Chapter 777
777:
The lukewarm response made Haven’s smile falter.
She tightened her lips, then deliberately added, “You know, my birthday’s in just a little over two weeks. It’ll be the first time I celebrate it back in Grester, which—”
makes it feel especially important.”
Though Collin’s mind wandered elsewhere, his face betrayed nothing.
“Is that so?” he responded, his voice steady and even.
Haven, picking up on his lack of enthusiasm, grew increasingly uneasy. His continued indifference gnawed at her patience.
She believed she had everything a man like Collin could possibly want—grace, intelligence, and charm—yet none of it seemed to matter to him.
In her mind, she had already dropped enough hints. Any man with a shred of decency would have taken the cue and offered to gift her that necklace for her birthday.
For someone like Collin, securing the necklace should have been effortless.
Money wasn’t the issue. As the founder of CR Corporation, he could buy out the entire auction if he pleased.
What truly mattered was whether he wanted to make that gesture.
On stage, the auctioneer picked up the pace and addressed the crowd. “Esteemed guests, we’ll begin the bidding for the Star of the Desert diamond necklace at $100 million!”
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The atmosphere in the room shifted. Whispers spread, and expressions changed. With that price, many of the admirers silently pulled back, losing their interest.
It wasn’t surprising—most could only dream of competing at that level.
Moments passed before someone finally broke the silence. “$110 million.”
Another voice followed. “$120 million.”
Then came another. “$130 million.”
The bidding climbed slowly, each number drawing more attention. Those seated farther back craned their necks, eager to witness just how far it would go.
“$200 million!” someone shouted.
“$250 million,” the next bidder said without a moment’s hesitation.
A curious voice from the crowd suddenly rang out. “Isn’t it odd? Mr. Riley and Mr. Green haven’t made a single move.”
“Mr. Green and Mr. Riley probably just don’t like this necklace.”
“That can’t be right. I’m quite sure I heard Ms. Walton say the Star of the Desert is beautiful. She must like it to have said that.”
“Well, Aurora didn’t seem all that interested. Perhaps that’s why Mr. Green hasn’t raised his paddle.”
Slowly but steadily, the price climbed to three hundred million dollars. Many of the wealthy bidders began to back out upon realizing they couldn’t keep up.
The Star of the Desert was quite beautiful, but they couldn’t afford it.
.
.
.