Chapter: 40

The bidding for the diminutive jade tiger escalated from eight million to fifteen million.

Joyce faltered, her mind racing against the constraints of the budget Caiden had set for her.

In contrast, Daniela sat poised and assured, her manner as she bid radiating a commanding presence of autonomy and influence.

Many spectators, particularly the women, admired her tranquil yet assertive demeanor, coveting her financial independence and confidence.

Overwhelmed by envy, Joyce could barely contain herself as whispers of admiration for Daniela echoed from _ the socialites gathered behind her. Steeling her resolve, she raised her bidding paddle with a determined hand.

"Fifteen million, one hundred thousand!" Joyce declared, her voice tight with tension.

Daniela, poised and composed, effortlessly raised her own paddle. "Sixteen million."

"Sixteen million, one hundred thousand..."

Without missing a beat, Daniela countered smoothly, "Seventeen million."

At that moment, Joyce felt the collective gaze of the room converge upon her.

She tugged at the fabric of her dress, her thoughts whirling in turmoil. Bidding any higher would devour her entire allowance from Caiden for the next six months.

"Ms. Holt, will you continue?" the auctioneer inquired, his smile coaxing. "This piece is truly a heart's desire. Do you wish to bid further?"

Joyce's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red. Continue?

How could he suggest such a thing? Unlike Daniela, who wielded her own fortune with independence, Joyce was keenly aware that every dollar she spent was at the discretion of Caiden.

Joyce's heart seethed with envy, yet her expression showcased only a delicate vulnerability. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she grasped Alexander's sleeve. "Alexander, Daniela is trying to disgrace me in front of everyone."

Before Daniela could mount a defense, Lillian burst forth, her finger pointed accusingly at Joyce. "Enough! How much more slander will you hurl at Daniela? This is a respectable auction! If it's beyond your means, just own up to it. Why blame others because you didn't win? Enough with your theatrics!"

Joyce's tears cascaded down her cheeks, punctuating her sorrow with theatrical flair.

Alexander stood abruptly, his icy stare ensnaring Lillian.

As he prepared to interject, Daniela also rose, stepping in and drawing Lillian back. Her warm eyes hardened.

"Enough, Daniela!" Alexander interjected smoothly.

Despite her efforts to extinguish the old flames, his words sliced through her, painfully sharp. After all, he was the one she had cherished for so long.

Pressing her lips tightly, Daniela fought back the quiver that threatened to betray her emotions.

On the verge of speaking, she felt a shadow fall over her. A hand enclosed her wrist and pulled her back in one smooth, protective motion.

"Cut the nonsense, Mr. Bennett. Who's actually crossing the damn line here?" The words, tinged with authority, sliced through the thick silence enveloping the room. His piercing gaze roved over the gathered onlookers, finally anchoring on Alexander. "So, Daniela was once blind to your machinations, and now you presume to push her around at your whim? Cut the shit. This nonsense stops right now."