The Year I Was the Other Woman To Myself novel Chapter 239

“It seems Mrs. Stapleton is quite the art collector. I happen to have a piece by Joshua Zade, ‘Spring River,’ at home. I’ll have it sent over for you. If you like it, you can hang it up. If not, just toss it aside.”

The man’s words were dripping with flattery, but they also implied that spending tens of millions on a painting by an unknown artist was a foolish waste.

“Even works by the most famous contemporary artists rarely fetch sixty million.”

“And it has very little collection value.”

Once one person spoke up, others became more direct.

Penelope knew that if she wanted it, Theodore would buy it for her, no matter the cost. But it was a debt she could never repay.

“Forget it. Let the other person have it.”

Theodore gently stroked her cheek, then said into the phone, “One hundred million.”

The words stunned not only the people at the auction but everyone in the room. This was… completely unnecessary.

Penelope was so shocked she grabbed Theodore’s hand and shook her head frantically.

“Don’t worry. This money won’t be spent for nothing.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll collect the debt from you.”

Hearing this, a sense of dread washed over Penelope. She was a good earner, but a hundred million? It would probably take her a lifetime to pay that back.

As expected, after 8821 bid one hundred million, 8003 did not counter.

“One hundred million, going once, going twice… sold!”

The moment Penelope heard the gavel fall, tears welled up in her eyes. Not wanting anyone to see, she buried her face in Theodore’s chest.

“A hundred years is a lifetime.” Penelope wrapped her arms around his waist, her hand sneaking under his shirt. “So I owe you for a lifetime.”

“Just talk. Don’t get handsy.”

“Should I pay you some interest first?”

Theodore caught her mischievous hand. “Who really owes whom here?” he asked with a laugh.

“I owe you. So I’ve decided to give myself to you as payment.”

With that, Penelope lay back on the bed. The buttons of her pajamas had somehow come undone, offering a tantalizing glimpse of what was underneath. As if that wasn’t enough, she bit her lower lip playfully.

Theodore’s gaze darkened. “I think I might have to collect some of that interest now.”

He moved over her, his hands gripping her waist and pulling her flush against him.