Chapter 89

Thirty minutes later, the auction finally got underway

The first lot was a dazzling ten-carat pink diamond ring called The One.

The moment it hit the spotlight, the crowd of socialites gasped in awe.

The auctioneer cleared his throat, announcing."Opening bid is $10 million."

Lainey,legs crossed and confidence radiating, shot Jonny a look

Jonny caught her meaning but hesitated, lowering his voice. "Lainey,how about picking something else?"

The Todd Group was in deep financial trouble, and he only had a million in liquid cash to his name

There was no way he could cough up ten million.

Lainey was unmoved.

If Jonny wasn't willing to shell out that kind of money for her, she saw no reason to entertain him further. She shot him a glare, her expression dripping with scorn. "You were the one who insisted I come,and now that I want this ring, you're hesitating? Don't worry, I won't force you. My real parents will be back soon,and when they are, I'll have more than enough jewelry like this."

She spoke as if her presence alone was a favor to him,completely unwilling to compromise.

Jonny could only clench his jaw in frustration at her attitude. "Fine, I'll bid on it!"

But before he could act, a calm, almost bored voice called out from the front row. "$50 million."

Nolan didn't bother with the paddle as he simply lounged back in his seat, naming a price that stunned the entire room into silence

Fifty million?

The ring's value didn't even reach thirty!

The auctioneer barely contained his excitement."$50million going once, going twice, sold!"

He hurried to close the bid, anxious that Nolan might suddenly retract his offer.

That extra twenty million would make his numbers look fantastic. Of course, he was thrilled.

Nolan, meanwhile, seemed completely unfazed by the spectacle around him.

He accepted the ring from an attendant, then slipped it onto Eleanor's finger himself.

After studying how it looked on her hand, he gave a small, satisfied smile. "It's perfect for you."

Eleanor was left at a loss, unable to decipher his motives.

He was well aware that she had no real interest in extravagant jewelry.

To her, fifty million could have done so much more,like feeding and clothing the kids at Hope House instead.

Nolan noticed her quiet discomfort and immediately grasped what she was thinking.

Leaning in close, he whispered against her ear, "Save it for when I officially propose."

Eleanor found herself momentarily speechless.

That was...unexpectedly daring!

She genuinely didn't know how to respond. On the other hand, Lainey squirmed with envy watching the scene unfold.

What did Eleanor have that caught Nolan's attention?

She was going be acknowledged by the Bentons.Wasn't she supposed to be above someone like Eleanor?

Unable to hide her bitterness, she spoke up with a sneer. "Jonny, you really have my sympathy. Eleanor spent three years as your wife, relying on you for everything, and now that she's landed someone wealthier, she's tossed you aside without a second thought."

Her jab all but called Eleanor a gold digger.

Everyone else glanced around nervously, unwilling to say a word.

Neither camp was safe to offend, and a careless comment could mean real trouble later.

Right then, an uneasy hush fell over the room.

Eleanor didn't bother replying, simply glancing at Lainey for a moment before turning away.

Her focus was on business tonight; she had no intention of getting dragged into childish taunts. Auction item after item went up, antique paintings,sparkling jewelry, and Eleanor said nothing.

Meanwhile, Lainey, riding high on compliments from the crowd, snatched up several minor pieces, ignoring Jonny's livid face.

She shot a barbed remark at Eleanor. "So this is the legendary Enigma? Shows up at an auction and doesn't place a single bid. What's the matter? Money a little tight? Should I lend you some?"

Eleanor acted as though Lainey's words were nothing but background noise, refusing even to glance her way.

She sat quietly, looking bored, like nothing at the auction could hold her interest.

But as soon as the auctioneer brought up the Queen's diamond tiara, something flickered in her eyes.

"That one."

In one smooth, deliberate motion, she raised her hand,elegance and determination radiating from her.

With that simple gesture, she made it clear that no matter the price, she wouldn't back down.

No one else would dare challenge her. A heavy hush swept over the venue, as if everyone was holding their breath.