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 man like him?

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

like that's off the table now." James chimed in, patting Evangeline's

1/3

+25 BONUS

James' gaze landed on Walter, it turned icy, laced with sarcasm.

dollars. on 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

Foster Group's soon-to-be-launched Charity Care Medical Association owes you one big thank

charity fund would take off without a hitch? Foster Group barely had to dip into its coffers, thanks to Walter picking up

a sharp one, my niece,'

is without everyone's backing. It's only fair we do our part for the community. "Nonetheless, you seem to

polite, but the air

law firm was indeed in a tight spot, and

with a frosty chuckle, "Lawyering is just a side gig for me. If it gets too much, I'll just step back into the family

"Though, rest assured, I've got

their verbal sparring over drinks,

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