Chapter 335

"Starting bid at twenty million."

The moment the auctioneer finished speaking, Isabella Langley raised her paddle.

"Thirty million." Her eyes gleamed with determination.

"Forty million."

A clear feminine voice rang out from the back.

Isabella whipped around and spotted Natalie Lowell.

Evelyn Roland also turned to look.

Natalie gave Evelyn a faint smile and waved lightly. "Evelyn, long time no see."

Evelyn nodded slightly. After their last meeting, she had only sent medicine. She hadn't expected Natalie to recover so well.

Isabella's expression darkened. Why was this woman here?

"Forty million."

Another bidder joined the fray.

Isabella swiftly raised her paddle. "Fifty million."

She had to win this pigeon blood ruby. Her mother adored red—it would be the perfect gift to please her.

Lately, Warren Garten's mother kept visiting the hospital but refused to say why.

Natalie didn't hesitate. "Sixty million."

Isabella turned to face her. "Ms. Lowell, would you consider stepping aside? I want this for my mother."

Natalie shook her head apologetically. "I'm sorry, but I'm buying it for my mother too."

Isabella narrowed her eyes. This woman was clearly retaliating.

Last time, she had deliberately revealed Natalie's identity to Daniel Sherwood, hoping he'd cause trouble for her. But Natalie had vanished, only to reappear completely transformed.

Still, Daniel hadn't divorced her yet. She'd suffer soon enough.

"Seventy million." Isabella raised her paddle again while quickly sending a text.

Natalie countered without pause. "One hundred million."

Isabella spun around. The Lowell family's wealth was truly staggering.

But spending a hundred million on a necklace was excessive.

She hesitated.

Natalie smirked. So much for filial devotion.

Then Isabella remembered Evelyn was watching. She couldn't lose face.

"One hundred fifty million!" She gritted her teeth and raised her paddle.

Natalie remained composed. "Two hundred million."

"Two hundred fifty million!" Isabella went all in.

Natalie set down her paddle, done with the bidding.

The room fell silent.

The auctioneer looked at Isabella. "Two hundred fifty million for bidder six. Going once. Any other offers?"

No one responded.

Evelyn saw through Natalie's ploy. Pity Isabella was too shrewd to keep falling for it.

Isabella frowned. Why had Natalie given up?

After three confirmations, the ruby necklace went to Isabella.

Evelyn glanced at her through Adrian Valentine, a knowing smile curving her lips.

This necklace had been her arrangement all along.