Nathan's pulse raced, yet he knew perfectly well this jade bracelet had far exceeded its actual worth.

The auctioneer's smile bordered on grotesque, barely containing his glee at the escalating bids.

Their commission scaled with each item's final price. While every piece here carried a hefty starting bid, prices near reserve meant modest earnings. But when bids skyrocketed? That's when their paychecks ballooned. Reckless bidders were their favorite kind.

Seeing Nathan hesitate, Amy leaned forward with a playful lilt. "Mr. Prescott, if you're done bidding, does this mean the bracelet is mine?"

Seizing the moment, the auctioneer raised his gavel. "Eight million - any higher offers?"

"Eight million, going once."

That casual taunt ignited something in Nathan. His eyes flashed as he snapped his paddle up. "Nine million."

Amy responded with a knowing smirk and withdrew.

"Nine million, sold!" The auctioneer's voice rang with triumph.

Nathan's face hardened as he shot Amy a sharp glance. Why had she backed out now?

Meeting his gaze, Amy gave an innocent shrug. "You're far more... generous than I, Mr. Prescott. That was my limit - clearly I'm outmatched."

A prickle of unease crept up Nathan's spine, but pride made him sneer. "If you can't handle the stakes, perhaps charity auctions are more your speed."

Amy merely smiled, unruffled.

Victoria observed the exchange with narrowed eyes, pieces clicking into place.

Alexander leaned closer, voice low. "Nathan, she's baiting you. Stop rising to it."

Nathan bristled. "Baiting me? Watch this - when the bids get high enough, I'll drop out and leave her holding the bag."

Before Alexander could argue, the next lot appeared - an antique mural.

True to form, Amy raised her paddle.

After two humiliations, Nathan's lips curled into a cold smile. Turnabout was fair play.

At two million, Nathan jumped to four. Amy countered with five. Nathan immediately shot to eight.

Then - silence. Amy withdrew again.

Nathan sat stunned.

He'd justified previous purchases as gifts for Victoria, but this? Victoria didn't bother hiding her disinterest. "It's not worth half that," she murmured.

Now he'd paid eight million for something worthless. Had the whole room just witnessed him being played?

A staff member approached, presenting the mural with exaggerated reverence. Nathan accepted it through gritted teeth. Victoria whispered, "Next time, cap bids at double value."

Nathan glared at Amy, resentment boiling. He couldn't let her win.

"Fine," he muttered. "Your way this time."

The next lot appeared - an exquisite Ming vase.

Nathan cracked his knuckles, determined to turn the tables.

But as bidding commenced, something entirely unexpected unfolded.