Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Often, the person who falls in love first ends up at a disadvantage.

"80 million."

Someone, not one of the people I'd bribed, upped the ante by ten million right on top of Kate's bid. I glanced around, trying to spot any of my plants.

For the items leading up to Kate's, I'd paid off a few bidders to drive up the prices, making her dig deeper into her pockets.

"Claude," she began, a hint of worry in her voice, "they're driving up the price, I..."

"100 million." Claude didn't respond directly, but his actions spoke volumes. He was willing to drop a cool hundred million for Kate, for that particular item. But then, someone from the VIP lounge upstairs threw down a bombshell bid of 200 million.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd.

"Could it be that person from the Hilton clan?"

I looked up, questioning. The Hilton clan? Max had just left; could there really be another player from the Hilton powerhouse?

"Kate, if you like the design, we can find another one."

Claude didn't continue the bidding war. Was he really that wary of the Hilton clan's heavyweight?

Was he that intimidated by his uncle?

it because the black card is with Claire? Can you talk to Claire and get it back to buy this crown? You promised me the most

Claude glanced my way.

that I was about to return it to

he refused Kate. "The black card is Claire's now. As for the crown,

managing a compliant, "Okay, I've already got a lot today.

end, the crown

the black card, which seemed

I left the venue, feeling somewhat lost. This version of Claude was

thwarting my

everything had turned sour

I managed a weak smile and entered my

Who was Max, really?

Did Claude love me?

was filled with

Ding-dong-

The doorbell rang.

hour, it had to be Claude,

opened the door, it was a delivery person from the auction house, handing over the items

by Kate

for you. He asked me to