Chapter 114

Emily whispered, "At this rate, let's pray Victoria doesn't set her sights on that emerald collection."

Isabella's thoughts mirrored her friend's concern. But realistically, what were the chances?

The auctioneer announced the starting bid for the emerald set at ten million.

"Fifteen million," came the first counteroffer.

Isabella raised her paddle next. "Eighteen million."

"Twenty million."

"Twenty-five million."

Both women exhaled when Alexander remained silent.

Just as Isabella prepared to bid again, Victoria's paddle shot up. "Fifty million."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Isabella's nails dug into her palms before she countered, "Sixty million."

"Sixty-five."

"Seventy."

Isabella hesitated. Her grandmother's milestone birthday deserved something extraordinary - but eighty million?

Victoria didn't flinch. "One hundred twenty million."

The air left Isabella's lungs. She set down her paddle with deliberate calm.

The room buzzed with shocked murmurs about Alexander Whitmore's bottomless wealth. No other bids followed.

The emeralds belonged to Victoria.

Though nothing else interested her, auction rules mandated all guests remain until the end. Isabella sat through increasingly extravagant lots until Alexander's total spending hit three hundred sixty million.

Emily finally snapped. "This is insanity! Even for him! That mistress must have him completely bewitched!"

Isabella had no response. The answer came soon enough - Alexander stopped bidding. When the gavel fell, both women exited immediately. Isabella never glanced toward Alexander's section, but Emily noticed Dominic approaching him and Victoria.

Outside, an elegant older woman intercepted them. After exchanging pleasantries with Emily, the woman's assessing gaze landed on Isabella. "And who might this lovely stranger be?"

Emily made introductions.

The woman's smile cooled upon hearing Isabella's family name. "Ah, Mr. Sinclair's niece. Quite striking..."

She knew the rumors - the unstable mother institutionalized for decades, the failing family business. No matter how polished Isabella appeared, those stains wouldn't wash out.

What a waste of potential.

The unspoken judgment hung between them as conversation continued. Nearby, Alexander's group emerged from the auction house.

Dominic extended a hand. "Another time, then."

More well-wishers swarmed Alexander, forcing him to turn - directly facing Isabella. Their eyes locked.

Isabella flinched first, looking away instantly.

Alexander resumed conversations without reaction. Noticing his indifference, Victoria's lips curved in triumph.

After ten draining minutes of socializing, Emily dragged Isabella toward the refreshments. "I need wine. Lots of wine."