Chapter 112

Alexander let out a low chuckle. "Don't worry about it. Didn't you say your grandmother would love this piece? Go ahead and place your bid."

Seeing his relaxed expression, Victoria felt warmth spread through her chest. She raised her paddle confidently. "Sixty million."

Dominic Fairchild immediately countered. "Seventy million."

Then he called out loudly to Alexander, "Mr. Whitmore, my family has been collectors of such artifacts for generations. Would you do me the honor of letting this one go?"

Alexander turned with a polite smile. "My apologies, Mr. Fairchild, but my own family shares this passion." Their conversation carried clearly through the auction hall, reaching Isabella and Emily's ears.

The vase was intended for Beatrice Kensington, Victoria's grandmother. Yet Alexander referred to her as his own family, making his allegiances painfully clear.

What a stark contrast to how he treated Isabella's relatives.

Victoria raised her paddle again. "Eighty-five million."

This time, Dominic didn't counter.

When the gavel fell, Victoria had secured the antique vase for eighty-five million, drawing envious glances from the crowd. Yet even after winning, she couldn't shake a lingering unease.

The Kensington family was wealthy, and her grandmother spent lavishly on her antique collection each year.

But nearly one hundred million for a single piece? That was unprecedented. Her family would be shocked beyond words.

Especially since Alexander had initially suggested bidding one hundred million. She'd scaled it back, thinking eighty-five million more reasonable.

His casual extravagance made her heart flutter.

Emily cursed under her breath. "Damn! That's almost a hundred million!"

Combined with the previous auction item, the total approached nine figures.

This time, envy burned through Emily's entire body.

Isabella pressed her lips into a tight line, her expression darkening.

Emily noticed immediately. "Bella, are you... okay?"

Seeing Alexander spoil his mistress - especially the daughter of her father's mistress - would upset anyone.

But Isabella's mood had nothing to do with that. "Alexander can spend his money however he likes. It's none of my concern."

"What worries me is if he and Victoria want the same piece I do. With my current funds, I can't possibly outbid them."

Emily brightened. "But she's already won two items. Surely she won't bid again?"

"Hopefully."

But Isabella knew better. With Alexander's limitless wealth, he could drop another few hundred million tonight without blinking.

Just then, the embroidered painting she'd been waiting for appeared on stage.

Opening bid: five million.

Someone immediately offered six.

Isabella raised her paddle. "Seven million."

At first, Victoria hadn't noticed her. But the moment Isabella spoke, recognition flashed across Victoria's face.

Their eyes met briefly before Victoria turned away and raised her paddle again. "Ten million."

Isabella's stomach dropped.

Victoria had recognized her. And Alexander must have too - yet he didn't even glance back.

Emily swore loudly. "You've got to be kidding me! She's bidding again?"

Dominic joined the fray. "Fifteen million."

Isabella tightened her grip on the paddle. "Eighteen million."

Without turning, Victoria called out, "Twenty-five million."