Heiress’s Return 263
Yvette's words didn't awaken even a shred of conscience or sympathy in Lago. Instead, he acted like a rat-catching the scent of meat, eager and impatient.
He said excitedly. "See, this is our chance! My dear daughter, the Nelson family even abandoned their own daughter. How long can you even count on them?
"The priority now is to quickly channel all the Nelson family's resources and funds into ours-that's the only way they will fully be yours!"
The bewitching voice echoed from the phone, and Yvette's twister reflection in the mirror gradually relaxed. She said. "Wait for my call."
Lago laughed out loud and replied, "I knew my precious daughter would find a way. Our family is counting on you!" Yvette's face flashed with disgust at Lago's affectionate words.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
Suddenly, she thought of something, squinted her eyes, and said. "What about Jessie? Ask her if her last method didn't work. I thought I had already taken Shakira's fortune. Why is she still doing just fine?"
Yvette was filled with anger at the sight of Shakira living happily by Walter's side.
She thought, 'How could someone as low and insignificant as Shakira possibly be with someone as noble and prominent as Walter? Without him, she'd have nothing to stand against me.'
Lago's tone turned helpless. "Your grandfather already said she was born to live a charmed life. No matter how much luck you've taken from her, she'll keep attracting more. The only permanent solution to claim her luck is through a blood ritual, or..."
His voice turned eerie and sinister as he added, "Or kill her."
Yvette gave a faint smile. "I'll make her disappear. But before that... I should at least make use of her, so nothing goes to waste." After hanging up, she touched up her makeup and left the restroom.
Shortly after, Shakira stepped out from the second-to-last stall, her expression cold. She washed her hands and left.
By now, the lights had dimmed in the auction hall. Holding a small lamp, the attendant, who had been waiting for Shakira, guided her back to her seat.
Xanthe, who had been waiting anxiously, inspected her carefully "You're finally back! Why didn't you answer my call? You told me not to come. Was it because you were arguing with Yvette and worried I'd be a distraction if I came?" Shakira remained calm as she said, "I didn't confront her directly."
Xanthe breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That's good. The auction has started. The first two items were porcelain cups; the jewelry's coming up next." Shakira nodded, turning her attention to the stage.
The auctioneer was enthusiastically presenting the next lot. "Our third piece is a pearl necklace from the Orenda Ocean, featuring pearls of 0.71 inches in diameter. Each pearl is full-bodied with a radiant luster. The bidding starts at 150 thousand dollars."
Under the spotlight, the necklace sparkled with a breathtaking glow, mesmerizing the audience.
Yvette's eyes lit up. "Jayden, this pearl necklace is beautiful!"
The invitation to the auction was initially for Finn, but busy with company matters, he had arranged for Jayden to take Yvette and Aaron for a relaxing evening out: 12:10 Tue, Nov 12 Ub
Picking up on Yvette's implication, Jayden said, "You like it? I will buy it for you." With that, he raised his bidding paddle. "One hundred and sixty thousand." The auctioneer gestured toward him, saying, "Bidder 38, 160 thousand dollars."
Yvette was delighted and full of gratitude as she smiled at Nathan and said, "Thank you, Jayden. I do like it, but I think it would look best on Grandma."
Her smile turned a bit melancholic as she continued, "After whats been on the internet, she must be disappointed. I'd like to get her something nice to make her happy."
Jayden paused for a moment. "It's thoughtful of you to feel that way. Grandma just speaks her mind-she's not angry with you."
"I know, but I'd like to do something to make everyone happy," replied Yvette.
Jayden couldn't help but feel moved. Despite facing online criticism herself, Yvette still put on a brave face for her family. This only strengthened Jayden's resolve to secure the pearl necklace for her.
The pearl necklace was truly captivating, attracting a crowd of eager bidders. But as the price reached 600 thousand dollars, the number of contenders began to thin out. Determined to get the necklace, Jayden raised his paddle, calling out, "Seven hundred thousand dollars."
The auctioneer called the first bid. "Seven hundred thousand dollars once! Any other bidders?"
Yvette was thrilled and surprised that Jayden was holding out this long. She gently tugged at his sleeve and asked, "Isn't this
oo expensive?"
Then she bit her lip and whispered sadly, "I bought some things for the family recently, so I don't have much allowance left. Can I pay you back once I've saved up enough?"
"No need to worry. I told you, it's my gift to you," replied Jayden.
"Jayden... you're so good to me," said Yvette.
Jayden patted her shoulder. "If it can lift your spirits, any amount spent will be worth it."
Sitting nearby, Berry watched the scene with barely concealed envy and said, "Yvette, your brother spoils you so much. I wish I had a brother like that!" Yvette only smiled at the comment, but she felt quite smug. Hearing Jayden's relentless bidding, Xanthe crossed her arms and remarked, "Yvette must've sweet-talked him into raising the bid over and over. Wow, they're really going for it-it's already 700 thousand dollars!"
Shakira replied calmly, "Doesn't matter. The Nelson family's never been short on money or foolish about it."
Xanthe chuckled, giving her a thumb-up. "That's a spot-on summary! But I've got to admit, watching Yvette gloat like that is annoying."
She glanced at the bidding paddle, hesitating. Before she could make a decision, Shakira raised her paddle with ease.
The auctioneer called out, "Bidder 88, 900 thousand dollars, going once!"
Everyone in the room turned to look at the big spender who had made such a high bid on her first attempt, and when they realized it was such a young woman, they all gasped in admiration. Yvette and her group turned, their eyes widening in disbelief. "Shakira!" Berry exclaimed in anger.
"What's she doing here?" Aaron said angrily."
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Jayden's gaze darkened as he refused to back down, raising the bid once more.
The auctioneer announced, "Bidder 38, one million dollars, going once!" Shakira glanced over at them before calmly raising: her paddle once more. 12.11 Tue, Nov 12 wb.