All eyes were fixed on the painting. To collectors, it was a treasure with immense potential for appreciation. But for Miranda, Eric, and Broad, it held a far deeper meaning.
Miranda took a deep breath. This painting was her last connection to her mother, the only keepsake left behind. No matter the cost, she was determined to make it hers.
Sensing her tension, Eric gently took her hand and smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m here for you.”
Miranda nodded, ready to bid, but Broad beat her to it.
“Three million,” Broad announced, raising his paddle.
A murmur swept through the audience.
“Typical Broad-he raised the price by a million right off the bat!”
“Looks like this is out of our league. We’re just here for the show now.”
The whispers reached Broad’s ears, and a faint smirk appeared on his lips. His eyes gleamed with a touch of pride. In his mind, his wealth and audacity were unmatched. Miranda would surely regret leaving him. Securing this painting was the perfect opportunity to flaunt his power.
But then-
“Four million.” A familiar, clear, and resolute voice cut through the room.
Broad frowned and turned. Miranda held her paddle aloft, her gaze locked firmly on him, challenging and unyielding.
What? Why?
Broad was stunned. Why would she fight him for this painting?
He had little time to dwell on it. Raising his paddle again, he declared, “Five million.”
“That’s about the market value for this piece,” someone in the crowd whispered.
“Broad seems determined to win.”
The murmurs continued, but Miranda was deaf to them. To her, this painting was priceless. It wasn’t just art-it was her mother’s legacy.
Without hesitation, she raised her paddle again. “Six million.”
“Seven million!” Broad snapped, his tone laced with irritation.
“Are you insane?” Vivienne leaned close to Broad, her voice sharp with anxiety. She had already been humiliated by Miranda earlier and was now on edge. This painting, she feared, could be another trap.
“It isn’t worth seven million!” she pleaded.
“Shut up!” Broad hissed, his eyes flashing with anger.
“Ten million,” Eric interjected suddenly, his voice calm but commanding, sending ripples of shock through the room.
The audience erupted.
“Ten million! The Wilson family has entered the fray-what a power move!”
“Well, considering their business empire, it’s no surprise.”
Eric remained unfazed by the commotion, his expression serene as if ten million dollars were no more than a mere figure to him. He glanced at Miranda, his eyes warm and filled with quiet confidence.
Miranda, caught by his magnetic presence, couldn’t help but look at him for a moment longer. A soft warmth welled up in her chest. With Eric by her side, nothing seemed insurmountable.
Broad, however, was seething. His black eyes burned with jealousy as he stared at Eric and Miranda. He clenched his fists, his mind clouded by the reminder that Miranda was still his wife-they hadn’t yet finalized their divorce.
Fueled by jealousy, he raised his paddle again. “Fifteen million!”
Vivienne grabbed his sleeve in desperation, her voice trembling with suppressed anger. “Enough! You can’t keep raising the price. This is far beyond the painting’s value!”
Broad brushed her off without a second thought. Vivienne froze, stunned by the public rejection. She hadn’t expected him to humiliate her so brazenly. Yet, considering the critical negotiations with Sora Group underway, she bit her tongue and endured the slight.
Her gaze darkened as she thought bitterly, Miranda, you’ll pay for this.
Meanwhile, Miranda, feeling unexpectedly lighthearted, began to enjoy the bidding war. She raised her paddle leisurely. “Twenty million,” she said with a cheerful confidence.
Eric chuckled softly. Raising his paddle, he declared, “Thirty million.”
The room fell into a stunned silence before erupting in gasps and murmurs.
“Thirty million! This is insane!”
“Broad’s completely outmatched now.”
Broad’s face turned grim. The situation had spiraled out of his control, and he knew it. Yet, he couldn’t bear the thought of conceding.
His mind raced. Thirty million dollars was thirty percent of his projected profits for the year. While he could afford it personally, he represented his company, and the shareholders would never tolerate such an unprofitable move.
Even if he secured the painting, it would mark him as reckless and incompetent in their eyes. And he couldn’t be certain Eric wouldn’t raise the stakes even further.
The auctioneer’s sweet voice shattered his thoughts.
“Thirty million, going once.”
Broad’s fists tightened, his knuckles white. He wanted to fight, but he couldn’t afford to act on impulse.
“Thirty million, going twice.”
Broad shut his eyes, resignation washing over him. Miranda’s bright smile flashed in his mind, filling him with regret. If only she had called him “darling” just once.
“Thirty million, sold! Congratulations, Mr. Wilson! You’ve successfully acquired Versailles Twilight!”
The room erupted in applause, but Broad felt as if all the sound had been drained away. He slumped back into his seat, his body heavy with defeat.
Eric, holding the painting, turned to Miranda with a smile. “I told you I’d get it for you.”
Miranda took the painting from him and kissed his forehead. “Thank you, darling.”
Their tender exchange was like a dagger to Broad’s heart. The sight of their closeness was unbearable.
He stormed over to them, his composure unraveling. “Enough!” he bellowed.
Eric turned to shield Miranda, his calm demeanor unshaken. “So, what do you want to do?”
Though Broad’s towering presence loomed over Eric, the latter faced him with unwavering poise.
Broad’s black eyes darkened, his anger palpable. Grabbing Eric by the collar, he growled, “Eric, are you trying to provoke me?”
“You’re welcome to try,” Eric replied, brushing Broad’s hand away effortlessly.
Broad’s fury erupted. He swung his fist, but before it landed, Miranda stepped between them, blocking his path.
Broad froze, his fist suspended mid-air. His eyes burned with frustration and rage as he roared, “Miranda, don’t forget-you’re still my wife!”
Miranda’s voice was calm but sharp. “Instead of wasting your energy here, Broad, you should focus on explaining to your shareholders how you botched the Sora Group deal.”
Broad’s jaw clenched. His dark gaze shifted between Miranda and Eric, brimming with menace. “The project will be mine. And so will you.”
But Miranda didn’t flinch, her resolve as unshakable as ever.