Chapter 21
Suzanne acted as if she were afraid she wouldn’t be able to buy the bracelet, her expression a perfect mask of frustration.
Seline’s blood boiled.
This bitch was still pretending!
Determined to humiliate Suzanne further, she smirked and said, “Sue, really? The person you scammed last time didn’t even give you any money. Where did you suddenly get the funds from?”
The accusation sent another ripple through the crowd.
A scammer?
The disdain in their gazes deepened.
“So she’s not just cheap—she’s a fraud too?”
“Disgusting.”
Suzanne’s expression darkened.
She withdrew the card she had just handed over and looked directly at Seline, her gaze calm but sharp.
“Since you keep saying I have no money, how about this? Let’s put it up for auction. Highest bidder wins. What do you think?”
Seline’s smirk froze.
An auction?
Hah! Was Suzanne really this desperate to save face?
Everyone already knew about her—she was nothing but a disgraced fraud. Even her identity as Jane Smith, the so-called miracle doctor, was fake.
Did she really think she could compete?
Fine. If Suzanne wanted to play, Seline would play along. But this time, she’d make sure to crush her completely.
Just as Seline was about to agree, the sales associate suddenly interjected.
“Apologies, but we’re a legitimate store and do not allow additional auctions.”
Isla Montgomery, the sales associate, secretly wished she could drive up the price, but company policy was strict. If management found out she allowed it, her job would be on the line.
Suzanne raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised that the sales associate still had some principles.
But that didn’t change her plan.
She turned back to Seline and suggested smoothly, “In that case, how about we bid privately? Whoever offers the higher price gets the bracelet, and if we exceed the set amount, we can choose additional items to make up the difference.”
Isla’s eyes lit up.
That would work!
As long as they purchased the bracelet at the store’s fixed price, everything would be above board. And with a bidding war? The commission would be incredible.
Isla nearly squealed in excitement. She could already imagine the envious looks from the other sales associates.
This year’s top seller? It would definitely be her!
All she needed now was for them to start bidding.
Suzanne watched Seline hesitate and let out a soft laugh. She tilted her head slightly, voice laced with taunting amusement.
“Do you not dare to play?”
The subtle provocation made Seline feel as if she was being cornered.
Before she could respond, Christine—eager as ever to escalate the situation—linked arms with Seline and puffed out her chest arrogantly.
“Of course, she’ll play! Someone like you could never compare to Seline.”
Christine scoffed, her gaze full of condescension.
“Seline is the rightful daughter of the Yates. She has plenty of money.”
Suzanne raised an eyebrow.
Hook. Line. And sinker.
She let out a soft sigh, murmuring as if Christine’s words had struck a nerve.
“Right. She’s the rightful daughter of the Yates…”
For a split second, Seline thought Suzanne was finally admitting defeat.
But before she could revel in her supposed victory, Suzanne turned back to her, expression cool.
“So? Does the Yates’ daughter not dare to bid because she’s afraid of me?”
Seline’s eyes darkened instantly.
Afraid?
This bitch dared to imply she was afraid?
What was there to fear? It was just an auction!
Suzanne was practically begging to be humiliated.
Fine. She’d grant her wish.
Seline let out a soft sigh, shaking her head with exaggerated helplessness.
“Since you like this bracelet so much, I have no choice but to humor you. I’ll bid alongside you. If you can’t afford it, I’ll even be kind enough to buy it under my name.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
“Look how generous she is. Meanwhile, her sister is just shameless.”
“If I had an older sister like that, I’d beat her to death.”
“Seriously. Why talk big when you’re broke?”
The murmurs grew louder, and the crowd surrounding them swelled even further.
Everyone wanted to see how this would play out.
Suzanne simply smiled.
Perfect.
Let the game begin.
