Chapter 7 Getting What You Want

At that moment, a woman from the back row raised her paddle. Sonya stated, "Twenty million." Samuel chimed in, "Thirty million." Sonya countered, "Fifty million." Samuel's expression darkened. Someone dares to challenge me in the bidding? A sly smile played at his lips. "One hundred million." Giada observed Samuel, her curiosity piqued. Does he know the secret behind this painting? A shadow passed over her face, but she didn't look at him. Without hesitation, Sonya raised her paddle once more. "Two hundred million." Samuel furrowed his brow. Who is this woman? She raised the bid by 100 million in one go. Impressive. But Samuel's frustration only deepened. His mind raced. Tonight's auction seemed to hold countless secrets, and he was determined not to let go of even one item. Tilda, who had been watching the bidding with casual indifference, couldn't believe how much a mere painting was fetching. She leaned in and said, "Samuel, it's just a painting. It's not worth this much." She couldn't see what made it so special either. Samuel's handsome face hardened, a chill settling over him. His brows furrowed deeply. This painting—he had definitely seen it before. But where? He couldn't quite place it. It was so familiar. The host, astonished that a simple landscape painting was bringing in 200 million, grew even more animated. "Two hundred million, going once ... two hundred million, going twice ... two hundred million, going thrice." No one dared to outbid. Giada let out a cold laugh. She had overestimated Samuel. She had hoped he might understand the secret of the painting. The host, now beaming, announced the winner. "Congratulations to bidder number 27 for winning Cloudy Ridges." Ronald was practically glowing with joy. He had bought the painting for only 2,000 at an antique market, and now it had sold for 200 million. He was in for a celebration he'd never forget. But little did he know, the painting was worth billions. When the truth came to light, he would deeply regret it. Giada exhaled a silent breath of relief. The painting's appearance wasn't a coincidence. Andy, I won't let your death be in vain, she thought, her pain growing deeper. The next item up for auction was a piece of Saint-Porchaire ware. Giada glanced at it, then at Ronald, who was still grinning from ear to ear. A wicked smile tugged at her lips. This fool is finished. A few minutes later, the ware was sold for 100 million to a wealthy bidder. Finally, the violet diamond was presented. It instantly became the focus of everyone in the room. Giada looked at the violet diamond—it was large, encased in a glass tube. It was real, but there was nothing exceptional about it. Why is Grandpa so obsessed with it? Cloudy Ridges is worth billions. I've spent six years searching for that painting. Now it appeared before me, without warning. Is it part of a plan, or is it just luck? The host's voice rose with excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, this is the grand finale of tonight's auction: the Violet Diamond from the Waysen Mountain range, a pure gem. The starting bid is 50 million, with no upper limit." A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Ronald, more than anyone, was beaming, his posture exaggerated as he soaked up the attention. "Samuel, I know you came for this violet diamond. Let's see how much you're willing to spend tonight," Ronald said playfully. He glanced at Giada, who sat still, her demeanor as cold as ever. It seemed she, too, had come for the violet diamond. A classic scenario—the ex-husband and ex-wife competing, and he would profit from it. It couldn't have been better for him. Samuel gazed at the violet diamond. "Still worth a look." But his eyes soon flickered toward Giada, who remained cold and distant. Yet, there was something different about her now. She seemed even more aloof, more beautiful, and strangely unfamiliar. He involuntarily clenched his fists. After their divorce, he had expected her to return to her quiet life in the small town, but instead, she had quickly entered Alfie's world. Ronald, ever the tease, leaned in. "Samuel, you're going all out for Tilda, huh? Seems like you've found true love this time." His voice was just loud enough for Giada to hear. Giada's face remained unreadable, but she couldn't ignore the sharp ache in her chest. Samuel was bidding for the violet diamond to give to Tilda. Ronald noticed the unruffled expression on her stunning face. Giada still wore that same cold, indifferent mask. How lame. Tilda, on the other hand, was stunned. Samuel is bidding on the violet diamond for me? How perfect. It will make Giada green with envy. Samuel's gaze flickered for a moment but remained silent. The bidding had now reached 200 million. Ronald leaned in eagerly. "Samuel, it's your turn."