The Queen's Back

Chapter 158

"I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable, Mr. Conrad. Mona smiled politely. "But I'm married. It would be more appropriate for you to address me as Mrs. Carter."

With that, she no longer wished to engage in conversation. She took our her phone to check if Maxwell had replied to her message. Seeing no response, she figured he must be busy.

Brendan noticed her disinterest and chose not to press further. He closed his eyes, relaxing as the auction began.

Soon, the auctioneer took the stage, and after a brief introduction, the bidding commenced. Mona set her phone down and focused on the items being presented.

The first item was a crown that once belonged to a princess. The auctioneer described its natural pearls, smooth and lustrous. Mona glanced at it, thinking of the pearl bracelet Maxwell had gifted her. "They're probably of similar quality, she thought. Since she already owned something like it, she wasn't particularly interested. Besides, she had come to the auction for business.

"Not interested in the crown, Mrs. Carter? Brendan asked when he noticed that most of the other women were eagerly bidding, while Mona remained still.

"No," she replied.

So which item do you have your eye on? I could help with the bidding if you like," he offered casually.

His question reminded her of the rare herb listed in the auction catalog, which was what she truly wanted.

Seeing that she didn't respond, Brendan said, "I plan to bid on the rare herb. I want to take it back for my father, who hasn't been well lately."

"Well, Mr. Conrad, it looks like you won't be helping me after all. I need that herb too," Mona said calmly.

Many attendees had come specifically for the rare herb. People with wealth often became more protective of their health, and this herb was believed to extend life and enhance vitality, even for the average person.

Brendan chuckled, "If Mrs. Carter would call me 'Brenny, I'd be happy to give you the herb. But the question is, would you?"

"I didn't know a man like you would be trading a nickname for a priceless herb," she remarked dryly. "I didn't realize my calling you that was worth that much."

"Only because it's you," Brendan said with a playful glint in his eye. "I wouldn't bother if it were anyone else. So, Mrs. Carter, will you say it?"

afraid I can't do that, Mr. Carter. She was aware of the numerous other bidders. Even if she conceded to his demands and he backed out, the competition

items such as paintings, porcelain, and jewelry; however, none captured her interest. Similarly,

the moment you've all been waiting for! Up next is the rare herb, known

fixed on the stage, her palms damp with sweat. The herb before her

starts at ten

1/3

Chapter 158

the gavel fell, the bidding war for the herb kicked off. Mona

"Eleven million dollars!"

going

"Twelve million dollars!"

said in Horietan, "I want that for my

skin, just use skincare products. Why waste this

bid,

Twenty million dollars!"

twenty million already! Anyone else?" the auctioneer

soon? You'll miss your chance if you don't do something now,"

who hasn't,"

dollars, going

everyone was willing to spend over twenty million dollars on it. Therefore, many began to drop

auctioneer prepared to make the second call, Mona's patience wore thin. Anxious about being outbid, she decisively lifted her paddle and

auctioneer banged the gavel. "Thirty million dollars! Any further bids? If not, the herb will be Mrs.

"Dear, I want it!

Don't you

even smoother? You'll

his mind. "Alright, I'll get it for you. Thirty

million dollars!"