The crown shimmered under the auction hall's lights, its diamonds catching every gaze. At first glance, its value was undeniable—ten million at the very least.

It was no surprise when the first bid came.

But the moment Nathan Prescott heard the woman's voice, his entire body tensed, like a predator spotting its rival.

"That's Amy Sinclair," he muttered under his breath, fingers tightening around his paddle. "She actually dares to challenge me?"

Without hesitation, he raised it again. "Five million!"

His glare was sharp enough to cut glass as it landed on Amy.

She didn’t flinch. Instead, she lifted her own paddle with effortless grace.

"Ten million."

In mere seconds, the crown's price had skyrocketed beyond reason.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Who was this woman, throwing around money like it was nothing?

Nathan's jaw clenched. "Fifteen million."

Amy didn’t even blink. "Twenty million."

Nathan had been born into wealth—he knew the game. His personal limit for this piece had been fifteen. Anything beyond that was just foolish.

But now, with Amy driving the price up, something primal flared inside him. Pride. Spite. The need to prove he was untouchable.

"Twenty-five million," he snapped.

Alexander Blackwood leaned in, voice low. "Nathan, this crown isn’t worth more than thirteen. Don’t let ego cost you."

Victoria Langley, sitting beside him, gave a saccharine smile. "If Ms. Sinclair wants it so badly, maybe you should let her have it."

Normally, Victoria would never encourage such reckless spending. But today was different. If Amy desired something, Victoria would make sure she never got it.

Nathan’s smirk was razor-sharp. "The more she wants it, the less she’ll have it. She needs to learn her place."

When the bids hit fifty million, Amy finally lowered her paddle.

Nathan straightened, triumphant, casting her a look dripping with arrogance.

Amy remained unreadable, her expression as calm as still water.

The auction staff approached, presenting the crown on a velvet tray. Nathan snatched it up and placed it on Victoria’s head with a flourish.

The next item was a jade bracelet.

Though Nathan had recently replenished his funds, dropping fifty million still stung. He’d planned to bid on a few things for himself.

But then Amy raised her paddle again.

Nathan turned to Victoria, voice low. "Didn’t Amy break your bracelet last time? You never found a replacement, right? This one’s perfect—I’ll get it for you."

Victoria pretended to hesitate before falling silent. Free jewelry was free jewelry.

Alexander frowned. "Nathan, that bracelet’s worth thirty at most. Don’t overpay."

Before he could finish, Amy’s voice cut through the room like ice.

"Fifty million."

Silence. Every head turned toward her.

She’d just doubled the bid in one move.

Who was this woman? Some oil heiress? A hidden billionaire?

Nathan stared, momentarily stunned, before rallying. "Sixty million!"

Amy’s reply was smooth, unshaken. "Eighty million."

Nathan’s paddle froze mid-air.

Eighty million?