Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother

Chapter 330: The Precious Perfume

Though Briena could only swallow the bitterness, she consoled Ivan. "It’s alright to lose it, Ivan. I have even better jewelry with me. It’s good that you didn’t spend money on it, and now we can bid higher on what we’re really here for—the perfume, remember?"

Ivan hummed in response, looking forward to getting that precious perfume created by the mysterious perfumer, Dew. He needed it for research, so he could create the next best-selling perfume for his company. It was nearly impossible to get his hands on Dew’s creations, as Dew only made one perfume a year, auctioning it off to the wealthiest bidder.

After another item—on which neither Natalie nor James placed a bid—was won by another guest, the moment finally arrived.

The next item was presented—the one Ivan and Briena had been waiting for.

The auctioneer revealed a palm-sized, beautifully crafted perfume bottle shaped like a water droplet, carrying a transparent liquid inside.

"And here it is—the most awaited item of the night," the auctioneer announced enthusiastically. "A perfume made by the world-renowned perfumer, Dew. As you all know, Dew only creates one perfume per year, and this year’s creation was already auctioned off a few months ago. However, in honor of our esteemed Queen of Belvorn, Dew has broken their own rule and crafted a second perfume in the same year. Though they couldn’t be here tonight, the presence of this perfume at our auction signifies Dew’s deep respect for the Queen, and we truly appreciate this extraordinary gesture..."

As the auctioneer continued speaking, Briena turned to Ivan. "Ivan, Dew’s perfumes are the dream of every perfumer. I’m sure Natalie will try to get it."

Ivan didn’t deny the possibility.

"But this is important," Briena added. "So I plan to help you win it. Bid whatever amount you need, and we’ll split the price between us. Don’t hold back, even if James Harper bids against us." She smirked. "Though he may be the richest businessman, together, the Browns and Fords are no less."

Once more, Ivan hummed in agreement.

The bidding started at 15 million, reflecting just how precious this perfume was and how much buyers valued it.

Most of the women in the audience immediately joined the bidding, each one desperate to get their hands on Dew’s masterpiece.

The price climbed to 30 million, yet neither Natalie nor James had placed a bid—at least, not yet.

"Doesn’t Natalie want this perfume?" Irene asked. "Or does she think she’s better than Dew just because she won some perfume competition?"

"She must be waiting for that old man to buy it for her," Rina commented. "She really knows how to dig money out of them."

Ivan was also surprised to see that Natalie showed no interest in this perfume. Unlike every woman in the hall, she was the only one who didn’t seem excited about it.

Finally, Ivan made the first call for his bid.

"40 million."

it straight by 10 million—an outrageous price

was said to be. After all, what

one of the guests challenged

"45 million."

million," Ivan

filled the hall as

wouldn’t even dare to use the perfume, fearing they’d be wasting money

the bidding continued,

the final

the young

too much?"

smug that Ivan was willing to spend this

with doubt. Even she could tell this wasn’t

auctioneer called, scanning the

Silence.

we’re going

million once... 80 million twice... 80

"2 billion."

gasps erupted

was frozen

80 million to 2 billion—the jump was

to witness such a thing for a perfume that wasn’t even remotely worth that

James Harper.

again, this man had shocked

charity, bidding such an absurd amount? That seemed to be the only

perfume went to James

any further. He knew that if he did, James Harper would simply double the price—he would never lose to anyone. Stepping back was

were still reeling from shock, Natalie remained calm

"Is this also a gift for