?Chapter 822:


    Meanwhile, the mastermind of their misery sat back, plucking a grape from her fruit tter, utterly unbothered.


    Leah’s nails dug deeper into her palm. She would not forget this.


    In the rounds that followed, both Leah and Bruce treaded carefully. No more impulsive bids. No morepeting against Corrine. They refused to fall into her trap a second time.


    Corrine seized the opportunity, effortlessly iming the items she desired.


    “Happy now?” Nate murmured beside her, watching the satisfaction flicker in her eyes.


    Corrine’s lips curled into a slow smile. “It is much more enjoyable without someone stirring trouble.”


    She leaned back, cradling her cup, exuding thezy contentment of a cat basking in the afternoon sun.


    As the auction neared its conclusion, a murmur of anticipation rippled through the room. “The final item is rumored to be extraordinary,” someone whispered. “A set of priceless royal jewelry. They say it was bought at a past auction—anonymously. Some even im it hides a treasure map.”


    “Regardless, everyone here has their eyes on it.”


    “The organizers are shrewd. Only the top five spenders qualify to bid. With our current standing, the chances are slim.”


    Like the others, Leah had little interest in the previous items. They were merely warm-ups, insignificant inparison to what she truly coveted—this breathtaking set of royal jewelry.


    Winning it would guarantee her a prime spot on tomorrow’s front page, the perfect opportunity to showcase her engagement to Bruce. It would not only restore her reputation but also elevate Burgess Group’s market value.


    This jewelry was not just a luxury—it was a necessity.


    ?????????? ?????????????? ???? ?????????ν?????????????


    Under the collective gaze of the crowd, the long-awaited treasure was finally unveiled.


    The setprised nine exquisite pieces—a crown, earrings, ne, bracelet, brooch, pendant, and rings.


    It boasted thirty-eight sapphires of unparalleled craftsmanship, each cut in distinctive shapes—teardrop, cushion, octagonal, oval, rose, and antique styles.


    Yet, the true masterpiece was the sapphire ne. Ten octagonal sapphires, thergest weighing a staggering fifteen carats, brought the total to seventy carats. Encased in a halo of diamonds, each gem shimmered with an almost hypnotic brilliance.


    Beneath the dazzling lights, the sapphires radiated an ethereal glow, reminiscent of the deepest, most mysterious parts of the ocean. Nate turned to Corrine, studying her expression.


    “Interested?”


    “Not particrly,” she answered, her tone indifferent.


    Nate arched an eyebrow. “Not even in the legend behind it?”


    .


    .


    .