Chapter 651 Auction
The dazzling crystal chandelier lit up the entire auction hall like it was midday, making the guests squint against the blinding light.
Emma sat alone in the back corner, her slender fingers unconsciously rubbing the auction paddle in her hand, feeling its cold touch while her gaze kept drifting toward the front row. There, George and Primrose were cozied up together, looking like a match made in heaven.
George was dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, exuding a powerful and aloof aura. His profile was sharp as a knife, with tightly pressed thin lips that conveyed a sense of unapproachable distance.
Primrose wore a champagne-colored floor-length gown adorned with tiny diamonds that sparkled with her every movement. She leaned slightly, her red lips close to George's ear, whispering something that made him smile—a rare sight.
The scene felt like a sharp knife stabbing into Emma's heart.
A piercing pain radiated from her chest, as if an invisible hand was squeezing her heart, making it hard to breathe. She forced herself to look away, but her gaze inevitably returned to the couple.
"Next up is the highlight of today's auction. the Lakeside Haven development site, starting at $2 billion," the auctioneer's booming voice echoed through the hall, instantly capturing everyone's attention.
As soon as the words left his mouth, Michael calmly raised his paddle, his voice steady and powerful. "Three and a half billion."
The room erupted in murmurs. This plot of land had been the focus of fierce competition in the business world, with countless eyes fixed on it. Michael's bid clearly signaled Auris Group's determination to acquire it.
But before the shock had fully settled, a cold, deep voice cut through the air like ice water on a boiling pot. "Four billion."
It was George.
Emma's head snapped up, her heart feeling like it was being squeezed and then released, pounding wildly. She stared at George's tall figure in the front row, her fingertips digging into her palm.
Michael squinted, a meaningful cold smile playing on his lips. "Four and a half billion."
"Five billion," George replied without even lifting an eyelid, his tone as indifferent as if discussing the weather.
The room fell silent, the tension palpable as all eyes darted between the uncle and nephew, the air thick with anticipation.
Michael's face darkened, his gaze fixed on George's back as he slowly raised his paddle. "Five and a half billion."
George finally turned his head, his icy gaze piercing Michael like an arrow, then casually said. "Six billion."
Michael's expression turned grim, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "George, don't overextend yourself. Six billion is no small sum. Are you sure you can manage without the Russell Group?"
George's lips curled slightly, but his eyes stayed icy. "You worry too much. Even without the Russell Group, my finances are solid. But you...," he paused, his tone dripping with sarcasm, "I hear your overseas projects are tanking. Almost wiped out, right?"
Michael's eyes turned to ice, his fingers tightening until his knuckles turned white. His gaze was venomous, fixed on George as if he wanted to tear him apart.
Primrose took George's arm, her voice soft. "George, don't fight with Michael. We're family, there's no need for this."
Her words seemed conciliatory but only added fuel to the fire.
Michael sneered, his eyes sweeping over Primrose with disdain. "Ms. Wells, how considerate. But this is business, not a place for romance."
Primrose's face stiffened but quickly regained her smile, though a shadow of malice flickered in her eyes. "You're mistaken. I just don't want family to fall out."
George patted her hand gently, his tone surprisingly tender. "Ignore him."
Emma sat in the back, her nails digging into her palm, yet she felt no pain. Her gaze was fixed on George and Primrose's intertwined hands, her chest aching dully. They looked so perfect, so in love, while she could only watch from afar, not even allowed to approach.
The auctioneer's gavel came down. "Congratulations to George for winning the Lakeside Haven development site at six billion!"
Applause filled the hall as George stood, gracefully nodding to the crowd before taking Primrose's hand to leave.
As they passed Emma, George's gaze briefly landed on her, then coldly moved away, as if she were a stranger.
Emma felt as if a knife had been twisted in her heart, the pain nearly suffocating. She bit her lower lip until she tasted blood.
Michael approached her, leaning in to whisper mockingly. "What, can't stand seeing your old flame happy?"
Emma suppressed her emotions, replying coldly. "None of your business."
Michael chuckled, his tone dangerous and suggestive. "Don't forget, you're my wife now."
Emma felt a chill run through her. Her eyes reddened, tears welling up but stubbornly refusing to fall.
She loved George, had loved him for years, but now he held someone else's hand, ignoring her completely. And she couldn't even say "I still love you."
Because Michael wouldn't allow it.
Because her weakness was still in his hands.
Meanwhile, George got into the car, his smile vanishing, replaced by a cold fury.
Primrose noticed his mood, asking cautiously. "George, what's wrong?"
George closed his eyes briefly, his voice low. "Nothing."
Primrose bit her lip, hesitating before asking. "Are you still thinking about her?"
George's eyes snapped open, sharp as a blade. "Who?"
Primrose flinched, quickly shaking her head. "Nothing."
George looked away, his voice cold. "Drive."
As the car slowly pulled away, George glanced back at the auction hall, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes.
The auction ended, the crystal chandelier still lighting the hall like daylight. Guests left in small groups, the air lingering with the scent of champagne and perfume.
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