Chapter 125

Chapter 125

Andrea had spent years practicing the piano, thinking it’d be her golden ticket to marrying into a rich family. But a piano genius? That was never the plan.

With a forced smile, she turned to Genevieve. “Playing piano is about feeling the music, not chasing prizes or impressing others.”

Genevieve couldn’t hold back a chuckle. “Oh, please. Weren’t you just hoping those piano skills. would snag you a wealthy hubby?”

That comment hit a nerve, and Andrea’s smile vanished like a ghost. The crowd nearby couldn’t help but sneak peeks at the drama unfolding.

Genevieve wasn’t someone you’d want to mess with. After all, she was the one who left the Hoffman family in the dust after their divorce.

Furious, Andrea shot Genevieve a glare sharp enough to cut.

Genevieve, barely containing her laughter, put a hand over her mouth. “Oh, Ms. Thomson, don’t be mad! It was all in good fun. Can’t you take a little joke?”

Her eyes were sparkling, and she had the grin of someone who just got away with mischief. It was clear she had no interest in Andrea’s drama. Genevieve wasn’t about to play nice just for show. She had learned a thing or two from Rosalie about playing the villain.

Andrea was boiling over, her hands clenched into fists. Desperate, she turned to Anthony, her eyes welling up with tears. He just smiled serenely, completely lost in Genevieve’s beauty, paying no mind to their spat.

“Mr. Hoffman…….” Andrea tried to get his attention. She had a job to do today; she couldn’t just be brushed off

Anthony gave her a brief, annoyed look. “Didn’t you catch that she was joking? Let’s break it up, folks. The auction’s getting started.” He tossed a soft glance at Genevieve. “Wanna head up to the front row?”

Genevieve ignored him and just breezed by, her dress swishing as she walked.

Anthony watched her, all googly–eyed. He was thrilled to see her put Andrea in her place. Hel figured Genevieve must be jealous. He mused, ‘Why else would she be so ticked off? I promise I’ll stop ruffling her feathers. We love each other! His mind was racing, but the auctioneer was already diving into the details of the first item up for bid.

Andrea sidled up to him. “Mr. Hoffman, I’m expecting a little thank–you gift from you. We had a deal.

Anthony just shrugged. Money was no object to him–he walked off after a nod.

Andrea became glad, and she mingled back into the crowd, watching as Genevieve zeroed in on the items, clearly hooked.

09:41 Sat, 20 Apr

Chapter 125

But Genevieve only started bidding when the “Siren’s Tear” came up.

Andrea’s eyes brightened. Her competitive edge was sparked, but the price was way steep. The starting bid was 4 million dollars. And the priciest thing before had only gone for like 4 million. This “Siren’s Tear” was on another level.

Not too many people were biding, but a few hands were going up.

Once it hit 8 million dollars, it was pretty much just Genevieve.

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Andrea shot Anthony a frosty look but kept her smile sweet. “Mr. Hoffman, I’m setting my sights. on that ‘Siren’s Tear. How about you win that bid for me, would you?”

Anthony’s brows furrowed slightly as if he was lost in thought, his gaze briefly shifting to

Genevieve.

She overheard Andrea’s request and couldn’t help but be speechless. It seemed pretty clear that the engagement between the two was legit. ‘Maybe I should contribute a gift?” The thought crossed her

mind.

Anthony raised his paddle and said, “9 million dollars!” The crowd was stunned and thought, “Was Anthony actually willing to drop that kind of cash for Andrea?”

A surge of elation washed over Andrea; she hadn’t expected Anthony to agree so readily to her remark! She couldn’t resist stealing a glance at Genevieve, her eyes glinting with triumph. She was eager to see Genevieve flustered, resentful, maybe even furious.

But no such luck. Genevieve remained calm, even with a smile on her lips.

Genevieve somehow looked happy. And it irked Andrea to no end; she was sure it was all an act!

Then, the next second, Genevieve raised her paddle and said, “10 million.”

Anthony countered without missing a beat, “11 million.”

The two seemed locked in a showdown, and for a moment, silence enveloped the room.

Genevieve said, “12 million dollars.”

“13 million dollars!”

Genevieve said, “14 million dollars.”

“15 million!” Anthony threw her a casual glance as he bid. To him, the money was just a string of numbers. Its true value depended on whom it was for.

People began to sense the tension solidifying in the air. Many looked at Genevieve with a mix of sympathy. An ex–husband outbidding his ex–wife for his current fiancée was a pretty humiliating

scenario.

The bidding war escalated until Anthony said “19 million dollars.” Then, Genevieve went silent. She didn’t raise her paddle again; instead, she just looked at Anthony with a smile playing on her lips.

09:41 Sat, 20 Apr

Chapter 125

Finally, the auctioneer’s gavel came down decisively. “The Siren’s Tear goes to Mr. Anthony!”

Every clap was like a burst of fireworks in the room. Envious glances drifted towards Andrea. Her excitement was impossible to hide as a smile took over her face. Anthony stepped forward to sign the paperwork.

Andrea, basking in her victory, sauntered over to Genevieve and said, “Sorry, Ms. Lawrence, for snagging your little treasure. I never imagined Anthony would outbid you for something you wanted. Guess this must be what true love looks like!”

Genevieve couldn’t help but give Andrea a look as she chuckled, “True love, indeed. Thanks for your generosity–you’ve just given a ton of warmth to the less fortunate.”

Andrea chuckled and said, “You don’t have to force a smile…”

But she was interrupted as the auctioneer walked over, bursting with excitement to shake Genevieve’s hand. “Ms. Lawrence, thank you for donating the Siren’s Tear. I never dreamed it would fetch a whopping 19 million dollars! What an incredible surprise.”

Andrea’s face froze and she said in a sharp tone, “What? She donated it?”

The auctioneer nodded and said, “Yes, indeed. We have Ms. Lawrence to thank for her contribution. Without it, today’s revenues would’ve been pretty bleak!”

Genevieve laughed nonchalantly, “Oh, that gem was the least valuable thing in my safety deposit box. Bought it for 4 million dollars, and was almost too embarrassed to let anyone else take a loss on it. I planned to bid on it myself. But then, who could’ve predicted Ms. Thomson and Mr. Hoffman’s overflowing generosity?”

Andrea’s face fell instantly, a mix of anger and embarrassment swirling together. She thought in anger, I’ve been played by Genevieve! But it’s okay, I still got Anthony.

Anthony descended from the stage, a server carefully holding a gift box trailing behind him. The server handed the box to Andrea. Before she could grasp it, Anthony snatched it up and placed it directly into Genevieve’s hands. “It’s for you. You like it, don’t you?”

His smile carried a hopeful warmth as he looked at her. ‘She must’ve been deeply touched by my gesture! She just has to leap into my arms now, right?‘ Anthony mused.

SEND GIFT