The Ex-Wife's Burning Elegance

Chapter 603

Abby couldn't make sense of what Haynes was doing.

"What's up with Haynes? Is he bidding on Aurora's painting too? And since when are those two so chummy?"

A new thought struck her. "Wait, you don't think he's got a thing for Aurora, do you?"

Abby and Stella were the kind of friends who shared everything, and just as Haynes knew about Stella's background, Abby did too.

Stella's surprise faded. She shrugged, her voice calm. "Last time, he needed a favor with the guest list and tracked down Aurora for help. Maybe now he just wants to return the favor."

Abby snorted. "What a convenient way to play the good guy."

On stage, Sherman didn't seem the least bit annoyed to have a rival bidder; in fact, he looked genuinely pleased.

If someone was willing to compete, it meant Aurora's work was truly valued.

He quickly raised his paddle to ten million.

Haynes countered with twelve million.

Their rapid-fire bidding war made most of the other buyers back off immediately.

Sure, they were wealthy-but not out of their minds.

No

who genuinely loved Aurora's work- and

million, both Haynes

auctioneer beamed. "Aurora's 'Blossom' has been sold to Mr. Coulter for fifteen

famous hands, so the highest any fetched was just over ten million—still less than

of this, Abby couldn't

to me. It's just Haynes and Sherman jacking up the price

an hour later, the

for so long, everyone was eager for

Stella had just stepped out of the restroom when Stella's phone rang. Mr. Burton's name flashed on the

turned to Abby. "It's Mr. Burton. Go on ahead, I'll catch up after this

found a quiet

"Mr. Burton."

cheerful voice came through. "Stella, you remember our talk

remembered meeting Sellers Burton not

"...I remember."

"Sellers finally wrapped up what he had

do you have time

you

for you

was clearly determined to see

already agreed in principle, she