Mission: From Divorcee to Millionaire

Everett's eyes darkened as he clamped his lips shut, choosing to stay silent. Abraham, too, had a prime seat in the front row, though on the opposite side, his special status ensuring he was treated with respect. Tonight, both the power players and the financial heavyweights were in attendance, and the organizers were practically glowing with pride.

Moments later, Joy returned to find Everett and Selena sitting together, which only fueled her irritation. Who in the world thought this seating arrangement was a good idea? It was practically an open invitation for Selena to cozy up to Everett. Selena, with her complete lack of boundaries!

Joy shot daggers at Selena, but Selena seemed blissfully oblivious, lounging comfortably. The auction officially kicked off, forcing Joy to swallow her anger and take her seat. The auctioneer took the stage, showcasing each item up for bid.

Selena flipped through the catalog. The Heart of Ice necklace, the piece she was after, was listed tenth, with a starting bid of ten million dollars. She and Blaine had set aside a hundred million dollars for it. Although steep, the sentimental value of reclaiming a family heirloom was priceless.

Her gaze lingered on the catalog until she sensed a penetrating stare beside her. Instinctively, Selena glanced up, only to catch a glimpse of Everett's indifferent profile, making her wonder if she'd imagined it. She frowned slightly, said nothing, and looked away.

The auctioneer announced, "Next up is the Heart of Ice necklace, a cherished heirloom from the once-renowned Irwin family of Northtown, starting at ten million dollars. Highest bidder wins!"

Hearing this, Joy instantly grasped Selena's intent-to retrieve her family's

necklace. Well, she could kiss that dream goodbye! Selena was quick to raise her paddle.

"Miss Selena bids ten million dollars. Any other offers?" the auctioneer called.

With a smirk, Joy raised her paddle, "Fifty million."

The bid multiplied fivefold, causing a buzz in the room as eyes shifted to Joy. As the future sister-in-law of the city's most influential man and the fiancée of Newport's richest, she certainly knew how to make an impression.

Selena had braced herself for a fierce battle and was determined not to back down. She raised her paddle again.

"Miss Selena bids sixty million dollars," announced the auctioneer. The crowd's attention swung back to Joy.

Clearly, this was a face-off between the new Mrs. Bennett and the old Mrs. Bennett. Joy raised her paddle, "One hundred million."noveldrama

Selena bit her tip. She was aware of the Kesler family's financial standing. Wealthy, yes, but not this wealthy if Joy was bidding that high, it meant Everett was likely backing her. Selena glanced at Everett, who sat there, cold and

expressionless.

Taking a deep breath, Selena raised her paddle once more, "One hundred fifty million."

Even Joy was momentarily

surprised. Did Selena really have

that kind of money? After pouring so much into a project, how did she still

have this much cash on hand?

Selena was probably at her breaking point.

Joy had overshot her budget too, but she knew Selena's emotional ties to the necklace. Selena would do whatever it took to get it back. Joy figured if she bought it, Selena would eventually have to come crawling, giving Joy the satisfaction of revenge.

Joy declared, "Three hundred million!"

The room fell silent at the astronomical bid. Even for such a valuable necklace, three hundred million was beyond steep. Selena's brow furrowed deeply; she couldn't bid any higher.

"Three hundred million going once, going twice, going thrice-" the auctioneer began, just as a deep male voice interrupted.

"Five hundred million."