Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 328: The Second Rule

Others present at the event started bidding as well. Those from Imperial City who were familiar with the two Ford sisters watched with curiosity, waiting to see which one would win. Occasionally, they joined in just to raise the bid, pushing the price up to 2.5 million.

Briena kept glancing at Natalie to see if she would bid further, only then deciding to raise her own bid. She was adamant about not letting Natalie win anything. Given Natalie’s new company and financial situation, she was sure Natalie couldn’t afford expensive items. And if Natalie bid on something cheaper, Briena would make sure to take it away.

Natalie raised her bid. "2.6 million."

"2.8 million," Briena countered immediately.

Natalie kept her expression calm and composed before bidding again, this time taking everyone by surprise. "3.5 million."

"Is she doing it on purpose?" Irene commented angrily. "She can clearly see that Briena wants it, but she won’t back down."

"But Natalie was the one who bid first," someone next to them pointed out.

"She tried to bid low at first. Now that the price has gone up and she can’t afford it, she’s intentionally raising the bid just to make Briena pay more," Irene replied. "She plays mind games really well."

"Then let me raise it for her. Let’s see if she can actually pay," Briena said, increasing the bid. "4 million." Then, looking in Natalie’s direction, she smirked. "After she raises the bid this time, I won’t bid anymore and will make her pay."

"That’s a smart move, Briena. Let her take it. You can get something even better for your grandma."

Briena hummed in agreement and waited for Natalie’s response.

On the other hand, Natalie remained silent. This painting isn’t even worth that much, she thought. But then she remembered the rules James Harper had told her. I can make up for it later when something truly catches my interest and is worth spending on.

The auctioneer looked at Natalie to see if she was going to bid further, but she showed no such intentions. None of the other guests showed interest in bidding either. The starting bid of 1.5 million had now reached 4 million—it was indeed enough.

"Why isn’t she bidding?" Irene asked.

now had to pay for a painting that was worthless in her eyes, and Natalie hadn’t fallen for

began, "4 million once, 4

"Six million!"

echoed through the hall, and everyone

James Harper.

had increased the bid for that painting and it had jumped by two million—an unprecedented leap for

the man sitting next to her, her mind

composed gaze meeting

remembered

continued enthusiastically, "Six million once! Six million

one," Natalie raised

had increased the bid as if she had merely added an extra

Harper to see if he would say anything more, but he remained silent,

the bid, no one

the loud sound of the hammer, the painting was

that means he was telling her to bid ahead. But when this man was

lips curve into a faint smirk. She couldn’t help but smile as well at this unexpected turn, wondering what exactly was going on in

he glad to see what

bitter taste in Briena

him that something was

is clearly enjoying that old man’s money and dared spend it," Irene

how being a sugar baby of someone works," Rina commented, "Such a

the dignity of a princess, frowned

and asked, "Grandpa, is James

here dares to get on his bad side. He is