3/3
Chapter 24 An Unexpecte
Chapter 24: An Unexpected Reversal
Chapter 24: An Unexpected Reversal
(Olivia’s POV)
I returned to my seat and settled down, trying to calm my heart, which was beating wildly from nerves. My mind drifted to Graham’s recent confession about his financial constraints, which gave me a glimmer of
hope. Maybe I was really overthinking this?
“Thirty–eight million should be enough,” I whispered to myself, clutching my auction paddle tightly.
The grand hall buzzed with activity as wealthy werewolves from various territories mingled. I recognized several faces from Riverdale, nodding politely when our eyes met. Everyone who was anyone in werewolf
society seemed to be here today.
An ornate crystal chandelier cast a warm glow over the proceedings as the auctioneer, a distinguished older werewolf with silver–streaked hair, took his position at the podium.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to our annual charity auction,” he announced, his voice carrying effortlessly through the hall. “Today’s proceeds will benefit the Northern Territory Orphaned Cubs Foundation.”
I watched with growing anxiety as the first items went under the hammer. A rare ceremonial dagger from the Eastern Territory sold for twelve million. An ancient scroll detailing werewolf healing techniques fetched twenty million.
My stomach tightened. These prices were astronomical, far exceeding my expectations.
From the corner of my eye, I spotted Graham and Bella several rows ahead. His arm draped possessively around her shoulders as she leaned against him, looking deliberately fragile. Their mingled scents drifted toward me, making my wolf bristle beneath my skin.
Bella turned, catching my gaze. A smug smile played on her lips before she whispered something to Graham, who glanced back at me with an unreadable expression.
I forced myself to look away, focusing instead on the auction catalog. The moonstone bracelet was listed as lot number forty–seven. Just a few more items to go.
“Lot number forty–five, a ceremonial robe worn by the last Alpha of the Silvermoon Pack,” the auctioneer announced.
The bidding was fierce, eventually settling at thirty–five million. My anxiety deepened. What if five million wasn’t enough for my mother’s bracelet?
“Sister, you haven’t bid on anything yet,” Bella’s voice suddenly came from beside me, startling me from my thoughts. She had wheeled herself over while I was distracted. “If you’re short on funds, I could help.”
Her eyes gleamed with malice despite her sweet tone. Graham stood behind her wheelchair, watching our interaction carefully.
“How thoughtful of you, Bella,” I replied, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll be sure to let you know if I need financial advice from someone who’s never worked a day in her life.”
Bella’s smile didn’t falter. “Just trying to be sisterly. After all, we’re family.”
1/4
Chapter 24. An Unexpecte
“We share a father, nothing more,” I said coldly.
“Such hostility,” she sighed dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. “And I’m still here to unleash my goodwill on you.”
Graham cleared his throat. “Bella, perhaps we should return to our seats. The bracelet will be up soon!”
My eyes narrowed. “So you are here for the bracelet.”
“We’re just browsing,” Graham replied, not meeting my gaze.
Bella’s smile widened. “Though I must admit, that moonstone bracelet caught my eye. It would look lovely with my ceremonial gown, don’t you think? The one you made for your mating ceremony.”
The reminder of how she had worn my handcrafted gown to my failed mating ceremony stung like a fresh wound. Cora growls inwardly, urging me to give her a piece of my mind.
Before I could respond, the auctioneer’s voice rang out. “Lot number forty–seven, a rare moonstone healing bracelet from the ancient Oasis bloodline.”
My attention snapped to the stage where an attendant carried out a velvet cushion. Upon it lay my mother’s bracelet, its luminous white moonstone catching the light, seeming to glow with an inner fire.
A collective murmur rippled through the audience. The bracelet’s beauty was undeniable, but it was its legendary healing properties that made it truly valuable among werewolves.
Memories flooded back–my mother’s gentle voice as she told me the bracelet’s history. “This was a gift from our ancestor, a powerful Alpha, to his beloved mate,” she had explained, her fingers tracing the smooth stone. “There were once a pair, but one was lost during the territorial wars.”
She smiled helplessly and added, “I’ve only worn it once, during a mating ritual with your father.”
Little did she know then how my father would betray her, plotting to take my grandfather’s property and territory. When my grandfather fell ill and my father’s treachery was revealed, my mother had been forced to sell the precious heirloom to cover mounting debts.
My wolf stirred restlessly under my skin, the moonstone on the platform glowed glowing white, and the healing properties of the bracelet would enhance my wolf’s strength, even after all these years, he still recognized our bloodline.
“Bidding starts at thirty million dollars,” the auctioneer announced.
I raised my paddle immediately. “Thirty–one million.”
“Thirty–two million,” came a voice from across the room.
