The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 46

46 The Rival’s Shadow at the Auction

The fifty million dollars appeared in my account that afternoon, exactly as Sebastian had promised. No delays, no complications A simple transfer that changed everything

I stared at my phone screen the balance seeming almost unreal Sebastian Sinclair had trusted me with this fortune on nothing more than my word and a hastily drafted

Contract

“Did it come through?” Vera asked, peering over my shoulder at the hotel room we’d booked in Shanghai,

“Yes I whispered, still in disbelief. All of it

Vera whistled. “That man doesn’t mess around.

I set my phone down, struggling to process the magnitude of Sebastian’s generosity. Most banks would have required mountains of paperwork for a loan this size. Sebastian

had needed only minutes.

“I need to finish Mrs. Sinclair’s dress before the auction.” I said, pushing away my

thoughts.

The vintage–inspired evening gown lay half–finished on the bed. Mrs. Sinclair had specifically requested my personal touch for her anniversary celebration, and I

wouldn’t let her down.

“You should rest,” Vera frowned. “You’ve been working non–stop since we landed.”

“After the auction,” I promised, threading a needle. This needs to be perfect

The next hours passed in a blur of stitches and fabric. By midnight, the dress was complete – a masterpiece of royal blue silk with delicate beadwork that caught the light like stars.

“Stunning Vera murmured, helping me pack it carefully ‘Mrs. Sinclair will be thrilled?

nodded, satisfaction momentarily overpowering my exhaustion. “The courier will pick it up in the morning”

Pasep cake fitfulty that night. Dreams of jade bracelets and dark eyes haunted me upd dawn crept through the urtains

The auction house was already bustling when we arrived. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the gathering crowd. Wealthy collectors mingled with art dealers. their murmured conversations creating a gentle hum

“Hem forty–seven, Vera checked the program. “Your bracelet comes up in about an

Thou

We found our seats near the center, offering a perfect view of both the auctioneer and other bidders. Iclutched my paddle nervously, running through my bidding strategy

once more

“Relax” Vera squeezed my hand. “With Sebastian’s money backing you, that bracelet is

as good as yours

I nodded, trying to believe her. The first several lots passed in a blur of raised paddles and climbing numbers. I barely registered the antique vases and rare paintings finding

new homes.

Then a commotion at the entrance pulled my attention away. My heart stopped.

Alistair Everett stood in the doorway, his tall frame impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. But it wasn’t his presence alone that froze my blood – it was the wheelchair he pushed, and the frail figure sitting in it.

Ivy.

My stepsister looked smaller than I remembered, wrapped in an expensive cashmere shawl despite the warm room. Her face was pale, her once–vibrant hair now thin and fimp. The perfect picture of a woman fighting terminal illness.

“What are they doing here?” Vera hissed, her hand tightening on my arm.

I couldn’t answer. My throat had closed, choked by a surge of emotions! couldn’t

Masc

They moved toward the seating area, Alistair solicitons in his attention to ley’s comfort. Several attendees glanced their way, sympathy clear in their expressions

course they’d come? I finally managed, bitterness coating each word “hey would hever miss a chance to ruin this for me

Vera’s eyes narrowed. That little witch. Even dying, she can’t leave you in peace

she’s not here by accident. My voice hardened. “She knows exactly what’s in this

auction

As if sensing my gaze, ivy turned in our direction Dur eyes locked across the crowded room For a brief moment, her mask slipped The corners of her mouth twitching into what might have been a smile before she quickly resumed her suffering expression.

Alistair spotted us next. His face paled, hands tightening on the handles of Ivy’s wheelchair. He leaned down to whisper something in her ear, and she nodded weakly.

“Should we move?” Vera asked, glaring in their direction.

“No.” I straightened my spine. I won’t let them chase me away.”

The auction continued, but my focus was shattered. Every few minutes, I found my eyes drawn to where Alistair and Ivy sat, several rows ahead and to my right. Perfect positioning to watch both me and the auctioneer.

When they announced lot forty–seven, my mother’s jade bracelet, my heart pounded so loudly I could barely hear the starting bid.

“The rare imperial jade bracelet, dating from the late Qing Dynasty, the auctioneer announced. “We’ll start the bidding at three million.”

Traised my paddle immediately.

Three million from paddle number twenty–eight,” the auctioneer acknowledged. “Dol

hear three–point–five?

Another paddle raised – not Alistair’s or lvy’s, but a collector I recognized from

previous auctions.

Three–point–five to number forty–two. Four million?”

I raised my paddle again, determination steeling my nerves

“Four million to twenty–eight Four–point–five?”

The fat of photo in the hon

The bidding climbed steadily, Five million Six Seven. The other bidders dropped on one by one until only I remained

Relief washed through me: It was happening I was getting my mother’s bracelet back.

“Ten million going once the auctioneer called.

A paddle raised from Ivy’s direction. Not Alistair’s number another bidder near them that I couldn’t see clearly

“Ten–point–five million to number seventy one.

My stomach clenched. I raised my paddie. “Eleven million.”

“Eleven million to twenty–eight. Eleven–point–five?”

The mysterious paddle seventy–one rose again. The price climbed higher. Fifteen million. Twenty. Twenty–five.

I kept bidding, Sebastian’s funds giving me confidence I’d never had before. But each time I bid, paddle seventy–one countered.

At forty million, I stood and made my way toward their section, determined to see my

competition.

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