Chapter 482

The auctioneer's gesture stopped abruptly in the air.He hesitated in surprise, directing a puzzled look toward Hannah. "Ms. Scott, did you just submit a higher bid? One hundred and ten million dollars?"

His immediate thought was that Hannah had entered the bidding.

Lindsay's expression, previously glowing with triumph, shifted into one tinged with ridicule. She let out a cold laugh. "Ms. Scott, no matter how much you admire this necklace, you should weigh whether you're capable of affording it before becoming too eager. One hundred million dollars isn't a trivial figure."

Claude narrowed his eyes, speaking in a firm,resonant tone. "If she places a bid, I cover it. Is that an issue?"

Both Terrell and Evelyn fixed their attention on

Claude,faint displeasure flashing in their gaze.

Claude prepared to lift his paddle to signal.

Yet, Hannah extended her hand to restrain him,giving a slight shake of her head. She faced the auctioneer and declared, "Apologies, I didn't raise my paddle just now. I wasn't placing a bid. What I intended was to announce a suspension of the auction."

A suspension of the auction? The hall burst into startled murmurs, all eyes swinging toward Hannah in disbelief.

Lindsay sprang up in fury, her voice sharp and cutting. "Is this how you conduct matters? The deal was nearly complete, and we were close to raising one hundred million for charity. What do you mean by 'stopping it? Are you sabotaging this deliberately to oppose me?"

Hannah responded to Lindsay's accusations with composed poise. "Why get so worked up, Ms.Cortez? I'm merely calling for a proper halt. I just

realized that the necklace you brought may be a forgery."

Her statement instantly ignited a storm of chatter throughout the venue.

Lindsay raised her tone higher, hurling accusations at Hannah. "We're both women. Can't you stop singling me out? Fine-you're claiming the necklace is counterfeit? Produce your proof. Anyone can fling reckless words!"

Hannah stepped closer, moving toward the display table and carefully examining the jewelry. "The evidence is straightforward. First, the authentic 'Ember Star' necklace's centerpiece is 15 carats.This stone is at most 10. Second, the real 'Ember Star' shines flawlessly under strong illumination with ·uniform fiery brilliance. Everyone, please look closely at this one-it shows a yellow tint and visible flaws.That suffices to confirm it as an imitation."

"Absurd!" Lindsay screeched. "You must have rehearsed that little speech in advance."

Guests nearby began to whisper among themselves.

"The piece is owned by Ms. Cortez. Surely she would know better than anyone."

"Exactly-Ms. Cortez has been surrounded by extravagance all her life. How could she possibly own something false? That lady must be inventing lies out of envy."

Hearing the crowd lean toward her side, Lindsay regained her confidence, a trace of victory returning to her expression. She urged the auctioneer, "Sir,continue as planned. Pay her no mind."

"The sale cannot proceed under suspicion of fraud,"Hannah cut in firmly once again. "According to the regulations for charity auctions, if the item proves false later, the pledged donations could be revoked.That would tarnish the charity's credibility and cause loss to all donors. Ms. Cortez, can you shoulder that responsibility?"

Lindsay faltered at Hannah's pressing words,stepping back while still protesting. "This was a

birthday present from my father last year. There's no way it's fake!"

Hannah seized upon the crucial point. "What a coincidence. Last year, I also received a necklace called 'Ember Star.'"

The room roared with astonishment once again.

"What? Two of the same piece?"

"Weren't there supposed to be only one in existence?"

Lindsay snapped back instantly. "Then yours must be the forgery!"

Hannah locked eyes with her, gaze unwavering. "It's impossible that mine is counterfeit."

·Because that was bestowed by Vincent. With his flawless integrity, it was unthinkable that he would ever present her with something false.

Lindsay curled her lips in scorn, her contempt plain.

"Why not? Who do you believe yourself to be,

declaring it genuine simply because you said so?"

Neither woman yielded, their confrontation unshaken.

Claude stepped in, breaking the deadlock with steady authority. "Ms. Cortez, what point is there in disputing endlessly? Let a professional assessor make a clear judgment."

He addressed the auctioneer, "Please bring in an expert appraiser immediately."

Then, Vincent's deep, commanding voice rolled through the hall's entrance. "She speaks the truth."