Chapter 172
Chapter 172:
Joselyn seized the lifeline immediately, glancing at Elyse with gratitude. “Of course. I was only joking.” She turned her attention back to Kristine. “Ms. Green, you’re not that narrow-minded, are you p>
Kristine’s brows drew together. Publicly humiliating someone and then dismissing it as humor was already absurd — Elyse stepping in to enable it only made it worse.
Kristine had just begun to speak when Elyse cut in again. “Joselyn, that tiara really is exquisite. I like it as well. Why don’t we follow the proper rules? Let the bidding decide. Whoever offers the most takes it home. Wouldn’t that be fair p>
Joselyn glanced instinctively at Colton. Although she was the organizer, no one in Gridron dared to offend him.
Colton’s expression remained indifferent. “Elyse is right. Many people here want it. An open auction is the most reasonable approach p>
Kristine’s chest tightened when she heard this.
No one present, even combined, could rival Colton’s wealth. The tiara would inevitably end up with him. He had not intervened to protect her dignity — he had done it to ensure the piece would never fall into her hands. Joselyn’s offer had only been a tool to mock her, and now that Colton had spoken, Joselyn had no room to object.
“Fine. We’ll continue with the auction.” Joselyn restarted the bidding at five hundred thousand.
𝘜p𝖽𝘢𝘁𝘦s e𝘷𝖾𝗿у 𝘄е𝖾𝗸 o𝗻
Before anyone else could react, Colton said calmly, “Ten million p>
The hall fell silent.
After a long pause, whispers began to spread.
“When Mr. Yates bids, he goes straight into eight figures. He’s clearly set on winning p>
“Of course he is. Miss Lloyd said she liked it. He wouldn’t hesitate to buy it for her p>
“How lucky she is. Mr. Yates really does indulge her p>
Amid the murmurs, a clear and composed voice cut through.
“Eleven million p>
The room froze. All eyes turned toward the speaker, and the shock only deepened when they saw it was Vance.
Kristine stared at him, stunned. She reached out and tugged lightly at his sleeve. “Vance, don’t do this p>
There was no way he could outbid Colton. Anything Elyse wanted, Colton would make certain she had.
Vance tilted his head and smiled at Kristine. “Do you want it p>
His expression was warm and sincere, like sunlight breaking after a long winter.
Kristine hesitated. Before she could answer, Colton spoke again. “Twenty million p>
“Twenty-one million,” Vance replied without pause.
“Thirty million p>
“Thirty-one million p>
“Fifty million p>
The numbers soared. Kristine grabbed Vance’s arm. “Stop. Please. It’s only a replica. I don’t even like it p>
Vance turned to her, doubt written plainly across his face.
On the platform, Joselyn noticed Vance’s involvement. Her expression twisted with fury, and she slammed the gavel immediately. “Fifty million — going once, going twice. Sold at fifty million. Congratulations to Mr. Yates p>
Applause thundered through the hall.
Kristine released her grip on Vance’s arm and exhaled in relief.
By chance, her eyes drifted toward Colton. There was no triumph on his face. Instead, his expression looked grim, his gaze sharp and cold. She assumed he was irritated that Vance had driven the price so high. She looked away quickly and turned her attention back to the stage.