Chapter 44

"Sixty million dollars."

The room hushed in an instant. Walter was the one who bid, casting a challenging look at James and Evangeline, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes set on the Foster Group's treasured heirloom.

James caught Walter's challenging gaze, as sharp as a thorn, and then shared a knowing look with Evangeline. With her silent nod, he countered, "Sixty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars."

"Seventy-five million dollars," Walter shot back, lifting his paddle once more.

The auction had turned into a private war between the Gordon family and Foster Group. The rest of the crowd, recognizing the futility of competing, bowed out gracefully.

The sapphire necklace, rare as it was, should not fetch more than 30 million at its peak. The current bid was astronomical, way beyond the necklace's worth. No one else was willing to play the fool and foot that bill.

Encouraged by a subtle cue from Evangeline, the two headstrong men kept upping the ante until the price hit a