Chapter 140
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Daniel let out a derisive chuckle before flashing Evelyn a warm smile. "Evelyn's absolutely right. You're brilliant! He's a complete fool."
Nathaniel, who had just secured the winning bid for the painting, could practically feel the weight of an invisible "idiot" sign hanging around his neck.
His fingers tightened around the bidding paddle until his knuckles turned white. The momentary victory soured into bitter frustration almost immediately.
Victoria discreetly signaled to an attendant nearby. "Please hold the painting for us. We'll complete the payment later."
Her eyes flickered toward Evelyn for a brief second as she added pointedly, "Auctions are about competition, after all. Nathaniel purchased this for Mrs. Whitmore Senior."
Evelyn simply maintained her composed smile, recognizing the transparent attempt to salvage Nathaniel's wounded pride.
Yet it did nothing to ease the storm brewing inside him.
The next item appeared - a dazzling diamond necklace with a starting bid of three hundred thousand dollars.
Daniel immediately exclaimed, "Evelyn, I'm getting that for you! It'll look perfect on you!"
Only a hopeless brother would think every single thing in the world suited his sister.
Before Evelyn could respond, Victoria's paddle shot up. "Four hundred thousand."
Daniel froze momentarily, irritation flashing across his features. "Why does everyone keep stealing gifts meant for Evelyn? When will this nonsense end?"
He raised his paddle sharply. "Five hundred thousand!"
The hundred-thousand-dollar bidding increments once again drew the crowd's rapt attention.
Victoria's smile tightened visibly. "Do you have particular interest in this piece, Mr. Montgomery?"
"If Evelyn likes it, then back off!" The earlier failed painting purchase still rankled him.
She didn't dare push further. If he exposed her orphanage origins publicly, her social standing in Bern City would be ruined.
Her painted smile remained fixed. "Very well, I'll withdraw."
Her gaze slid meaningfully toward Nathaniel.
Surely he could see Evelyn was clearly involved with someone new now.
With Victoria's concession, Daniel assumed victory was certain.
Until Nathaniel's paddle lifted again. "One million."
Even Evelyn stared at him in disbelief. Had he lost his mind?
The previous bid stood at five hundred thousand - he'd just doubled it!
Was this some kind of joke?
Penelope whispered urgently, "Ms. Montgomery, I'm certain Nathaniel intends that necklace for you. No doubt about it."
Victoria's smile grew strained. Was he really bidding for her?
Her instincts screamed otherwise - that diamond was meant for Evelyn.
Now another high-status man was showering Evelyn with attention. Could Nathaniel's pride tolerate such humiliation?
This was becoming deliciously complicated.
Meanwhile, Evelyn caught snippets of the women's conversation. Her lips twitched in amusement at Penelope's assumption.
She knew exactly who Nathaniel was bidding for.
Daniel's paddle rose again. "Two million."
The atmosphere crackled with electric tension.
Spectators lost interest in the auction items - this personal duel had become far more compelling.
Evelyn's pulse quickened at the astronomical sums. Why was Daniel indulging Nathaniel's ridiculous game?
She tried to intervene, but Daniel simply captured her hand, raising it with his paddle. Giving up wasn't an option.
Soon the bids escalated to five million dollars.
Blood pounded in Evelyn's ears, her heart threatening to burst from her chest.
Five million. From Daniel. An unimaginable sum.
The sight of Daniel holding Evelyn's hand made Nathaniel's jaw tighten. Without expression, he raised his paddle. "Ten million."