The Queen's Back

"I hope I didn't make you uncomfortable, Mr. Conrad. Mona smiled politely. "But I'm married. It would be more appropriate for you to address me as Mrs. Carter."

With that, she no longer wished to engage in conversation. She took our her phone to check if Maxwell had replied to her message. Seeing no response, she figured he must be busy.

Brendan noticed her disinterest and chose not to press further. He closed his eyes, relaxing as the auction began.

Soon, the auctioneer took the stage, and after a brief introduction, the bidding commenced. Mona set her phone down and focused on the items being presented.

The first item was a crown that once belonged to a princess. The auctioneer described its natural pearls, smooth and lustrous. Mona glanced at it, thinking of the pearl bracelet Maxwell had gifted her. "They're probably of similar quality, she thought. Since she already owned something like it, she wasn't particularly interested. Besides, she had come to the auction for business.

"Not interested in the crown, Mrs. Carter? Brendan asked when he noticed that most of the other women were eagerly bidding, while Mona remained still.

"No," she replied.

So which item do you have your eye on? I could help with the bidding if you like," he offered casually.

His question reminded her of the rare herb listed in the auction catalog, which was what she truly wanted.

Seeing that she didn't respond, Brendan said, "I plan to bid on the rare herb. I want to take it back for my father, who hasn't been well lately."

"Well, Mr. Conrad, it looks like you won't be helping me after all. I need that herb too," Mona said calmly.

Many attendees had come specifically for the rare herb. People with wealth often became more protective of their health, and this herb was believed to extend life and enhance vitality, even for the average person.

Brendan chuckled, "If Mrs. Carter would call me 'Brenny, I'd be happy to give you the herb. But the question is, would you?"

"I didn't know a man like you would be trading a nickname for a priceless herb," she remarked dryly. "I didn't realize my calling you that was worth that much."

"Only because it's you," Brendan said with a playful glint in his eye. "I wouldn't bother if it were anyone else. So, Mrs. Carter, will you say it?"

I'm afraid I can't do that, Mr. Carter. She was aware of the numerous other bidders. Even if she conceded to his demands and he backed out, the competition would remain fierce. The absence of one bidder wouldn't make a difference.

The auction progressed, presenting items such as paintings, porcelain, and jewelry; however, none captured her interest. Similarly, Brendan chose not to participate in the bidding.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for! Up next is the rare herb, known for its extraordinary health benefits. Get ready to place your bids!" the auctioneer announced.

Mona's gaze was fixed on the stage, her palms damp with sweat. The herb before her held the promise of her grandfather's recovery, and she was ready to risk everything for it.

"The bidding starts at ten million dollars. Let's begin!"

As the gavel fell, the bidding war for the herb kicked off. Mona observed the room carefullyContent property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Eleven million dollars!"

"Eleven million dollars, going once! Any higher offers?"

"Twelve million dollars!"

"Hurry, dear, someone in the front row said in Horietan, "I want that for my skin."

Mona felt exasperated. 'If you want better skin, just use skincare products. Why waste this rare herb?"

"Alright, I'll bid, the man responded.

Twenty million dollars!"

"Wow, twenty million already! Anyone else?" the auctioneer called.

"Mrs. Carter, are you bidding soon? You'll miss your chance if you don't do something now," Brendan remarked.

"Says the one who hasn't," she countered.

Twenty million dollars, going twice! Any higher bids?"

Although the herb was valuable, not everyone was willing to spend over twenty million dollars on it. Therefore, many began to drop out.

As the auctioneer prepared to make the second call, Mona's patience wore thin. Anxious about being outbid, she decisively lifted her paddle and shouted, "Thirty million dollars!"

The auctioneer banged the gavel. "Thirty million dollars! Any further bids? If not, the herb will be Mrs. Carter's."

"Dear, I want it!

Don't you

want my skin to be even smoother? You'll love it so much!"

The man glanced at Mona and seemed to make up his mind. "Alright, I'll get it for you. Thirty million and two hundred thousand dollars!"

"Thirty-two million dollars!" Mona immediately countered.

Thirty-two million and two hundred thousand dollars!"

"Thirty-four million dollars!" She glared at the man in front of her, who had been bidding against her relentlessly.

"Mrs. Carter, it's not too late to reconsider," Brendan said, watching her growing frustration. Just call me 'Brenny, and I'll help you win this herb

"Forty million dollars!" Mona shouted before turning to him in exasperation. "What exactly do you want from me?" She knew he had other intentions-nobody would be so generous to her just to hear something like that in return. "Forty million and two hundred thousand dollars!"

"Dear, maybe you should place a bigger bid instead. Don't embarrass us-everyone's watching," the woman in front of Mona urged impatiently

"What do you know? If I keep following up with small bids, she'll get frustrated and give up. Soon enough, that herb will be ours, and you can give me a healthy child

"Oh, stop it, dear." The woman giggled.

B

Brendan rubbed his forehead. "Come on. Just call me Brenny whenever we meet. It's not that big of a deal. You just happen to be my type, that's all."

"Fifty million dollars!" Mona shouted. This endless back-and-forth was starting to wear her down.

"Fifty million and two hundred thousand dollars!"

Exasperated, Mona turned to Brendan with suspicion. "Are you saying that all t have to do is call you 'Brenny'?"

"Yes, normally once is sufficient, but since you hesitated, you'll have to call me 'Brenny' forever if you want my help," Brendan responded in a serious tone. "Fifty million