Chapter 410
Linda spoke quietly with Naomi, who then glanced toward Tyler. Olivia sat silently, almost blending into the shadows.
After a few minutes, the venue lights brightened, and the guests settled into their seats. Naomi averted her gaze, waiting for the emcee to take the stage.
The auction items were displayed prominently on stage. The emcee, dressed elegantly in a deep green gown, began the event with graceful poise.
The charity event was grander than anything Olivia had ever witnessed. Sitting beneath the powerful, dazzling lights, she felt as if she were the center of the universe, looking down on everyone from the pinnacle of a pyramid.
It was easy to see why many envied Mrs. Harris’s position and why Naomi was considered fortunate. Who wouldn’t crave the thrill of being in the spotlight among the most influential, especially seated beside someone as prestigious as Tyler?
How could Olivia not be lucky to be here? Yet she knew the truth—she was merely a substitute for Naomi, a tool to mend an illness.
Her thoughts drifted, disconnected from the emcee’s voice.
Meanwhile, Tyler’s eyes remained fixed on the stage, his expression remarkably calm.
The emcee presented several auction items that sparked little interest, and the bidding ended quickly.
Then, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as she announced excitedly, “I know everyone has been waiting for this—our most anticipated item: a symbol of enduring love and devotion, promising to love only one person forever.”
A staff member rolled out a glass case onto the stage, revealing a gold locket gleaming under the lights. The word “forever” was delicately engraved across its surface, sparkling brilliantly.
Immediately, all eyes locked onto the locket. The emcee declared, “We’ll start bidding at two hundred thousand dollars. Get your bidder cards ready.”
Olivia’s gaze fixed on the locket as the bidding began.
Linda was the first to bid—two hundred and thirty thousand dollars.
“Two hundred thirty thousand going once. Any higher bids?”
The bids flowed steadily. “I see you, sir—two hundred fifty thousand going once.”
Linda raised her card quickly again.
“Two hundred sixty thousand going once.”
The bidding war escalated, Linda persistently raising her card.
When the price hit four hundred thousand dollars, fewer bidders dared to challenge.
A locket priced that high was steep for many, no matter how beautiful or meaningful it was.
But Tyler was resolute—he wanted it.
Naomi watched with quiet relief, confident that no one would contest their bid.
The emcee’s voice rose, “Great! We are at four hundred thousand dollars now. Four hundred thousand going once. Four hundred thousand going twice.”