The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 52

Chapter 52: Plotting

When the painting, "Anya in the wind," was finally unveiled, Anya's breath caught in her throat. She had never thought she would get to see it again. But as the bidding began, Anya's excitement turned to dismay. The price quickly soared beyond her budget, and she realized quickly that even if she worked for a hundred years, she wouldn't be able to afford it.

Desperation gnawed at Anya as she watched the bids climb higher and higher. She could not. lose this painting again. Her agitation grew as her eyes found their way over to Daniel, who was watching the proceedings with a look of quiet determination. And then, to her utter shock, he raised his paddle.

Anya's heart sank as Daniel's bid was accepted, and the gavel fell with a decisive thud. The painting was his.

After the auction ended, Anya tapped Daniel by the shoulder, causing him to turn. She knew she had to swallow her pride and ask him for a conversation, no matter how much she disliked

the idea.

"Daniel," she said stiffly, her voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling inside her. "We

need to talk."

Daniel turned to face her; his expression remained soft, giving her the delusion that he liked her. As the thought crossed her mind, she waved it away. She could only hope he would be willing to part with the painting. "Of course

Anya," he replied, his tone gentle."Let's meet at the restaurant on the third floor."

Anya hesitated for a moment, steeling herself for the conversation to come. "I will go over and wait for you," she began, her voice steady. "I am guessing you already know what I wish to say, since you did not refuse to meet." Daniel displayed a self-deprecating smile right at that moment. "You want the painting?" he asked, his tone filled with certainty. He was not guessing. This was a fact.

Chipper 5) Plotting

Anya nodded stiffly, her jaw set in determination. "Yes. t holds sentimental value for me, and I would like to have it."

moment, his expression unreadable. "I see," he said finally. "You go ahead to the

both got up to leave the auction hall. Daniel was not interested in anything being sold. He just came for Anya, and

to settle the matter regarding the painting at the auction house. It was not that she did not trust him; she was just too anxious to realize that she

It held sentimental value to her. He finished with the auction, his eyes never straying

sat Autumn.

Shaw, the CEO?" Autumn spotted

know him?" Stanley

there anyone who didn't? But did you know that he was

too." Stanley muttered,

you want to buy it for the canary?" she asked, eliciting a raised brow from

from my book more than any other

let them get to her ears. She is already guarded. If she gets

red and returned to minding her business. Stanley glanced at the door they had just left with dark eyes. He did not like the idea of things getting out of control. He tried to relax and pulled out his phone. The next moment, he sent a message to a number and put his phone away. Daniel and Anya made their way up to a restaurant in silence, neither knowing what the other was thinking. The elegant ambiance of the upscale restaurant couldn't disguise the tension crackling between Anya and Daniel as they sat

break the ice after the waiter served tea to

said, but Daniel did not respond. It was as though

to offer anything for

asked, and she paused. He was right. He was a billionaire. What could she

pay for it at the

you are willing, but we both know you can't, or else you would have bought it. Besides, wouldn't it defeat my purpose of buying it if I just gave it to you?" he asked.

expression blank. "Because, Anya, I know it's worth

bought it because you know you wanted

"Yes." He answered.

something I desperately wanted, you want something from me, don't you?" Daniel looked down at his cup of coffee, unable to look at her. "You

where this conversation was heading." There is a limit. Holding this painting does