A Widow's Poison, A Wife's Rebellion novel Chapter 305

Darleen, separated from the two by one seat, felt her own anger rising, while Xenia looked ready to explode.

Herbert’s voice hadn't been loud, but his words had carried clearly. He was going to buy it for Starla? How dare he? Starla was still Fairfax’s wife, for God's sake.

Darleen, especially, couldn't contain her indignation. She had come here specifically to purchase this gem, aiming to restore some of the Yelchin family's tarnished prestige among her peers. With Herbert now in the mix, she forced a smile and leaned forward, adopting the tone of a gentle elder. "Herbert, you can't fight me for this one. Brinley just had babies for our family. This is her reward."

Herbert, however, completely ignored her. The blatant disregard left an awkward silence hanging in the air. Darleen shifted uncomfortably, and Xenia shot a venomous glare at Starla.

"No, don't," Starla said quietly to Herbert. "I'll bid on it myself."

She was buying it for her brother to give to his girlfriend. It would be strange if Herbert bought it for her.

"There's a red diamond coming up later," he offered.

A red diamond? That would work, too. "Okay, I'll take that one," Starla agreed.

Xenia heard her and nearly leaped out of her seat. What did she mean, she'd take that one? That was the piece she had her heart set on. Did she plan to snatch the red diamond away too? Parading around with Herbert was one thing, but now this...

The other guests in the rows behind watched the tense tableau between the Yelchins, Starla, and Herbert, exchanging glances but not daring to whisper a word.

After detailing the diamond's history and provenance, the auctioneer officially started the bidding. The opening price for the magnificent blue diamond was set at a staggering one hundred million.

Hands immediately shot up around the room. Many had come tonight for this very stone.

"One hundred and ten million!"

"One hundred and fifteen million!"

Darleen’s heart pounded in her chest. She glared at Starla. Two hundred million! Did she really have that kind of money? The divorce settlement hadn't even been transferred to her account yet. She must be a social climber. Spending two hundred million on a piece of jewelry she probably wouldn't even know how to wear. What a waste!

Fairfax’s own rage was simmering just below the surface.

The auctioneer, sensing the tension, quickly picked up another microphone. "Two hundred million going once! Two hundred million going twice! Two hundred…"

"Two hundred and ten million!"

A sharp, icy voice cut through the silence.

It was Fairfax. His eyes, cold and dangerous, were locked on Starla's profile as he made the bid. Yet, she didn't even spare him a glance.