The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 317

"Damn it! That obnoxious woman actually dares to challenge us?" Jasper's face twisted with annoyance as he ground his teeth. "Haynie, keep raising the bid! I refuse to believe she can outmatch you!"

Stella's voice was calm but clear. "My budget is eighty million. If Mr. O'Brien bids higher than that, the necklace is his. But if his budget falls short, he shouldn't bother competing with me."

She glanced at Haynes and offered a soft, almost teasing smile.

"Either way, you won't win against me."

"Eighty million?!" Jasper nearly burst out laughing. His tone was thick with ridicule. "Stella, you must be dreaming. With your shabby finances, could you even cough up eighty thousand on your own if it weren't for a man backing you?"

Stella's eyes flickered as she looked at him. "Since you're so impressive, Mr.

Wilkinson, why don't you bid the eighty million yourself?"

Jasper opened his mouth but faltered, lost for words.

million was no

no way he'd put on a

believe Stella had that kind of

off. "Oh, I get it! You're trying to trick us, just like before-drive the price

in place, triumphant. "Stella, you

you say. Anyone can eat a meal as they please, but you can't just run your mouth. We're all here

worthwhile, and if something exceeds my limit, I simply stop. By your logic, does that mean anyone who

played across her lips. "I've won more

afford all that? Please, you're just living off

Wilkinson, not every woman needs a man to buy things for

paid for herself. I had nothing to do with it. So perhaps you shouldn't be so quick to assume the

down on might just be wealthier and more

words instantly won over many of the women in the room, while any remaining

in the crowd. "Isn't that guy's last name Wilkinson? With an attitude like

is the real head of our group. If this guy can't respect women, there's no way we're working with his family. I'll call her right