Chapter 112

Damien let out a low chuckle. "Don't worry about it. Didn't you say your grandmother would love this piece? Go ahead and place your bid."

Seeing his relaxed expression, Selene felt warmth spread through her chest. She raised her paddle confidently. "Sixty million."

Everett Mercer immediately countered. "Seventy million."

Then he called out loudly to Damien, "Mr. Harrington, my family has been collectors of such artifacts for generations. Would you do me the honor of letting this one go?"

Damien turned with a polite smile. "My apologies, Mr. Mercer, but my own family shares this passion." Their conversation carried clearly through the auction hall, reaching Camille and Elise's ears.

The vase was intended for Rosalie Lancaster, Selene's grandmother. Yet Damien referred to her as his own family, making his allegiances painfully clear.

What a stark contrast to how he treated Camille's relatives.

Selene raised her paddle again. "Eighty-five million."

This time, Everett didn't counter.

When the gavel fell, Selene had secured the antique vase for eighty-five million, drawing envious glances from the crowd. Yet even after winning, she couldn't shake a lingering unease.

The Lancaster family was wealthy, and her grandmother spent lavishly on her antique collection each year.

But nearly one hundred million for a single piece? That was unprecedented. Her family would be shocked beyond words.

Especially since Damien had initially suggested bidding one hundred million. She'd scaled it back, thinking eighty-five million more reasonable.

His casual extravagance made her heart flutter.

Elise cursed under her breath. "Damn! That's almost a hundred million!"

Combined with the previous auction item, the total approached nine figures.

This time, envy burned through Elise's entire body.

Camille pressed her lips into a tight line, her expression darkening.

Elise noticed immediately. "Cami, are you... okay?"

Seeing Damien spoil his mistress - especially the daughter of her father's mistress - would upset anyone.

But Camille's mood had nothing to do with that. "Damien can spend his money however he likes. It's none of my concern."

"What worries me is if he and Selene want the same piece I do. With my current funds, I can't possibly outbid them."

Elise brightened. "But she's already won two items. Surely she won't bid again?"

"Hopefully."

But Camille knew better. With Damien's limitless wealth, he could drop another few hundred million tonight without blinking.

Just then, the embroidered painting she'd been waiting for appeared on stage.

Opening bid: five million.

Someone immediately offered six.

Camille raised her paddle. "Seven million."

At first, Selene hadn't noticed her. But the moment Camille spoke, recognition flashed across Selene's face.

Their eyes met briefly before Selene turned away and raised her paddle again. "Ten million."

Camille's stomach dropped.

Selene had recognized her. And Damien must have too - yet he didn't even glance back.

Elise swore loudly. "You've got to be kidding me! She's bidding again?"

Everett joined the fray. "Fifteen million."

Camille tightened her grip on the paddle. "Eighteen million."

Without turning, Selene called out, "Twenty-five million."