“Six billion.”
I lifted my paddle slowly, a calm smile curling on my lips.
Gasps rippled through the room. All eyes swiveled toward me.
“Elena! Are you insane? You’re bidding against me?”
Nathaniel turned in his seat, stunned and furious. “Sit down! You’re humiliating yourself!”
I met his glare without flinching.
“You can flatter your little girlfriend all you want,” I said evenly, “but if I like this piece, I’ll bid on it. Is that a problem?”
He choked on his reply. The number—one billion more than his last—made him hesitate. His jaw clenched.
But then Delilah looked at him with wide, expectant eyes, like a puppy waiting for a treat. Her fingers tightened on his sleeve, and he faltered.
“Six-point-five billion,” he growled, raising his paddle again.
“Seven billion.”
I didn’t even blink.
Nathaniel’s face darkened. His eyes blazed.
“You’re doing this on purpose. Are you trying to humiliate me in front of everyone?”
“Where did you even get seven billion? You don’t have that kind of money!”
I remained silent.
The auctioneer stepped in, his tone professional.
“Ms. Whitmore has deposited the full bidding amount prior to the event. She meets all requirements to participate.”
Whispers filled the room.
Nathaniel’s frown deepened. He clearly hadn’t expected this. After all, during our marriage, he controlled everything—every account, every asset. I had been the perfect housewife, relying on him for monthly allowances.
How could I possibly have that kind of money?
“Mr. Langford,” the auctioneer prompted, “will you continue?”
I tilted my head, giving him a sweet, taunting smile.
He didn’t answer immediately. He looked down, his brow furrowed in calculation. For a moment, it looked like he might back down.
Then Delilah tugged on his sleeve again, her voice trembling.
“You said this would be my confession gift, Mr. Langford…”
That did it.
He couldn’t stand her pitiful face.
“I’ll light the sky lantern!”
He raised his paddle defiantly.
“Whatever price she goes for, I’ll outbid it. I’m winning this tonight—no matter what.”
The crowd burst into excited murmurs. Cameras clicked. Onlookers swooned.
“Mr. Langford is incredible! So generous!”
“Five billion, six billion… Now seven? He’s madly in love with Miss Vance!”
“Mrs. Langford must be burning with shame—how pathetic.”
Delilah flung herself into his arms, her eyes glistening. She looked like the victor.
And Nathaniel? Surrounded by adoration, he looked pleased with himself—like a man standing at the very peak of his life.
I smiled quietly to myself.
Savor it, Nathaniel. This moment will be the last time you shine.
As if on cue, a staff member hurried over and whispered to the auctioneer, who quickly paled. He cleared his throat and stepped forward, face stiff with discomfort.
“I’m terribly sorry, Mr. Langford,” he said cautiously, “but there appears to be an issue with your account.”
