The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 252

Chapter 252: An Auction

Vivian tossed and turned restlessly that night, unable to sleep as Mathew's proposition played over and over in her mind. On one hand, the offer was almost too good to be true - all of her debts wiped away, Maya's medical costs covered indefinitely, enough money to ensure her niece wanted for nothing. It was as though he was auditioning for fairy god parent position or sugar daddy.

But at what cost? Vivian had seen firsthand the brutality of Mathew's world, the violence linked to his shadowy underworld dealings. Could she really tie herself to that life, even if it meant security for Maya? What if she had to have her hand cut off one day? What if she has to cut a person's arm? She shook her head. What was she thinking. Money was the only thing she should consider. She was not sure if the surgery would go on if she rejected his offer.

As the first rays of sunlight peeked through her curtains like a stalker, Vivian made her decision. For Maya's sake, for their future, she would accept Mathew's offer. The little girl's life and health were her top priorities, no matter what personal sacrifices had to be made. Is it not just an arm?

Sliding out of bed, Vivian walked over to the small desk in the corner of her dingy studio apartment. There, she retrieved the glossy black card Mathew had dropped on the hospital desk. a number was printed in sleek silver lettering.

After staring at the card for several long moments, she pulled on jeans and a t-shirt and headed out into the city streets. Making her way to the high-end shopping mall nearby, Vivian wandered the various stores until she found a top brand she liked.

"I need something that looks like I could order to have an arm choped off," she told the snooty saleswoman, who eyed her doubtfully. Vivian pulled out Mathew's black card, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

Two hours and several thousand dollars later, Vivian emerged from the boutique in a nice black and white dress. She looked every inch the best friend of money and worn enemy of poverty.

Standing aside, she pulled out the black business card once more and tapped in the number printed on it. The line rang once before a smooth male voice answered.

"Hello, Ms. Greyson. I take it you've made your decision?"

She could hear the smirk in Mathew's tone and scowled. "Just tell me where to meet you."

"No need. I'll have my people come to you. Front entrance of the mall in fifteen minutes." The line went dead.

later, Mathew's bodyguard Joe emerging to open

her a respectful

instructed.

Enclave Hotel."

hums a

he simply nodded. He was not sure if she was already

character.

ritziest district. Joe ushered her

manager was waiting for them,

been expecting you. Right

set of double doors. Only her eyes betrayed her inner nerves as they flitted around, taking in the gilded surroundings and the

be an empty auction room, with rows of empty seats facing a small stage. "This is where you'll be viewing the auction from, Mrs. Shaw. Can I get you anything." The manager was overly attentive,

that won't be necessary,"

to see a sharply dressed man in his 40s entering the room, extending a hand toward her. "Mrs Shaw,

before looking away. She

he backed

armchair, Levi snapped his fingers and two men in suits entered, placing a small table beside her chair. One poured a glass of deep red wine and set out a plate of fresh fruits and cheeses, as if they were

room.

be auctioned today," Levi

the list, her stomach turning queasily. This was all

agreeing to 'marry' Mathew. She scanned the listings half-heartedly, checking off a Ming vase and an antique revolver in the hopes of appearing convincingly engaged. She had already gotten a list fo

the windows, sipping her wine. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out gratefully, relieved at any distraction. She kept to her charcter at all times, barely speaking unless she wanted to and it was geeting tiring. It was her high school group chat, filled with chatter about an upcoming 10-year reunion she hadn't even been aware of. Vivian scrolled through the messages passively until a new one

touch with...I actually ran into Vivian Greyson