Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 179

Jack’s blatant price gouging had made Jordan spend way more than he needed to. That was bad enough, but then Jack went and insulted the necklace too, like it was a piece of cheap costume jewelry you’d find at a garage sale.

Any excitement Sandra felt from Jordan standing up for her had completely vanished.

The necklace she’d wanted so badly suddenly felt like something she never wanted to see again.

Meanwhile, the auctioneer on stage, as if worried they’d change their minds, hurried to bring down the gavel. “Congratulations to Mr. Smith and Ms. Taylor for winning this lovely necklace.”

Jordan Smith’s face was stormy, clearly furious at having been played for a fool.

Sandra Taylor couldn’t even fake a smile.

The guests who’d been watching the whole spectacle were barely holding back their laughter.

Who could have guessed things would turn out like this?

Mr. Wilson’s dirty move was just ruthless!

Camila Davis felt a mix of exasperation and amusement.

She could tell Walter Wilson had done it to stick up for her, but honestly, it didn’t feel as good as she’d expected.

He could throw around twenty-five million dollars like it was pocket change for anyone else, but when it came to her, every penny counted…

How had she ever put up with Jordan Smith’s stinginess for so long?

For the first time, Camila wondered why she’d ever thought he was worth it.

The auction rolled on.

A few more antiques went up, each snatched by other guests.

Walter Wilson and Jordan Smith both kept their hands down.

Soon, the auction reached its halfway point.

That rare medicinal herb Dennis Williams had mentioned finally appeared on stage.

Most guests seemed uninterested—it was clear no one was eager to bid.

Camila brightened.

No competition meant she might actually get it for a reasonable price!

Walter Wilson caught on immediately and called out, “Five hundred thousand.”

Heads turned his way, then flicked to Jordan Smith.

No matter who bid, Walter was signaling he’d outbid them. The herb would be his.

“Mr. Wilson’s got guts!”

“He’s so cool—if only I could marry a guy like that!”

A few of the socialites actually swooned right then and there.

Camila was stunned; she never expected Walter to step up like this.

Her heart ached, and gratitude welled up inside her.

Walter knew how much she needed this herb for Lillian. Still, she couldn’t just let him spend so much on her behalf.

Gritting her teeth, Camila refused to look at Jordan. Instead, she addressed the auctioneer on stage: “Sorry, but you never mentioned what this herb actually does. Could you explain its effects?”

The auctioneer jumped in quickly, “Of course! This rare plant is used to help treat anxiety and other mental health conditions. When combined with other medicines, it’s been shown to be very effective.”

Camila nodded, “Thank you. Please—let’s continue.”

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