Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 105

A moment ago, her phone buzzed—payment received.

That tanzanite stone was hers. Even though she'd resold it to Christian from the start, they'd already agreed on the details in private.

Tonight's auction had a standard donation rate of 70%. The only exceptions were the opening antique, which gave 50% to charity, and the final highlight—a painting by a sick child—which was donated in full. Everything else followed the 70% rule.

So, with a final bid of $25 million, 70% went to charity, leaving 30%—about $7.5 million. After taxes and other fees, she still pocketed a handsome sum.

The Donovan Group always moved quickly. The funds were transferred to Christian without delay, and he promptly forwarded her share.

She'd pick up the "Cactus in the Sun" painting later—items could be held for collection.

"Not a bad outcome," Emilia remarked to Christian.

She'd started with a tanzanite valued at a million, and even after donating the bulk, she'd walked away with more than she expected.

Christian just shook his head. "Still, it ended up in his hands."

Emilia smiled, unconcerned. "Honestly, this is the best possible result. The stone was always meant to be auctioned for the children's charity. I not only got my investment back, but made a bit extra. The foundation gets more funds, so everyone wins."

A few days earlier, they'd signed the divorce settlement at city hall.

With a conglomerate like the Erickson Group, protecting the company's interests was paramount. They'd drawn up a prenuptial agreement before the wedding, so Emilia had been pragmatic—she let go of a lot, just to keep a backdoor in the contract that would let her reclaim part of the old Dennis family business.

During the intermission out on the rooftop, she'd made her decision: her final offer would be $20 million.

The thought pulled her attention back—she glanced across the room at Tyler.

He was looking down at Vivienne, his expression as inscrutable as always. Calm, impassive. No one could guess what he was thinking.

Click!

The third group photo was done.

"All right, that's a wrap. Thank you, everyone," the photographer called out.

Emilia turned away, gaze settling back to the present.

With the photo session over, she and Christian slipped out.

Meanwhile, Tyler and Vivienne were immediately surrounded by a crowd.

"Let's go," he said curtly.

Vivienne finally looked up. "Oh—okay."

The others quickly stepped aside, no one daring to block Tyler's path.

Some guests lingered inside the villa, but most were already making their way out.

Outside, camera crews were setting up, equipment poised and ready.

"Almost finished in there?"

"Yes, the photos are done. They'll be coming out any minute."

"Everyone to your stations! The moment they step out, grab the best spot!"

"Got it!"

At last, after being closed for so long, the villa's grand doors slowly swung open.