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.

for more offers, but when none

face froze as he glanced sharply at Stella. Why had

generous than I

“If you can't

the least bit ruffled. She just smiled faintly and

narrowed her eyes as she pieced

and warning. "Jasper, stop bidding against Stella.

not entirely oblivious. He could sense something was off, but pride kept him from admitting it. He scoffed, "She's provoking me? Who says

the next

item up for auction

raised her paddle

twice already, Jasper's lips curled into

She wasn't the only one who could run up the

four. Stella answered with five, and Jasper-without missing a beat-shot up

just as before, Stella