurs.

Julie stiffened and turned her head, meeting Zayn’s gaze. He raised his eyebrows at her, his expression one of absolute determination.

Julie was confused. Why was Zayn bidding on this? She had mentioned Rosewood Gardens to him before, but he hadn’t seemed to care. She thought he hadn’t even listened. And yet, here he was, bidding against them.

The next second, the paddle was raised again.

Blaine called out, “Twenty-five million.”

Zayn’s expression darkened. Stewart tugged at his sleeve and whispered, “Zayn, don’t get carried away.”

But before Stewart could finish, Zayn slowly raised his paddle again.

The two locked in a fierce bidding war, and the price quickly soared to 50 million—far beyond the property’s actual value.

Julie was speechless. What on earth was Zayn trying to do?

Lucian was about to raise his paddle again when Julie quickly grabbed his hand.

Lucian turned toward her. “What’s wrong?”

Julie shook her head. “Don’t waste money.”

Blaine chimed in, “Luce has money.”

Julie sighed. “Even if he has money, he shouldn’t spend it. That villa was bought for only 16 million dollars back then. There’s no need for this.”

“That’s yours,” Lucian said.

Julie froze. She’d be a fool if she didn’t understand Lucian’s intention now.

She shook her head slightly. “No, not mine. Don’t bid on it.”

In the end, Zayn successfully won Rosewood Gardens for 50 million dollars.