Next Man, Better Plan novel Chapter 7

A dark glint flashed in Victoria's eyes. She nodded. "Yes, Quennel. You're too good to Stephanie. She's the one who doesn't appreciate it."

Quennel's expression softened slightly.

Victoria seized the opportunity. "Quennel, that pearl necklace…"

Quennel didn't respond, instead taking a seat next to Stephanie.

Soon, the first item was presented for bidding.

It was a pearl necklace made of the finest South Sea pearls, emitting a warm, gentle luster under the lights.

Stephanie liked it the moment she saw it.

The starting bid was two million. Without hesitation, she raised her paddle. "Three million."

Unexpectedly, Victoria also raised hers. "Three-point-two million."

A poor girl from the countryside who had been working for less than a year—where would she get that kind of money?

Stephanie raised her paddle again. "Five million."

Victoria hesitated, seeming to glance in their direction.

Her eyes, red-rimmed, filled with a sense of grievance. "Ms. Jackson, you're so wealthy, you can buy any jewelry you want. It's just a pearl necklace. Why must you compete with me for it?"

Stephanie chuckled. "This is an auction. The highest bidder wins. That's the rule. Why are you playing the victim? Victoria, you should know your place. This isn't where you belong."

Victoria bit her lip, her eyes turning red.

"Yes, I don't belong here. I'm just a country bumpkin, unworthy of attending your elite gatherings. But this pearl necklace is a family heirloom, lost a hundred years ago. I just wanted to buy it back as a keepsake. Why do you have to humiliate me like this?"

A family heirloom? From a hundred years ago?

Stephanie thought the lie was a bit too careless.

People around them started whispering and pointing at Victoria, discussing her in hushed tones.

Victoria's face turned pale, then red.

Just then, someone from backstage approached the auctioneer and whispered something to him.

The auctioneer was stunned for a moment, then announced loudly to the audience, "We have a sky lantern bid!"

His words caused a stir throughout the hall.

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