Chapter 113

The bid skyrocketed again, and Camille Hartwell felt her stomach drop.

Her funds were running dangerously low.

Originally, she'd set her auction limit at thirty million. The Hartwell family's financial situation was precarious, leaving little room for extravagant spending.

But now...

Everett Mercer raised his paddle. "Twenty-eight million."

Camille countered immediately. "Thirty million."

Her voice was soft but carried an undeniable charm. It made Everett turn his head, his lips quirking into an amused smile when he recognized her.

Camille returned the gesture with a polite nod.

Then Selene Lancaster struck again. "Forty million."

Camille's fingers curled into fists.

Everett wasn't backing down. "Forty-three."

"Forty-five," Camille shot back.

Selene didn't hesitate. "Fifty."

Camille's mind reeled. Thirty million had been her initial limit, but the moment Selene entered the bidding, she'd mentally stretched it to fifty.

She could go higher.

There was the penthouse Damien Harrington had gifted her—worth hundreds of millions. That money had practically fallen into her lap. Why not use it?

But logic prevailed. This piece wasn't worth fifty million.

She had the funds, but recklessness wasn't an option. Selling the penthouse could secure something far more valuable.

With a slow exhale, she lowered her paddle.

Elise Ellis leaned in. "Call Damien."

Camille had considered it. But would Damien stop Selene for her?

Unlikely.

Still, she pulled out her phone and dialed.

Across the room, Damien felt his phone vibrate. He glanced at the screen—an unknown number.

Selene peered over. "Who is it?"

Just digits. No name.

Damien smirked and declined the call without a word.

The rejection shattered the last shred of hope in Camille. Her mind blanked for a second.

Elise seethed. "He ignored you?"

Camille said nothing, slipping her phone back into her bag.

The bids climbed—ninety-five million now.

Everett rubbed his temples and turned to Damien. "Mr. Harrington, care to let me have this one?"

Damien's smile was polite but firm. "Next time."

Everett exhaled sharply and raised again. "One hundred twenty million."

Selene didn't blink. "One fifty."

Everett stayed silent.

Elise gritted her teeth. "I've never seen Everett back down like this."

The Mercer family was every bit as powerful as the Harringtons—both were elites among elites.

Yet tonight, Everett's restraint made it seem like his resources paled in comparison to Damien's.

But that wasn't true. Everett was simply pragmatic. Damien, on the other hand, was burning money without hesitation—all to please his woman.

With no further bids, the embroidered masterpiece went to Selene.

Damien turned to Everett. "Thank you for your generosity."

Everett forced a smile. "Don't mention it."