Sophia's voice echoed through the room as she confidently stated, "I bid $5 million." The declaration hung in the air, causing a collective gasp from the spectators. The murmurs grew louder as the attendees exchanged incredulous glances. Sophia's bold move had taken everyone by surprise.Just when Sophia thought she might have secured the victory, Maxwell, wearing a sly grin, swiftly raised his paddle higher. His voice cut through the murmurs as he announced, "I'll raise it to $6 million." Gasps and hushed conversations erupted among the spectators, their astonishment evident.Sophia's heart skipped a beat, her determination fueling her resolve. She locked eyes with Maxwell, a fire of competitiveness burning within her. Without hesitation, she raised her paddle once again and called out, "I bid $6.5 million."The room erupted with a mix of gasps, exclamations, and whispered conversations. The tension in the air was palpable as the attendees absorbed the escalating bid. All eyes were fi
The auctioneer's voice resonated through the room, commanding everyone's attention. "We have reached an impressive bid of $8 million. Are you going to continue, sir?" he asked, directing his gaze towards Ethan, who nodded with a determined expression. "Yes, $8.5 million," Ethan replied confidently, a subtle smile playing on his lips.Maxwell couldn't help but chuckle at Ethan's response. "Well, that's good," he sneered, preparing himself for the next bid. He raised the stakes further, placing a bid of $9 million, a challenge aimed at testing Ethan's resolve.As the auctioneer turned his attention to Ethan, all eyes in the room shifted towards him. Whispers filled the air, a chorus of uncertainty and curiosity. People wondered if Ethan had the means to continue and if he could truly match Maxwell's bid."Can he really keep up with this Maxwell guy?""This is getting intense!""Is he just bluffing?""I wonder if he's really got the money."The tension in the room grew palpable, and Sophi
Ethan 71A collective gasp swept through the crowd, audible expressions of disbelief and confusion. It was an unexpected twist, leaving both the spectators and the auctioneer dumbfounded.The auctioneer's brows furrowed in surprise, his exhilaration giving way to a mixture of confusion and disappointment. He had been ready to continue the bidding war, to milk every possible penny for the prized bracelet. However, Ethan's abrupt withdrawal brought an unforeseen halt to the proceedings.Elora, who had been wearing a confident smile moments before, felt her expression falter and her eyes widen in astonishment. The smile vanished from her face, replaced by a perplexed and concerned look. She turned her gaze towards Ethan, her brows furrowed in disbelief and a hint of worry creeping into her features. The sudden turn of events had caught her off guard, and she couldn't fathom why Ethan had chosen to give up at such a critical moment.Sophia's parents, who had been observing the bidding war
The room fell into a tense silence as the auctioneer's anger reverberated, casting a shadow over Maxwell 's failed attempt to follow through with the purchase. All eyes were fixed on the disgruntled bidder, awaiting his response, while whispers continued to circulate, casting doubts."Did you hear that? Maxwell couldn't make the payment!""Seems like he was all talk and no substance.""I knew it! He was just trying to show off.""He's embarrassed now, isn't he?""I can't believe he wasted everyone's time!""Maybe he was bluffing from the beginning.""Looks like his wallet couldn't match his ego."Everyone kept saying what they thought. Maxwell was embarrassed every second as the people kept blurting out words.Elora looked at Maxwell with a mischievous glint in her eyes and couldn't resist mocking him in his moment of embarrassment. She stepped closer, her voice dripping with sarcasm."Well, well, Maxwell ," She taunted, her tone filled with amusement. "You were acting like the god of
Ethan smiled triumphantly as he turned back and made his way back to his seat. "You've made the right choice," he stated calmly.The auctioneer, still harboring a hint of anger, replied, "Why not make it $400,000, and we can settle everything?"The auctioneer, still harboring a hint of anger, replied, "Why not make it $400,000, and we can settle everything?"The smile on Ethan's face faded, and he stared at the man coldly, his eyes piercing with determination.The auctioneer gulped nervously and quickly retracted his statement. "I was just joking, never mind. Just pay the $300,000 and take it. Leave."Ethan's smile returned, and he pulled out his phone to initiate the transfer. "I'm done. My girlfriend's bracelet is now officially mine," he declared confidently.The auctioneer stared at him, a mix of frustration and resignation in his eyes. He carefully packaged the bracelet and handed it to Ethan.With the bracelet in his possession, Ethan smiled and walked towards the door. However,
The cab smoothly navigated through the bustling streets of the city, carrying Ethan and Sophia towards the highly recommended Australian restaurant. Along the way, they enjoyed glimpses of the vibrant cityscape, adorned with towering buildings and a lively atmosphere.As they arrived at their destination, the cab pulled up in front of a charming, modern establishment. The restaurant's exterior boasted a sleek design, with large glass windows that allowed natural light to filter into the dining area. A tastefully crafted sign adorned the entrance, displaying the name of the restaurant in elegant lettering.Upon entering, Ethan and Sophia were greeted by an inviting ambiance that exuded a sophisticated yet welcoming vibe. Soft lighting casts a warm glow over the space, accentuating the tasteful décor and carefully selected furnishings. The interior was a blend of contemporary aesthetics and subtle Australian influences, with nods to the country's natural beauty and cultural heritage.A f
"Thank you, Sophie." Ethan said with a smile.Sophia's gaze shifted towards the package beside her, her curiosity reignited. She couldn't help but wonder about the enigmatic bracelet that had caused such a stir. Her voice tinged with intrigue, she turned her attention back to Ethan and asked, "Ethan, can you tell me about the bracelet? How did you manage to acquire it? The price was $30 million due to the bid."Ethan's eyes flickered towards the package before meeting Sophia's gaze. He contemplated for a moment, his expression thoughtful, before finally deciding to say something."Well, Sophia, it's a bit of a long story," he began, his voice carrying a hint of mystery. "You see, I have connections in unexpected places. Sophia leaned forward, her curiosity growing stronger by the second. "Connections? What kind of connections?" she inquired, her voice filled with anticipation.Ethan leaned back in his chair, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Let's just say I've had
Ethan's brow furrowed with concern. He leaned forward, giving her his full attention. "Please, Sophia, tell me what's been bothering you. I'm here to listen and support you."Sophia took a deep breath, her voice filled with sincerity. "Ethan, I've developed deep…Ring!" Just then, as Ethan and Sophia were engrossed in their conversation, Ethan's phone abruptly started ringing, interrupting their chat. He reached for his phone and noticed that it was a call from Lily, his ex-wife, on his secret number. His brows furrowed with surprise and a hint of apprehension.Ethan cleared his throat, feeling a mixture of curiosity and concern. He looked at Sophia apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Sophia. I need to take this call. It's from someone I know."Sophia's expression softened, understanding the gravity of the situation. She nodded and replied, "Of course, take your time. I'll be right here." Even though her tone sounded normal she was a little bit disappointed.Ethan excused himself fr