Unmasking the Heiress by Sisi Yea

Chapter 44

"Sixty million dollars."

The room hushed in an instant. Walter was the one who bid, casting a challenging look at James and Evangeline, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes set on the Foster Group's treasured heirloom.

James caught Walter's challenging gaze, as sharp as a thorn, and then shared a knowing look with Evangeline. With her silent nod he countered, "Sixty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars." ["Seventy-five million dollars," Walter shot back, lifting his paddle once more.

The auction had turned into a private war between the Gordon family and Foster Group. The rest of the crowd, recognizing the futility of competing, bowed out. gracefully.

The sapphire necklace, rare as it was, should not fetch more than 30 million at its peak. The current bid was astronomical, way beyond the necklace's worth. No one else was willing to play the fool and foot that bill.

Encouraged by a subtle cue from Evangeline, the two headstrong men kept upping the ante until the price hit a staggering 120 million dollars. Julia, beside herself with worry, nearly lunged to snatch the paddle from Walter's grip, her entire frame quivering. 120 million dollar Finally, Walter Gordon snagged the Foster Group's prized heirloom for a cool 135 million dollars. James watched him, a touch of regret in his shrug, but his smile did not fade as he passed the charity ambassador badge to Walter.

Evangeline, quick as ever, slipped off her necklace and gave Walter a playful wink. Well, I'll be, Mr. Walter Gordon, you've turned out to be quite the philanthropist!"

Walter was not born yesterday. He knew he had been played by Evangeline and

James.

was 135 million to a

of Evangeline, standing by James, cheering him on-that really got

was planning to win that necklace for you, but it looks like that's off the table now." James chimed in, patting Evangeline's

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sarcasm. "Mr. Walter Gordon, your willingness to

our family's treasure, well, that's destiny for you. Who else in the world has the heart to throw around that amount to help those

Group's soon-to-be-launched Charity Care Medical Association

the charity fund would take off without a hitch? Foster Group barely had to dip into

'She's a sharp one, my niece,' he mused with

a frosty smile as he casually dismissed the praise. "Oh, it's nothing. Gordon Group wouldn't be where it is without everyone's backing. It's only fair

but the air

spot, and Walter's knowledge of it meant he had either

composure, taking a leisurely sip of his wine and responding with a frosty chuckle, "Lawyering is just a side gig for me. If it gets too much, I'll just

for effect, then with a pointed look added, "Though, rest assured, I've got plenty of time to wrap up

sparring over drinks, Julia

stepped out from the circle of power players, instantly becoming the center of attention. The spotlight seemed to follow her every move. Curious glances and whispers about her connection with James buzzed around the