Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 177

Why did everyone’s attitude change so quickly after just a few parties?

Feeling a little wronged, Sandra couldn’t help glancing at the man beside her—Jordan Smith—hoping for a bit of comfort.

But Jordan’s attention wasn’t on her at all. His piercing blue eyes kept drifting over to Camila Davis, who was standing a short distance away.

Sandra’s heart clenched with frustration and jealousy.

That witch, Camila Davis, always has a way of screwing things up for me!

Camila, for her part, didn’t spare them a single glance. She rarely came to these charity auctions, and her attention was completely absorbed by the glossy catalog of auction items. She was casually chatting with Walter Wilson, looking cool and unbothered.

As the evening wore on, the auction finally began, and everyone’s focus shifted to the stage.

The auctioneer gave a brief, cheerful welcome, then presented the first item: a stunning sapphire necklace. The craftsmanship and history were both remarkable—a true vintage piece from the early 1900s—so the starting bid was sky-high.

“Five hundred thousand dollars to start!” the auctioneer announced.

Sandra, still smarting from her earlier embarrassment, was determined to make a comeback. When the bidding climbed to three million, she shot her hand up. “Four million!”

The crowd quieted down. Most people weren’t crazy enough to keep bidding after such a jump.

Adding a whole million at once? Now that was showing off. But the price was already beyond the necklace’s actual value. Any higher, and you’d be better off buying a real antique from Europe.

People started dropping out, and Sandra felt a surge of pride. She could tell the way people looked at her had changed—less judgmental, more impressed.

Camila and Walter noticed too. Camila just looked on, expression unreadable. Walter, though, had a glint of amusement in his eyes.

The auctioneer called out, “Any other offers?”

Silence.

“Going once… going twice…”

Then Walter’s lazy drawl cut through the hush: “Eight million.”

A ripple of shock swept through the room.

If she kept bidding, she’d bleed money. If she backed out now, everyone would laugh at her. And Walter made it look like he was buying the necklace for Camila…

No way was Sandra going to let Camila one-up her in front of everyone.

Gritting her teeth, Sandra forced out, “Eight point one million!”

Walter didn’t miss a beat. “Ten million.”

The room erupted.

Even Camila was a little stunned. She leaned over and whispered fiercely, “Are you nuts? With that kind of money, you could fund a whole lab! Why waste it on some sparkly necklace?”

Walter just gave her a soothing look, but his words were pure mischief. “Don’t worry, I know how much you want it. I’ll get it for you no matter what.”

Camila’s jaw dropped. “What?! I don’t want it! Quit making things up!”

Walter just grinned wider, and the rest of the room buzzed with gossip, the drama of the evening spiraling into something no one would forget.