“Every item tonight has been generously donated, and all proceeds will go directly toward supporting the foundation’s initiatives. Namely, the Holmes Children Shelter.”
The screen behind him lit up as the first item appeared.
“And now,” he continued with a smile, “let’s begin.”
The first few items passed quickly.
A painting.
A luxury vacation package.
A signed sports memorabilia collection.
Bidders raised their paddles around the room as the prices climbed higher and higher.
Vani leaned slightly toward me.
“This is dangerous,” she murmured.
“How so?”
“You gave me permission to spend your money.”
I smirked faintly. “And yet you haven’t bid on anything.”
“Patience,” she said.
Another item appeared on the screen.
Then the next one.
And then—
The necklace.
The moment it appeared under the spotlight, I recognized it.
A sapphire necklace surrounded by diamonds, delicate and elegant, the deep blue stone catching the light beautifully. I had seen it earlier during the preview display. I had wanted to give it to Vani the moment I saw it.
Unfortunately, it had already been entered into the auction, which meant the only way to get it now was to bid for it.
“That's beautiful,” Vani murmured softly.
The MC gestured toward it. “Our next item is a stunning sapphire and diamond necklace donated by Laurent Jewelers. Opening bid two hundred thousand dollars.”
I raised my paddle. “Two hundred thousand.”
Another bidder across the room lifted theirs.
“Two hundred fifty thousand.”
“Three hundred thousand.”
The bids continued to climb steadily.
Four hundred thousand.
Five hundred thousand.
