Chapter 68 Sixty Eight
And look at this beauty The auctioneer’s voice broke through my erratic train of panicky thoughts.
“The starting price for this one is Two hundred thousand dollars, nothing less.”
I knew the auctioneer was still talking but my mind didn’t register any of his words. I could not get that glare that Mark gave me out of my head. Just thinking about it made my hand tremble. I plucked my purse from my lap and held it with a strong grip. Thankfully, my hands stopped. shaking
I took a deep breath and looked up. Just as the auctioneer grinned widely someone had probably increased the amount – and opened his m*uth to speak, I heard Lucas say, “Five hundred thousand dollars.”
I whipped my head round to face him.my eyes bulging, “What?” 1 whisper–yelled.
I asked if you wanted it, but you didn’t respond.”
“So why are you bidding for it?” Even though the original amount of the bracelet was way more than that, I couldn’t let him get it.
“Seven hundred thousand.”
Just as he looked over my shoulder and nodded at something there, someone else increased their price. It was a voice I recognized too well I already knew who it was before I even turned. “My nephew wants it.”
From where I sat, I could see his jaw work as he grinded his teeth, his hands clenched into fists on the arm of the chair.
Then let him have it, Lucas raised his paddle but the urgency in my voice made him stop. He turned to me, his eyes searched mine and I could feel everyone staring at us.
“Why?”
“I don’t want you messing with Mark Just leave it for him. If you like it do much, I can make a replica of it for you. Look at it, it’s Atelier’s. I made it. Easy peasy. If you have a style you like, I can make one specially for you. It’s not worth it to spend so much on this bracelet, I rambled on until Lucas chuckled. My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach as he out his arms around me and raised his paddle.
“A million dollars.”
Casps went around the room and all eyes were on him. My nape tingled and I knew Mark was glaring our way again.
“Lucas!” I cried.
He pulled me to him and gave me a k*ss on the top of my head and I suddenly felt safe. I felt protected in his arms. T’m sorry, babe. I just find it fun to tease Mark.” There was this mischievous glint and playful smile on his l*ps as he spoke that silently assured me that nothing could go wrong. Then he chuckled, “It always feels like teasing a puppy.”
I relaxed and leaned into him, “Can you get any more childish?” I shook my head, “You guys are so childish but I think I like this game. How much are you willing to bid the highest?”
He smirked and glanced above my head, “Let’s see…” he chuckled. “With that look? I might have to let the puppy have its milk.”
I turned and followed Lucas‘ gaze. Mark’s knuvkes were almost white as he gripped the paddle and raised it. The rage and determination on his face had no borders. Two million dollars.” Even I gasped along with everyone else.
I felt Lucas‘ shift and I quickly turned to him. “You’re not doubling that amount!” I glared at him and said sternly.
“Come on, I wouldn’t do that.” His gaze shifted from me and traveled to where Mark was seated.
Chapter 68 Sixty Eight.
Their eyes clashed, Mark met Lucas‘ provocative smirk with hardened jaw. His face portrayed nothing but raw anger.
“It’s yours now, puppy.” Lucas m*uthed to him and his expression grew even angrier.
I swallowed and turned to Lucas, the fear of his Mark’s anger retuning to my b*dy. Lucas, I whispered, even though no one would hear us even if they tried. “I think he wants to hit
someone.”
That would be me, Lucas chuckled nonchalantly.
“Well,” I stuttered and lifted my shoulders in a nervous shrug. “It could be me. You can never tell.” “He wouldn’t dare when I’m with you.”
“Nah,” I shook my head and resisted the urge to look his way. “I’d rather not sit here and wait for him to make a move.” I started to rise from my seat, “I’ll just go hide in the restroom, okay?” I flashed him a sweet smile.
Lucas laughed. “Sydney, that’s ridiculous. He would do nothing.”
“See you
at the end of the auction, I ignored his and pressed a k*ssto his cheeks.
He smiled and gave my hand an assuring squeeze, “Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on him. Go ahead.”
