?Chapter 342:


    He raised his paddle with practiced confidence, dering, “One hundred million.”


    Other paddles rose in response, though their incremental increases of ten million revealed collective caution.


    From her position in the audience, Leah’s fingers curled into tight fists, her heart osciting between hope and trepidation. She yearned for the diamond while harboring fears that Bruce might withdraw from the escting battle.


    Perceiving her anxiety, Bruce enveloped her hand in his while raising his paddle.


    “One hundred and fifty million.”


    This auction represented more than a mere luxury purchase or romantic gesture; it served as a calcted statement of the Ashton family’s unwavering financial dominance, a message aimed directly at their increasingly nervous board members. Despite recent scandals, Ashton Group remained an indomitable force.


    His bold bid sparked immediate whispers throughout the assembly.


    “The Ashton Group’s Bruce Ashton…”


    “Their influence remains formidable…”


    The gathered elite of Lyhaton, well-versed in the family’s recent tribtions and stock market challenges, had anticipated a period of discretion rather than such an overt disy of economic might.


    But thepetition was far from over.


    After a brief lull, the bidding resumed, the numbers climbing steadily.


    “One hundred and sixty million!”


    “One hundred and seventy million!”


    “One hundred and eighty million!”


    “Two hundred million!”


    As the numbers climbed, Bruce’sposed facade began to crack. Despite its inherent value, in Bruce’s eyes, this diamond wasn’t worth over two hundred million. Besides, the family’s resources, already strained by their settlement with Corrine, left little room for such extravagance.


    Doubt clouded his expression as perspiration dampened his palm.


    “Leah…” he began uncertainly.


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    “Perhaps we should withdraw,” Leah interjected softly.


    Bruce turned to her, surprise evident in his features.


    She squeezed his hand, offering a tender smile.


    “While diamonds may be eternal, our love surpasses even that permanence. Your presence in my life outweighs any material possession.”


    Rita, unable to contain herself, interrupted, “Bruce, fulfill Leah’s desire! This is unprecedented—thergest blue diamond ever auctioned!”


    “Rita, other opportunities await us,” Leah demurred, though disappointment shadowed her eyes.


    Bruce studied her expression intently before squaring his shoulders with renewed determination. His paddle rose once more.


    “Two hundred and ten million!”


    A glimmer of satisfaction danced in Leah’s eyes.


    She had mastered the art of strategic disappointment, knowing that the slightest disy would awaken Bruce’s guilt and inspire his unwavering devotion—a skill she had refined to perfection.


    In front of therge screen, Corrine’s eyes unintentionally caught Bruce and Leah among the spectators. Bruce’s efforts for Leah had surpassed her expectations.


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