Chapter 74: Chapter 74

Chapter 74:

“One billion.” A steady, composed voice rang out, causing everyone to pause.

Harlee froze halfway to standing, her motion interrupted. She swiveled to find herself gazing into a pair of piercing eyes.

Rhys, with his enticing, narrow lips shaped into a subtle grin, offered Harlee a fleeting but meaningful glance.

“Miss Sanderson, what a pleasure to see you again.”

“Mr. Green,” Harlee responded, her tone laced with formality as she inclined her head slightly in acknowledgment.

Brenton watched with a furrowed brow as Rhys approached.

He couldn’t place Rhys, his mind racing to identify this man.

As Rhys drew closer, his eyes briefly met Brenton’s, and the slight smile on his face dissolved into a cold, dismissive scowl.

It was an unsettling blend of appraisal and derision, tinged with unmistakable animosity.

Brenton had never seen Rhys before, and yet their first meeting was thick with hostility.

“One billion. Will anyone offer more?” The auctioneer’s voice echoed through the hall.

Silence followed.

No further bids were made.

Out of the corner of her eye, Harlee noticed that the mysterious man from the opposite side of the room had disappeared.

She surmised maybe his deposit hadn’t even reached a billion, and realizing he was outmatched, he had left early.

More books available at gαℓησvℯls․com

“One billion, going once! One billion, going twice! One billion, sold!” The gavel banged decisively.

The transaction was complete.

“Mr. Green, would you consider selling me that brooch?” Harlee inquired, her voice laced with caution.

Rhys simply shook his head, a gentle denial.

Harlee nodded her understanding.

Since the mysterious bidder wouldn’t part with the brooch even for ten times its value, it stood to reason Rhys would be reluctant to part with it.

She said no more.

“There’s no need for payment,” Rhys suddenly said, catching Harlee off guard.

“I acquired it specifically to give to you.”

Harlee’s eyes snapped up in surprise.

“Why?” She knew well the unwritten rule of not accepting favors without cause.

Rhys offered a faint smile, his demeanor utterly serene.

“A life-saving favor is beyond price. You saved my grandfather’s life.”

“To me, ten billion is a trivial sum compared to the worth of a life.”

Despite Rhys’ generous words, Harlee felt uncomfortable being indebted to anyone.

.

.

.