Farewell to Love: The CEO's Desperate Chase novel Chapter 86

The room erupted into a frenzy.

Three bids in a row—each one executed with precision and unwavering confidence.

The last bid, especially, made it clear she meant business. Instead of raising by another ten thousand, she went straight to one and a half million, leaving no doubt about her determination to win.

"What's going on? Doesn't Number 823 know who she's up against? That's gutsy."

"Of course she knows. Serena's the woman Christian brought with him tonight. This gala is hosted by the Donovan Group—Christian couldn't possibly be in the dark."

"Good point. So what are they playing at?"

"Who knows? Technically, it's Tyler's date who's bidding, but Number 823 is basically slapping Tyler in the face!"

"That tanzanite's worth a million, tops. I'd say anything over one-twenty is a waste. Jumping straight to one-fifty—do they have some history?"

"No clue. You think Number 888 will counter?"

"If it were Tyler, definitely. He's got the money for it. But it's Vivienne holding the paddle this time, so who knows."

"Isn't Tyler worried about losing face?"

"That's not how it works. He can play it either way—keep bidding and show his resolve, or bow out gracefully, maybe claim the other party needs it more. Either way, he comes out looking good."

"Really? People buy that?"

"Why not? Everyone here knows Tyler could take this all the way if he wanted. If he stops, no one's going to question his wealth—they'll just think he's magnanimous."

"Still feels like an insult, though. Failing to secure a million-dollar tanzanite in front of everyone…"

"True. He could just win it and gift it to her. That way, he keeps his dignity and looks generous."

"Smart thinking! That's why you're the best."

Everyone in the hall was buzzing with speculation, but nobody could be sure what would happen next. All eyes turned to the balcony on the second floor.

Upstairs, the guests sat in their private boxes, outwardly calm, but beneath the surface, tension simmered.

Emilia glanced at Christian, concern flickering in her eyes. "Will this cause any trouble for you?"

"Go on," he said simply.

Vivienne didn't move right away. She looked at him, troubled, and whispered, "Tyler, it's not worth it. This is already way past what the stone is actually worth."

"And…" She faltered, a little embarrassed. "I don't actually have that kind of money left."

Tyler's eyes flicked calmly to the tanzanite below.

He'd always believed that stone should have been his.

"You don't have to worry about the money," Tyler said.

The implication was clear: he would pay.

Vivienne let out a quiet sigh of relief but forced herself to protest, "No, Tyler, we agreed I'd pay for this myself."

Meanwhile, in the shadowy corners of the balcony, several other guests sat quietly, eyes fixed on the unfolding drama, waiting to see how it would end.