The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 312

Even as Jasper's adrenaline surged, he knew full well that this jade bracelet had already been driven far past its true value.

The auctioneer's smile was starting to look almost twisted, barely managing to keep from grinning ear to ear with unbridled delight.

After all, their commission was tied directly to the final hammer price of each item. While every piece here started out expensive enough, if bidding stayed close to the reserve price, their cut remained modest. The higher the bids soared above market, the fatter their paycheck. The more reckless the bidders, the happier the auction staff became.

Seeing Jasper hesitate, Stella leaned forward with a gentle, teasing lilt. "Mr. Wilkinson, if you're not going to bid again, does that mean this bracelet is mine?"

The auctioneer, catching on immediately, raised his gavel and called out, "Eight million—do I have any higher offers?"

"Eight million, once."

If Stella hadn't spoken up, Jasper might have stayed calm. But her words lit a fire

in him; his eyes flashed with irritation. Instantly, he lifted his paddle. "Nine million."

Stella offered him a small, knowing smile and didn't bid further.

called for more offers, but when none came, he

sharply at Stella. Why had

gave a helpless little shrug. "You're far more generous than I am,

a sneer. “If you can't afford to play, maybe you shouldn't be here. This isn't a place

She just smiled

narrowed her eyes as she pieced things

tone low and warning. "Jasper, stop bidding against Stella. She's provoking

but not entirely oblivious. He could sense something was off, but pride kept him from admitting it. He scoffed, "She's provoking me? Who says I can't provoke her right back? Just watch-when the

started to protest, but the next round was

item up for auction was an antique

Stella raised her paddle

been outmaneuvered twice already, Jasper's

She wasn't the only one who could run up

million, Jasper jumped straight to four. Stella answered with five, and

just as before, Stella stopped