“Honey, I think the bracelet will do wonders for my condition,” Bella suddenly blurted out to Graham, loud enough for me to hear.
Graham nodded, avoiding my gaze
I couldn’t resist the petty urge to mock them. “Honey,” I called to Graham, “don’t you think the bracelet would look beautiful on my wrist?”
Graham’s face flushed with embarrassment as several nearby werewolves chuckled at our exchange.
“Thirty–five million,” I called out, raising my paddle high.
<
214
Chapter 24 An Unexpecte
“Forty million,” Bella countered immediately.
My heart raced. This was already double what Cassius had loaned me. I hesitated, then steeled myself. “Fifty
million.”
Graham stepped forward, his expression concerned. “Olivia, think about what you’re doing. Can you actually
afford this?”
“Sixty million,” Bella called out before I could respond.
“Sixty–five million,” I shot back, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside me.
Graham’s eyes widened. “Olivia, stop. You’ll bankrupt yourself.”
“Seventy million,” Bella said, her voice weaker but her eyes gleaming with determination.
The auctioneer looked delighted as he called out the escalating bids. The audience watched in rapt attention, some whispering behind their hands about the drama unfolding.
“Seventy–five million,” I countered, my wolf howling within me, refusing to back down.
Graham stepped closer to me, his voice low and urgent. “This is madness. You don’t have this kind of money.” “Eighty million,” Bella called, her face pale but triumphant.
I took a deep breath. “One hundred million.”
A collective gasp rippled through the audience. Graham’s face drained of color. “Olivia, please-”
“One hundred and fifty million,” Bella suddenly announced, her voice ringing through the stunned silence.
The auctioneer nearly dropped his gavel. “One hundred and fifty million dollars from the young lady in the wheelchair. Anyone keep adding?”
I froze, my mind racing. There was no way Bella or Graham had that kind of money. The Storm Pack was wealthy, but not to that extent.
But it’s a relic of my mom’s, and even if I don’t have that kind of money in my hand right now, I’m still going to
shoot it.
“One hundred and sixty million dollars,” I continued to bid.
“Olivia,” Graham’s eyes were helpless. Bella looked at me, “Sister, where did you get all that money? Why fight us if you don’t have money? I can lend you the bracelet to wear even if I buy it.”
As if he hadn’t heard Bella’s mockery of me, Graham continued to raise his card, “One hundred and seventy million dollars. ”
Bella happily took his arm, “Graham, you’re wonderful, I knew you spoiled me the most. ”
I felt the complete break in our maté bond, my heart ached so badly that I forced myself not to let my tears slide down my face, despair and hatred took over and my fingers were shaking.
I turned my head to look at Graham, “Is it true that if I raise the price again, you’ll still follow through?” Graham’s face was pale, and it was obvious that he too felt the pain of the final bond breaking, “Olivia, let go. I ignored him, and with an idea in my mind, I raised my card again, “Two hundred million dollars.” Let me bet that if I lose at least I get my mom’s bracelet back, and if I win, Graham and his pack are going to
3/4
< Chapter 24: An Unexpecte
be out a ton of money.
“Olivia!” Sure enough, after I called for 200 million dollars, Graham couldn’t sink his teeth into it.
VAPOR YE
But Bella obviously wasn’t going to give up my bracelet, and when she saw that Graham was hesitant to raise his hand, she suddenly snatched it out of his hand, “Two hundred and fifty million dollars.”
The whole place is buzzing!
The auctioneer shouted excitedly, “Any more followers? Two hundred and fifty million dollars!”
I watched as Graham’s face went ghastly white, it was obvious that this price was completely out of his reach, and he looked at me with emotions in his eyes that I didn’t read.
I just smiled at him and signaled the auctioneer that I was giving up on continuing to raise my hand. “I’m not following, but Alpha Graham, can you come up with that kind of money? You have to pay for a successful bid to break the contract.”
Graham’s brow furrowed and he glared at me as he finally responded, “You did that on purpose?”
I laughed a little and didn’t say anything. The thought of him being in a dilemma and having to pay out a large sum of money no matter what made me feel a lot better.
Bella looked excited as she tugged happily on Graham’s sleeve and said, “Honey, I finally bid on the bracelet I wanted.”
“Two hundred and fifty million, is anyone still following? Two hundred and fifty million once, two hundred and fifty million twice…” the auctioneer raised his hammer, asking for the last time.
“Three hundred million!”
A powerful voice echoed through the hall, silencing everyone. All heads turned toward the upper level balcony where a tall figure stood, his commanding presence unmistakable.
Cassius Shadowcrest, his silver eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression.
Comments
Watch videos get points (0/10) >
16
H
Vote
4/4