“Alright. This one is sold off at two million dollars!” I heard the auctioneer announce as I hastened my steps to the restroom. Thankfully, there was no one there when I got there so I do t have to worry that someone would bug me.
I sat myself on the closet in one of the stalls and aimlessly scroll through social media. My l*ps. would curve into a smile whenever any post of my company came up or reviews about our
services.
I scrolled through my notifications bar, checking for any important mail or notification when I saw Bella’s calls that I missed. Since I had nothing to do and I was in a place where there was no noise, I decided to call Bella.
It was as if she had been expecting my call; she picked up instantly and furiously rambled out, “And what’s that supposed to mean?” Her voice came through furious–no–nonsense. “What do you hope to get by sending me that? I’ve already broken up with Mark. He and I are done. I don’t care who he’s with, do you understand? I don’t give a f**k!”
“Hmm, I hummed calmly, further infuriating her, “Are you sure? Because with all these rage. you’re spitting out…tut tut, sounds to me like you still care.”
“You know what? Why don’t you mind your business, b**ch? If I say I don’t care then I don’t!” I laughed. I laughed so hard that I had to clutch my tummy. If there was anyone in any of the other stalls, they would run out once they heard me because they would think I was some psycho.
“You care, Bella. Admit it. If you didn’t care, you wouldn’t be so angry. Silly girl, you thought you could become his next wife by pushing me out of his life? I told you it’s impossible. I warned you. You should have listened to me and left then you wouldn’t have gotten aired and have the whole world see your public linen.”
“Wh-”
“Tell me, how does it feel knowing someone else might soon take your place? How does it feel that your very own friend took over the moment you left?”
It was purely karma, she took over her sister’s man now her friend was doing the same to her. Am I shocked? Hell no.
“You know what? I can’t wait to be your boss. When I do, I will make your life so miserable until you get on your knees and beg for your pathetic life!” Her voice dripped with so much hate and bitterness that it made her words sound more venomous than they really are.
I tried to process her words. “Be my boss?” I muttered, confused.
“You heard me right, you slow thing!”
I chuckled. “Wait, are you sure you aren’t high with your ex lover, Isaac? Because what you’re Chapter 68 Sixty Eight
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saying doesn’t make sense. How will you be my boss? How in the world can that ever happen?” I asked incredulously.
“Mark promised to buy the company where you work for me.” I could almost picture her with the self satisfied smirk on her face.
“The company where I work?” I felt dumb repeating her words but I really am confused.
How will she be my boss and what does she mean by where I work?
Bella groaned loudly, “God, Sydney, you’re so slow! You work at Luxe Vogue, don’t you? Mark will buy the company and give it to me. It’s my breakup fee.”
Okay. I might have been able to hold back my laughter but I didn’t. I laughed till I was sated. “What’s so funny?” I heard her mutter amids
my laughter.
“Do you live in the stone age or something? Do you not watch the news? Aren’t you on social. media?”
“What’s with all the questions? What are you implying? What concerns all these questions with Mark getting me Luxe Vogue?”
Now it made sense. It made so much sense why Mark was so persistent about acquiring the company. It was all Bella’s doing. She coerced Mark into it. Well, too bad, the crisis has been. defused.
“GT Group is investing in Luxe Vogue, dummy. They aren’t acquiring it.”
There was a long pause and Bella laughed out, surprising me. I had expected her to lash back with some bitter comment not… laugh.
“Mark always keeps to his word. How did you make him change his mind? Did you sleep with him?”
I shook my head and smiled. “That’s your tactic, darling. Not mine.” I lowered my voice when I heard the door to the bathroom.open. “I prefer to use my brain. I don’t manipulate people or sleep with them to get what I need.”
Bella was saying something but I got distracted when the door to the stall I was in was yanked
open.
“What the-” the words died in my throat and my eyes widened as I stared at the person standing in the doorway.
I let out a shriek when his hand gripped my arm and dragged me out of the stall I was in. I winced as he slammed my back against the partition and pinned me there. Then he snatched my phone from my hands and barked into its speaker, “she’s busy!”
He hung up and faced me. I swallowed as his hard gaze intensely bore into me, willing me to dare him and look away.
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