In the Lap of Luxury

The last item up for auction was an ancient poetry book, with a starting bid of two million dollars.

Grace jokingly messaged Xander. "This item has great research value. I was originally reluctant to bring it out. Are you interested in it, Mr. Fulton?" Xander's slender fingers glided across his phone. "Let's end this year on a high note."

Upon receiving this message, Grace heard Hazel's bid from behind. "Three million dollars."

Since Xander was supporting his girlfriend, most bidders didn't dare compete with him. At most, they only raised the price slightly.

Matthew was among them, bidding up to six million dollars before backing down.

The auctioneer announced, "Mr. Fulton bids 6.5 million dollars, going once, going twice—"

"7.5 million."

A crisp, young voice that hadn't been heard all evening rang out from the corner. At once, all eyes turned to look.

A man sat in an inconspicuous spot. His profile cast a slight shadow under the light, exuding a debonair charm.

Hazel whispered, "It's Jake."

Naturally, Xander had noticed too. Jake was focused on the stage and the front row.

Grace's heart was in turmoil. She hadn't expected Jake to stir up trouble like this. She immediately looked toward Xander and shook her head.

Xander understood what she meant.

Receiving the order, Hazel continued bidding, "Eight million dollars."

"8.5 million dollars."

"Nine million dollaes."

"9.5 million dollars."

Jake persisted in bidding, incrementing the bid by 500 thousand dollars with each round.

Except for the auctioneer's voice, the only other voices in the entire venue belonged to Hazel and Jakes, who were bidding against each other, making the atmosphere particularly tense. Grace sensed that something was wrong and messaged Xander. "Don't bid anymore. Let Jake be the fool if he wants to."

Xander saw the message but didn't reply.

Hazel's bid had already reached 13 million dollars

Even the auctioneer was now excited. "Mr. Fulton bids 13 million dollars. Does the gentleman over there have a higher bid?"

It was no wonder she didn't know Jake's name; it wasn't on the list.

Jake raised his paddle. "15 million dollars."

"18 million dollars."

They were truly insane. Grace's heart was pounding hard.

While the item did indeed have research value, the price was

outrageous and exceeded the net

of bidding. It had turned into a

scope

competition between the brothers.

"20 million dollars."

Hazel lowered her head to inquire. Upon receiving the answer, she took a sharp breath before raising her paddle. "30 million dollars."

Clearly, Xander was tired of the wrangling. He directly increased the bid by 10 million dollars, confronting Jake head-on.

Everyone looked at Jake. There was a momentary change in his expression, but it quickly disappeared.

The auctioneer asked three times

but didn't see Jake raise his paddle. She then concluded, "30 million dollars! This item goes to MroFulton. Congratulations!"

Applause filled the room.

Sitting still, Xander remained calm and ignored Jake's gaze.

Once the auction ended, Grace went to handle follow-up matters. As she stood up, she glanced at Xander.

He remained calm as usual, but she could sense his emotions brewing beneath the surface, ready to erupt.

After walking through the crowd,

Jake With a smile, "Xander et

never knew that you liked poetry. I didn't expect you to spend somuch and take away what I wanted.

Xander was slightly taller than him. The two locked eyes.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Xander took a handkerchief to wipe his hands. "I didn't expect you to be so interested in attending my wife's annual party."

"Don't you think it's too early to call her your wife now?"