Chapter 183

With Damian Cross and Nolan Reed present, the Valmont family trio became noticeably more subdued.

Celine Valmont excused herself to the restroom to touch up her makeup, returning in a figure-hugging dress that accentuated her curves. Clutching a pristine autograph book, her eyes sparkled with admiration as she approached Damian.

"Mr. Cross, I'm your biggest fan," she said, offering the book. "Would you sign this for me?"

She had done her research on Damian's preferences and deliberately chosen a limited-edition collector's item.

Damian didn’t even glance up. "The auction is about to begin."

His meaning couldn’t have been clearer.

Celine’s smile stiffened. She hadn’t expected her carefully planned "chance encounter" to backfire so spectacularly.

Nolan snorted. "Shouldn’t fangirling wait for the right occasion?" He raised his voice pointedly. "Even an extra could act better than this."

A few muffled laughs rippled through the crowd.

Celine’s grip on the autograph book tightened, her nails nearly piercing the cover. Forcing a smile, she retreated to her seat, mentally cursing both men a thousand times over.

Aria Bennett observed everything with quiet amusement, the corner of her lips curling slightly.

Celine caught the expression and shot her a venomous glare.

Aria didn’t flinch. Instead, she met Celine’s gaze with a knowing smile.

The auction commenced.

The first ten raw jade stones were displayed on stage, allowing buyers to inspect them up close.

The Valmont family, accompanied by their gemologist, examined each piece meticulously. Celine ran her fingers over every stone, faint tendrils of dark energy swirling around her fingertips.

Aria narrowed her eyes. Not bad for a little parasite.

Elias Vaughn pulled Damian and Aria onto the stage.

"See anything you like?" Damian murmured.

Aria pointed to Lot 3. "That one’s mine."

Damian nodded. "Lots 7 and 10 for Elias."

Elias: "..." Do I even exist to you two?

Back in their seats, the bidding began in earnest.

The first stone, of decent quality, sparked fierce competition.

Just as Elias raised his paddle, Damian stopped him.

"Not this one."

Elias raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you know jade?"

Damian deadpanned, "Just picked it up."

Elias: "..." Yeah, right.

When Lot 3 came up, Aria placed the opening bid.

Serena Blake immediately countered, sensing something unusual about the stone.

Celine smirked and joined the fray.

The price quickly surpassed a million.

Serena bit her lip in frustration. She tried texting Nolan for financial help, only to find herself blocked.

Damn it! She cursed inwardly, scrambling to contact her backup options.

Soon, only Aria and Celine remained in the battle.

At 1.8 million, Celine finally snapped.

"Aria!" she hissed through clenched teeth. "Are you deliberately provoking me?"

Aria leisurely raised her paddle. "Two million."