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."

straight by 10 million—an outrageous price for a

but this was already an absurd amount for a mere perfume, no matter how precious it was said to be. After all, what could a perfume contain? It was

of the guests challenged Ivan’s

"45 million."

million," Ivan

hall as the bidding

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

the bidding continued, climbing even

at the final bid of

on him, the young businessman who had suddenly captured

isn’t that too

for business," Briena interjected, feeling smug that Ivan was willing to spend this much.

with doubt. Even she could tell this wasn’t

auctioneer called, scanning the

Silence.

we’re going to

80

"2 billion."

gasps erupted

frozen in

million to 2

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

James Harper.

this man

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

the perfume went to James

did, James Harper would simply double the price—he would never lose to anyone. Stepping back was a better option

others were still reeling from shock, Natalie remained calm as

at James and asked, "Is this also a gift for