I Refuse to Be Your Second Choice novel Chapter 192

Unlike the other items, which were only shown in pictures, the 'Baby's Breath' tiara was presented in person. It rested on a velvet pedestal, a magnificent, diamond-encrusted masterpiece that sparkled brilliantly. A massive pear-shaped diamond, like a dazzling sun, served as the tiara's breathtaking focal point.

The entire audience was captivated. The women, in particular, gazed at it with longing, dreaming of owning it. But its value far exceeded that of even the most high-end luxury goods, placing it well out of reach for the minor elite in attendance.

After Natalie finished providing the background information on 'Baby's Breath,' the bidding began.

"Bidding for Baby's Breath will start at ten million, with increments of five hundred thousand. You may begin."

Camila’s eyes were glued to the stunning tiara on the velvet stand. As soon as the bidding opened, she turned to Alexander and wrapped her hands around his arm. "Alex, I want that tiara. Can I wear it for our engagement? Please?"

Alexander’s fingers tapped lightly on his knee.

"Mr. Gary bids twelve and a half million… Mr. Cooper at thirteen million…"

Natalie watched the paddles rise in the audience, her peripheral vision catching movement in the front row. It was Camila, a triumphant smile on her face as she raised her paddle. "Twenty million."

Of course, Camila wasn't bidding for herself, but for Alexander. As his fiancée, he was indulging her by letting her place the bids. The reporters immediately turned their cameras toward the front row.

Natalie smiled professionally. "Ms. White bids twenty million."

A few minutes later, the price had soared to fifty million, and the other interested buyers had dropped out. Only Camila remained, her paddle held high, her expression radiant.

"Ms. White bids fifty million. Are there any other bids?" Natalie scanned the crowd, but no one moved.

Whispers filled the room. "Alexander Ramirez is spending fifty million on his fiancée. They’re so in love!"

"He must have come here specifically to buy her this tiara."

"Ms. White is so lucky."

Camila overheard the murmurs, and her smile deepened with satisfaction.

Natalie picked up her gavel. "Fifty million going once… fifty million going twice… fifty million go—"

"If you can spend a fortune on a beautiful woman, Mr. Ramirez, why can't I?" Samuel retorted, his eyes flicking toward Natalie on the stage.

Natalie couldn't quite hear their exchange, but she saw Samuel look up at her, followed immediately by Alexander, whose gaze was deep and intense.

While it was unusual for an organizer to participate in the bidding, there was no rule against it.

Natalie put down her gavel. "Very well. We now have a bid of fifty million, five hundred thousand from Mr. Thompson. Ms. White, will you raise?"

Camila’s anger subsided as she realized this was just another opportunity to prove how much Alexander loved her. She calmly raised her paddle. "Of course."

The bidding war for 'Baby's Breath' escalated from fifty million to seventy million. The room buzzed with speculation about the mysterious lady for whom Samuel Thompson was willing to spend a fortune.

"Eighty million. The bid is back with Ms. White. Mr. Thompson, do you wish to continue?" Natalie asked with a polite smile.

Suddenly, Samuel looked at her and silently mouthed two words.