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Novel Catalog
Chapter 38
Gale recognized the bracelet instantly. She had seen it countless times before, wrapped around her mother Wendy’s wrist. It was a family heirloom, passed down from her grandmother. Wendy had always told her that one day, when Gale got married, the bracelet would be hers. But after the Warm family fell into ruin, everything valuable was sold off, including the bracelet.
To her surprise, she found herself face to face with this cherished piece of jewelry again, in a place she never expected.
“The starting price is one hundred thirty dollars,” the auctioneer called out. “The highest bid wins!”
One hundred thirty dollars. Gale didn’t have that kind of money, not even close. The crowd surrounding her was filled with wealthy individuals who had no interest in a simple jade bracelet.
Suddenly, a soft voice broke through the murmur. “I’ll bid one hundred thirty dollars.”
All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. It was Gale, holding the bidding card with a look of determination on her face.
“You?” Susan sneered. “Do you even have a hundred dollars?”
Laughter spread through the room. Gale bit her lip, feeling the sting of their mockery. She had no money, but she couldn’t stand the thought of this bracelet slipping away from her.
Ignoring the taunts, Susan shouted, “Ignore her! She’s just here to cause trouble!”
Gale slowly lowered her bidding card, a wave of regret sweeping over her. Mom, I’m sorry, I can’t protect your precious bracelet.
Shawn’s eyes briefly met Gale’s, giving her a silent, thoughtful look. Just as the tension thickened, a voice cut through the silence. “Two hundred thousand dollars.”
Gale’s head snapped up. It was Sam. Her heart skipped a beat. Sam knew the significance of the bracelet, just as she did.
Sam smiled warmly at her, offering a reassuring glance. He was going to buy it—for her.
The auctioneer nodded, acknowledging the bid. “Mr. Carson has offered two hundred thousand. Any other bids?”
Susan scoffed, clearly unimpressed. “What’s so special about this bracelet? I could get one just like it.”
Shawn’s voice, cool and smooth, interrupted. “Do you want it?”
Susan, who normally had no interest in jade, hesitated. She preferred diamonds and flashy gems, but her competitive streak kicked in. I have to outbid Gale.
“Yes! Mr. Wood, please get it for me!” she demanded.
Shawn’s lips curved into a faint smile as he raised his bidding card.
“Six hundred thousand.”
The crowd gasped in surprise at the sudden escalation of the price.
“Mr. Wood is bidding?” someone whispered in the back. “What makes this bracelet worth that much?”
“The jade is nice, but it’s not worth six hundred thousand,” another person murmured.
Shawn’s expression remained unreadable, his intentions hidden. But one thing was clear—he intended to win the bracelet.
“Six hundred thousand,” the auctioneer stammered. “Mr. Wood has placed a bid of six hundred thousand.”
Gale’s heart sank. Shawn always got what he wanted. And if he was bidding on the bracelet, it could only be because of Susan.
No, it couldn’t be.
Feeling a wave of frustration, Gale stood up and made her way toward Shawn. She didn’t care about the eyes following her every move.
“Why did you bid on it?” she asked, her voice tight with emotion.
Shawn glanced at her, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “Why do you care?”
“Are you buying it for Susan?” Gale pressed, her gaze steady.
Shawn raised an eyebrow. “What does it matter to you?”
Gale let out a soft sigh. “There are plenty of better items here. The jade bracelet is just a trinket. You don’t need to waste your money on it.”
Shawn looked at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. “I have plenty of money.”
Gale’s mind raced, but she couldn’t find the words to respond.