Chapter 26
Some people had already given up on dancing and were just standing on the sidelines, admiring Rachel’s breathtaking performance.
By the time the first section ended, Rachel was slightly out
y out of breath. She hadn’t danced in so long, and it was harder than she’d expected.
A thin sheen of sweat had formed on her forehead, but she felt a deep sense of satisfaction. It was as if the version of herself she had lost over the past three years was slowly starting to come back
She stepped off the dance floor and saw that the auction was about to begin.
As the first dance finished, the names of all the socialites who had participated were lashed on the big screen. The host stepped up to the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen, what a dazzling display of dance we’ve seen. I’m sure all the gentlemen here have been completely captivated,” the host said, his voice upbeat,
“Now, for charity, the ladies have generously agreed to auction off their second dance. You can now bid on the lady of your choice and make your donation to our charity fund, the host continued.
The bidding began immediately
T11 bid 100 thousand dollars. I want Rachel.
“What’s wrong with you! There are so many other ladies here–why pick her? Didn’t you heart She’s George’s ex
“She’s just an ex. What’s the big deal?”
“Whatever, Just don’t outbid me. She’s mine.”
Sybils face flushed a deep shade of red as she listened to the conversation around her. She thought, “What is going on? These people are actually fighting to had on that woman!”
*100 thousand dollars, someone else called out. “I’ll take Rachel
*200 thousand dollars.”
300 thousand dollars.”
The price shot up quickly as more
bids came in.
commented from the side with a sly smile. “But are you sure you’re going to
“Looks like once you showed up, the competition was over, Herb.com dance with whoever wins the bid
Rachel blinked, her lips curling into a playful smile. “Aren’t you backing me up?
Herb had already guessed what was going to happen. There was no way H Rachel was going to dance with these men. This was all just for show.
The moment Rachel stepped into the spotlight, countless people would be lining up to bid for her attention. Herb wasn’t the only one willing to spend money on her
The pose in
pouse in the front was growing louder.
you really going to fight with met That woman’s a handful. You can’t handle her
“You! You couldn’t handle her either.
“Alright then, let’s see who’s got the stronger game?
“Fine. She’s mine today!
But past then, someone in the back quietly raised their paddle
“po mallan dollars. 1 list on Rachel. It was Herb.
The crowd turned to see him standing calmly at the back, leaning against the railing with a cool expression, holding up her paddle. That was the kind of determined confidence that could only mean one thing he wasn’t letting anyone else win this bid
Sylal’s face twisted with fury. She clenched her teeth, watching this unfold. “What’s so special about her? She’s just a fool. She does one dance, and noor these people are treating her like a spuren
Lauren remained silent, but his mind was racing. He thought, “Herbs isn’t a fool. If Rachel were really just some ordinary wonun, why would he be willing to spend a small fortune on her?
6:48 PM ·
Chapter 26
As soon as Herb made his move, the people who had been arguing suddenly hesitated. They realized that even if they could outbid him, crossing Herb, the heir of the Rowse family, could bring consequences they weren’t ready to deal with.
Rachel had known exactly how this would play out. She turned her head and gave Herb a calm smile.
“10 million dollars once, 10 million dollars twice.
The auctioneer thought that was enough. After all, they
ry weren’t anctioning off anything particularly valuable–just a woman’s dance. These rich folks sure knew how to have fun
་
The auctioneer thought, 10 million dollars for a single dance! Surely no one else would keep bidding” But just as the gavel was about
““17 million dollars” A cold, clear voice suddenly rang out, sending a ripple through the crmol.
to fall….
“George
The crowd thought. Why is George here! And why is
why is he willing to throw down 17 million dollars just for a dance with Rachel”
Rachel had thought the bidding was over and was about to leave, but when she heard that voice, a wave of frustration hit her. She thought, “What is George doing here, getting involved in this?
She turned around and saw him–towering above the crowd–walking calmly into the venue.
Dressed in black, he stood in stark contrast to the glitzy surroundings. His unforgettable face wore an expression of icy indifference, and that aura of distance only made the crowd more intrigued.
He was angry Rachel noticed that immediately. But she didn’t know why.
“So Rachel really did h have a past with George,” someone murmured. “Looks like Sybil was right after all.”
“But didn’t they break up? Why would he still show up to bid?”
“Maybe he’s not over her?”
“But he’s with Callie now, and they even have a kidt Isn’t that a little too much?”
The crowd began to gossip.
Some people were watching Rachel with envy. “What does she have that makes both George and Herb fight over her? She must have some kind of power.”
Herb sneered, watching George enter. “What does he want now!”
Rachel sighed. “He’s probably lost his mind.”
Herb snorted. “Don’t think you can outbid me”
Herb raised hus paddle again. “24 million dollars”
“27 million dollars,” George shot back, his eyes not leaving the stage, clearly determined to outlast him
24 million dollars”
When George called our 34 million dollars, gasps filled the room. No one had ever seen an auction like this before. A single dance, and it had already reached a staggering price. This was how the elites played–hold, brazen, and unapologetic
Rachel frowned as the listened to the nuts around her. This was g
was getting out of hand.
She saw Herla raise his paddle once more, but this time, she acted fast, placing a hand on his
Her turned to her in surprise. “What are you doing, Kachel? 24 million dollars? I’ll crush this food”
Rachel’s eyes narrowed in irritation. “Enough of this nonsense. 34 million dollars is plenty. Don’t waste any more money. Let’s stop here.”
“L…” Herb hesitated, clearly unhappy, but when he saw the warning in her eyes, he realized she had made up her mind. If he kept pushing, Rachel would really gri angry, and that wouldn’t far easy to fix
The auctioneer quickly selord the opportunity. “4 million dollars, once. 34 million dollars, twice. 31 million dollars, third and final time Soldr The gavel came down, and the crowd erupted in disbelief.
Rachel, from across the room, cast one last glance at George before silently walking off the stage.
6:48 PM c
Chapter 26
“Rachel‘ George followed her,
Rachel turned, frowning as their eyes met. “34 million dollars. That’s the price. Don’t think I’ll give you a discount just because of our past.”
George closed the distance between them, and only then did George notice how much of her skin was exposed, her creamy complexion set off by the revealing dress.
She looked effortlessly alluring, indifferent but still irresistibly tempting. She really had no shame anymore.
“If I don’t pay up, are you really going to wear that and go home with whoever here buys you?” His words were as cruel as ever.
Rachel’s expression darkened. People with filthy minds always see dirt in everything. Forget the hundred million. Stay away from me.”
George paused, then, seeing her turn to leave, he suddenly grabbed her arm, pulling her back with force.
