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?"

to

paintings, porcelain, and jewelry; however, none captured her interest. Similarly, Brendan chose not to

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

gaze was fixed on the stage, her palms damp with sweat. The herb before her held the promise of her grandfather's recovery, and

bidding starts at ten million dollars. Let's

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Chapter 158

bidding war for the herb kicked off. Mona observed the

"Eleven million dollars!"

dollars, going

"Twelve million dollars!"

in the front row said in Horietan, "I want that for

just use skincare products. Why

I'll bid, the man

Twenty million dollars!"

twenty million already! Anyone

you bidding soon? You'll miss your chance if

the one who hasn't," she

million dollars, going twice!

spend over twenty

Mona's patience wore thin. Anxious about being outbid, she decisively lifted her

auctioneer banged the gavel. "Thirty million dollars! Any further bids? If

"Dear, I want it!

Don't you

skin to be even smoother?

man glanced at Mona and seemed to make up his mind. "Alright,

dollars!" Mona