“Eighteen million,” Landon announced smoothly, raising the bid by three million without a hint of hesitation.
His calm, authoritative voice sliced through the buzzing auction hall, instantly silencing the crowd. The spotlight shifted away from the Eldermaran businessman who had just offered fifteen million, now settling fully on Landon.
All eyes fixed on him. With a composed and graceful smile, Landon spoke, “This jade complements our lead designer, Ms. Lewis, perfectly.”
At once, Chloe became the center of everyone’s attention. Her pale green gown caught the light, shimmering delicately, its hue mirroring the exquisite jade displayed before them.
Suddenly, the room understood Landon’s reasoning. It wasn’t merely about matching colors—the jade’s mysterious allure resonated with Chloe’s own enigmatic presence.
From the moment she had entered, Chloe had exuded an aura of refined elegance mixed with an elusive mystique, much like the legendary jade itself. People found themselves drawn to her, their gazes lingering longer than expected.
Yet, there was something distant, almost untouchable about her—an icy coolness that set her apart from the ordinary.
Landon’s brief explanation had made his intention clear. The Eldermaran businessman who had previously bid simply smiled, bowing out with a gracious nod.
He had no intention of continuing the contest, clearly conceding to Landon’s claim.
“Eighteen million, going once!” the auctioneer announced brightly, raising her gavel, ready to close the bidding.
Still composed, Landon turned his eyes to Chloe. “Ms. Lewis, you crafted the Four Seasons collection for us, and everyone is eagerly awaiting its debut. Consider this jade a gift from us to you. Beautiful treasures deserve to be with beautiful people.”
Chloe returned a gentle smile but chose to remain silent. She had planned to bid herself, yet Landon’s intervention had worked flawlessly. If acquiring the jade could be this effortless, it was an ideal outcome.
“Eighteen million, going twice!” The auctioneer’s voice echoed throughout the hall as she slowly lifted the gavel.
The room remained utterly silent. No other bids came forward. It seemed the Sleep-Soothing Jade would soon belong to Landon.
“Mommy, your boss is amazing! I’ll protect their systems from now on. Getting the Sleep-Soothing Jade was so easy. We should celebrate later!” Robert’s cheerful voice crackled through Chloe’s earpiece.
“My treat!” Oralia chimed in enthusiastically.
Hearing their excitement, Chloe’s smile broadened. If the Sleep-Soothing Jade could come to her without complications, nothing could be more perfect.
When Arthur and the others had arrived earlier, she had worried the bidding might spiral out of control, causing unnecessary trouble.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: He Cheated I Rose: Making Him Regret Everything (Chloe and Arthur)