Better 33

Posted by Adminh, ? Views, Released on October 28, 2024

Chapter 33

“2.5 million dollars once! 2.5 million dollars twice! 2.5 million dollars thrice! Sold!” With the auctioneer’s final hammer fall, “Beloved” was secured by Harley for a staggering 2.5 million dollars.

Learning that it was Harley who clinched the deal didn’t surprise those in attendance; what truly astonished them was the woman bold enough to bid against him.

At this point, many recognized the bidder on the first floor as Lenora, sparking endless chatter throughout the auction house.

Harley glanced down from his seat, but with the sea of people and a distance of forty to fifty feet separating them, he couldn’t tell if it was indeed Lenora.

With the auction concluded, Lenora, eager to avoid Carla and her entourage, gathered her belongings and slipped away with the crowd.

*****

Meanwhile, up in the second–floor box, Katelyn followed Carla into Harley’s box and said, “Congratulations, Harley.”

Harley gave Katelyn a cold look. “Miss Sheppard, you must have a short memory, or perhaps I wasn’t clear enough last time. We’re not acquainted, and you shouldn’t address me so familiarly.”

“Harley, how could you-” Carla, intending to defend Katelyn, fell silent under Harley’s icy stare, not daring to speak another word.

“Excuse me, you’re blocking the way.” Harley offered no courtesy to the Sheppard family.

With a pale face, Katelyn stepped aside as he strode out.

Devon, trailing Harley, had barely taken a few steps when Harley tossed him a check and said, “Handle the paperwork for

me.”

“And where are you off to?”

Harley’s only response was his retreating figure.

Devon muttered an expletive just as Carla approached. “Devon, I didn’t drive today. Could you give me a lift?”

Devon, well aware of Carla’s intentions, showed no mercy. “Can’t do it. I’m driving my sports car today, and I need to pick up Minerva.”

Everyone knew Devon had a Labrador named Minerva. His excuse effectively put Carla below his dog in status.

Carla stood there, her complexion shifting between pale and flush, cursing under her breath as Devon walked away, “Showing off what? The Valentine family might not even be yours someday.”

Just then, Katelyn emerged from the box. “Carla, they say the person who was bidding against your brother is Ms. Maynard.”

Carla’s attention shifted instantly. “Lenora? How could she afford it? What’s her source of money?”

A sudden thought made Carla’s expression stiffen. “What’s she got to flaunt? Just a rundown entertainment company.”

Katelyn pressed her lips together, sensing something off about Lenora but unable to pinpoint it.

Harley exited the auction house and spotted Lenora’s figure from a distance.

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Chapter 33

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Inexplicably, despite their turee–year marriage, he couldn’t recall Lenora’s appearance clearly, yet now, post–divorce, a mere silhouette sufficed to identify her.

This realization was unsettling for him.

More unsettling was his compulsion to approach her, stopping her in her tracks. “Interested in the piano, too?”

Lenora, taken aback by the sudden hand in front of her, looked up to find Harley. Her expression shifted slightly as she admitted candidly, “Yes. Planning on giving it to me?”

If so, she wouldn’t hesitate to accept, considering it more than just a 2.5 million–dollar piano.

Dressed casually in a light blue sweater over a glowing white skirt, Lenora’s long hair cascaded freely, her clean–faced beauty unadorned.

Upon seeing her, Harley felt a strange flutter in his chest. He had never seen anyone blend gentleness and allure so seamlessly, yet Lenora managed it effortlessly.

Her voice was soft yet carried a chill, laced with lethargy and subtly coquettish.

Harley’s gaze intensified. “You like pianos?”

Lenora hesitated for a moment. “Yeah.”

Lying did weigh on her conscience, but if the deceiver was Harley, that was a different story.

Inexplicably, he offered, “Then it’s yours.”

His face stiffened after speaking, feeling he might have been too eager, so he added unnecessarily, “Consider it your divorce settlement.”

‘So that’s how it is-‘ Lenora’s expression hardened. “No need.” She retrieved her car keys from her bag and unlocked it.

The bright red Ferrari drew everyone’s gaze with a sharp beep.

Lenora got straight into her car, closed the door, and drove off.

Devon had just finished the paperwork when he saw Harley staring at the Ferrari’s taillights without moving. He raised an eyebrow. “So it really was Lenora?”

Hearing him, Harley turned and gave him a cold look. “Done with it?”

“All done. it’ll be dropped off at your place tomorrow,” replied Devon.

Harley grunted. “I’m heading back.” With that, he walked expressionlessly to his car, opened the door, and got in.

Devon had planned to continue his night out but didn’t get a chance to speak with Harley. He laughed in frustration and called Orlando from his car.

Orlando simply replied with two words, “No time.”

‘Great, so they’re all the big boss!‘ thought Devon.

Less than half an hour after the auction ended, Lenora and Harley’s bidding war became a hot topic online.

Lenora arrived back at her villa at nearly ten o’clock, and Cassidy had just finished recording her show. She sat in the makeup room taking off her makeup while calling Lenora to gossip. “My Nora, you weren’t bullied, were you?”