Chapter 481

Claude turned his gaze toward Hannah at his side, eager for what she might say.

Hannah's eyes flicked to Lindsay, who stood not far away, forcing a grin while enduring an uneasy exchange with Evelyn.

The corners of Hannah's mouth curved playfully.′′Amixture, really. At first, I planned to stay silent, but Lindsay's endless arrogance was downright intolerable."

Hannah leaned slightly toward Claude, mischief glimmering in her stare. "She tried so hard to charm your parents, yet it blew up spectacularly. I suspect your father has already written her off as Hobbes' potential in-law material. She must be unraveling over it."

Claude let out a low laugh, warmth softening his expression. "You always catch the subtleties. For a moment, I almost thought you were chasing that watch yourself."

Hannah lifted the champagne glass, her voice composed. "I don't snatch away what others fancy."

Pleasing elders and reading moments were second nature to Hannah. How else could she, hailing from an ordinary family background, endure within a wealthy household? These instincts were honed after she became Vincent's wife.

Claude studied Hannah, his chest tightening faintly.11|there any piece here that appeals to you? I'd gladly secure it as thanks for what you did earlier."

Hannah's eyes skimmed across the display table, and she gave a faint shake of her head. "Nothing for now,but | appreciate it, Claude."

Just then, the auctioneer's lively voice filled the air."Next comes an exceptionally rare gemstone necklace,titled 'Ember Star', provided by Ms. Cortez."

Under the lights, a sapphire-laden necklace shimmered with dazzling brilliance. The auctioneer spoke with mounting enthusiasm. "Ladies and gentlemen, 'Ember Star' is the work of a premier jewelry artisan, crafted over years. Its centerpiece is the exceedingly rare 'Deep Sea Eye' sapphire,fashioned with a distinctive cut. More importantly, it is singular-no duplicate exists anywhere! Ms. Cortez has shown remarkable generosity and goodwill. The bidding will open at fifteen million dollars!"

The crowd instantly broke into gasps and admiration.

"Heavens, how exquisite! Ms. Cortez's generosity is unmatched."

"So magnanimous! She truly embodies the spirit of the Cortez heiress!"

The earlier commotion involving Lindsay/and Terrell faded away entirely, eclipsed by awe for the jewel.

Evelyn glanced at Lindsay in astonishment, her expression glowing with satisfaction. "Lindsay, your kindness shines through. You've given up something so precious."

Lindsay's lips curved proudly, her chin tited upward as she basked in the recognition."It's only right, Mrs.Hobbes. True charity demands sincerity. Wealth is nothing more than material."

But at Claude's side, Hannah's brow knit deeply when her eyes landed on the necklace. She recognized it all too well. Because she possessed the same so-called singular piece. That was a gift from Vincent after their marriage.

Lindsay, blind to anything beyond the acclaim, rose to her feet, unable to suppress herself. With pride radiating and her voice deliberately loud, she proclaimed, "This necklace is my treasured jewel. The auctioneer has already stated its uniqueness-one of a kind werldwide. Fifteen million dollars is hardly much. I hope you will all bid freely for charity's sake. Thank you."

Her words ignited an even fiercer frenzy. The numbers climbed swiftly, until the hall erupted when a call of "one hundred million" rang out.

Even Lindsay gasped, her hand covering her lips in disbelief. She had never dreamed the necklace would command such an astronomical value. It was a triumph both in reputation and fortune.

The auctioneer's voice quavered with exhilaration."One hundred million, first call! One hundred million,second call! One hundred million,thi−′′ Just before the gavel fell, Hannah cut across the room."Wait!"