?Chapter 816:


    The guests exchanged amused nces, their expressions filled with intrigue.


    As soon as Leah ced her bid, a hush fell over the hall.


    The auctioneer, adhering to protocol, announced, “The current bid stands at four million. Does anyone wish to go higher?” Once again, silence enveloped the room.


    “Four million, going once.”


    Corrine had no particr attachment to the mirror. She already owned an exquisite ivory one from an era renowned for its craftsmanship, its surface adorned with rose motifs. The auctioned mirror would have made a finepanion piece—but that wasn’t what intrigued her now. Watching Leah’s determination to outmaneuver her, Corrine’s interest shifted like a seasoned chess yer drawn to the thrill of a wellid trap. The satisfaction was never in the capture, but in the pursuit.


    And now, she had led Leah straight into bidding four million.


    Corrine savored the moment.


    It wasn’t her loss to bear—it was Leah who had dug this pit for herself. She mused briefly—could Leah’s finances endure such reckless indulgence?


    From his seat, Nate caught the mischievous glint in Corrine’s eyes and immediately grasped her intent.


    The auctioneer cast an expectant nce in Corrine’s direction, waiting to see if she would bid again.


    Instead, she simply set her paddle down, lifted her coffee mug with effortless grace, and took a leisurely sip.


    “Four million, going twice. Four million—sold!” The gavel fell with a decisive thud.


    A slow, satisfied smile curved Leah’s lips, pride gleaming in her eyes. She basked in her victory, oblivious to the fact that she was merely a pawn in Corrine’s game.


    The next item appeared—a jade ne featuring forty-three wless beads, held together by a diamond-studded sp.


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    A murmur of interest rippled through the audience as jewelry enthusiasts eagerly raised their paddles. Corrine and Leah were among them.


    Leah, turning to Bruce, exined sweetly, “Your mother has always had an eye for fine pieces like this. If I win, I’ll gift it to her.”


    Bruce squeezed her hand. “It’s the thought that counts. You don’t have to spend so much.”


    Leah’s tone was gentle but firm. “Your family is my family now. I want to show them my sincerity.”


    Just as Leah made her bid, Corrine’s voice cut through the chatter. “One million.”


    The sudden leap from six hundred thousand to one million sent a ripple through the crowd. Eyes turned to Corrine, assuming she was dead set on acquiring the ne. None suspected that she wasying yet another snare for Leah.


    Predictably, Leah countered, saying, “One million four hundred thousand.”


    Unsurprisingly, the jade ne became hers.


    And then, she went on to im the following two items as well. Corrine watched Leah revel in her victories, her own smileced with irony.


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