Chapter 701 I Don''t Want It!


    At that moment, Gorman lifted his paddle once more and dered in a harsh tone, "$1.1 billion."


    A collective gasp filled the room.


    "Look at Mr. Green challenging Mr. Riley for the Star of the Desert!"


    "Wow, this just heated up considerably!"


    "Mr. Green has the mighty Green Group backing him, making him a formidable contender. He might truly have what it takes topete for this ne. After all, he just won the bid for Aurora''s champion design, and Mr. Riley was bidding in that round as well."


    "Actually, Mr. Riley stepped back from that earlier auction not because of ack of interest, but seemingly, he


    wasn''t all thatmitted to winning."


    "He yielded on Aurora''s design due to Ms. Walton''s preferences. If Ms. Walton sets her heart on this ne, he''ll surely go to great lengths to secure it for her!"


    Meanwhile, Linsey was oblivious to the surrounding murmurs. She stared at Gorman, dumbfounded, before snapping out of her daze.


    "Have you lost your mind? You can''t casually bid $1.1 billion as if it''s just spare change!" Linsey hissed under


    her breath.


    Gorman''s response was serious as he met her astonished look. "You admire this piece, so I must get it for you."


    Shock and disbelief clouded Linsey''s features as she struggled to grasp his rash generosity.


    "I don''t want it!" she eximed, her tone desperate. "I''ve told you before, I don''t even like this ne. Please, don''t continue bidding on it. I won''t take it, even if you win."


    She paused briefly, then averted her eyes. "If you intend to gift it to someone else, that''s your choice. You''re free to spend your money however you see fit."


    Gorman''s expression softened into a mncholy smile as he quietly urged, “Linsey, there''s no one else I''d rather give it to. Regardless of your eptance, my first task is to secure this ne."


    He then gazed towards Collin and Haven, his look inscrutable as he pondered their next move.


    "Collin is aiming for Haven with his bids, right?" Gorman asked slowly, then turned to Linsey. "Tell me would you prefer to win this ne, me or Collin?"


    Linsey shivered as she met Gorman''s seemingly cheerful expression, a sudden fear creeping over her. "You..."


    Her voice trailed off as Collin announced his next bid. "$1.3 billion."


    The crowd, now used to the rising stakes, showed no signs of shock at the new figure.


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    Gorman''s gaze remained locked on Linsey. He was determined to hear her response. Without breaking eye contact, he lifted his paddle once more. "$1.5 billion."


    He was determined to match Collin''s bid for bid if necessary.


    "$1.7 billion,” Collin said quickly.


    The price had soared well beyond the intrinsic value of the Star of the Desert, reaching sums few could


    contemte affording.


    It seemed that both Collin and Gorman understood precisely what the other wanted. This wasn''t merely about a ne anymore. The oue of this bid seemed to carry a meaning far greater than the ne itself.


    Linsey, feeling the tension, finally spoke firmly. “Gorman, this needs to stop. The bid is already at $1.7 billion.


    That''s an immense amount, even for you."


    She took a breath, hesitating for a moment before continuing, "You already secured my champion piece today,


    for which I am deeply thankful."