"You bastard, I'm going to see just how much money you really have."

David raised his paddle, his face flushed with fury. "70,000 dollars!!"

Hail had already narrowed his eyes, and by now, most of the attendees had caught on.

The reason this spoiled brat David was acting so brazenly was undoubtedly because he had Dominic's backing. Otherwise, why would he treat him so kindly right after he'd caused trouble?

The goal was straightforward: if this bag sold for a low price, then Bella would lose face.

Already at a disadvantage, her position would likely become even more precarious, especially since this suppression was happening right in front of everyone's eyes.

Many people present had sensed the underlying tension, which was precisely why they hadn't challenged David initially. Frankly, they were all giving Dominic face.

After all, the auctioneer had announced the bag was donated by Bella, and David's immediate outburst was blatant, targeted hostility.

A woman behind them whispered, "Nancy, don't throw money away. If you bought this bag overseas, it would only cost a little over 6,000 dollars."

Hearing this, her fairy-like sister-in-law, the elder sister, wavered slightly. While venting anger would feel good, it really wasn't necessary to be wasteful.

Luis thought to himself, You nosy old hag, talking so much just to show how considerate you are. I finally get a chance to spend some money, and here you are running your mouth with nonsense.

Luis immediately patted Nancy's hand and said, "Big Sister, spending money to gain goodwill isn't a waste. Don't hesitate at all. Push the price up for me."

Nancy knew nothing about the feud between the Leon and Taiga families, but her brother-in-law's words were the best encouragement, instantly wiping away her indecision.

Nancy raised her paddle again. "80,000 dollars!!"

The entire room erupted in murmurs once more. This was pure rivalry now, what else could it be? Many frowned, puzzled about where this young man had come from.

That lecher David had initially looked at Nancy with lust in his eyes, but now his expression was purely one of twisted rage.

Just as he was about to raise his paddle, Dominic snatched it from his hand, then shot him a look and shook his head.

David was seething with reluctance, but someone beside him quickly pulled him back and whispered urgently, "David, don't be impulsive. If you drive the price higher, it's that bitch surnamed Leon who gains the prestige. You're not a child anymore, don't fall for this provocation. Otherwise, you'll spend the money and they'll still laugh at you like a fool."

"Our goal is to suppress the price and humiliate her, not to give her a boost."

Hearing this, David had a sudden moment of clarity. His father had indeed given him the same instructions.

Regardless of any personal grudge he held against this guy, continuing to bid higher would indeed be foolish.

But losing face like this was a blow to Young Master David's pride. Naturally, he was unwilling, gritting his teeth in sheer frustration.

Dominic then leaned in closer and said softly, "Foolish boy, don't let others use you. We have the money, but are you willing to spend it just so they can look good?"

"Dad, I understand!"

David wasn't stupid. He took a long, deep breath, telling himself to endure it.

Deewa, a top-tier green tea bitch herself, even though she was inwardly displeased, chimed in with consolation right in front of Dominic. "Baby, let's not fight this pointless battle of egos with them. If they want to be the suckers, let them."

Young Master David was actually placated quite easily. Dominic let out a subtle sigh of relief and sat back, though his own expression remained somewhat unreadable.

David then leaned over and murmured something to Deewa. The green tea bitch pretended to be coy and uttered a few playful complaints. The two of them looked every bit the shameless couple, any trace of their earlier displeasure now completely gone.

"80,000 dollars. Any further bids? 80,000 dollars!!"

The auctioneer called out several times. The room fell silent.

With Dominic backing down, who would want to invite trouble? Furthermore, no one knew if this bidder was a plant for that Leon woman.

If he was, there was no point in offending them. If he wasn't, it was even more pointless to antagonize such a person for no reason, especially since the bag was already overpriced by more than 10,000 dollars.

"80,000 dollars, going once... 80,000 dollars, going twice..."

Just as the auctioneer was about to call for the third time, Nina suddenly raised her hand and called out, "88,000 dollars."

This time, there wasn't much of a reaction. Not many people knew Nina well, but those who did were aware she was Bella's close companion. What was the meaning of bidding on an item donated by her own side?

Bidding from the start would have been shameful, making it seem like the item lacked value, which is why Bella's people hadn't placed any bids.

But now that the item was already selling above its value, and face had been saved, placing a bid now was nothing but pure disruption.

Bella offered a gracious smile and explained, "This bag isn't worth that much. I thank this lady for her kindness and appreciation, but we cannot let her overspend simply because of her charitable intent."

"If this lady truly likes it, I would be honored to gift her this bag and consider her a friend."

Her words carried both grand vision and remarkable magnanimity. Most importantly, they effectively dispelled any suspicion, making it clear to everyone that this was not some scheme of hers.

It had to be said, she possessed sharp perception. With this move, she earned the genuine respect of many.

It seemed the matter was settled, concluding on a harmonious note where everyone was satisfied...

However, Luis was fuming. I finally run into this green tea bitch Deewa, and with this flirty goddess helping me, I have another chance to boost my savings. And now you dare cross me? You little wench, asking for a spanking. I should have tanned your hide earlier.

Even Nancy was moved by the grand gesture, completely captivated by Bella's noble and elegant aura. She gazed at her with the admiration one might reserve for a goddess, feeling this was a perfect resolution.

Bursting with pent-up anger, Luis immediately grabbed Nancy's hand. Before she could even process what was happening, she found herself, wide-eyed and stunned, raising her paddle high once again.

"100,000 dollars!"

A deathly silence fell over the room. This was taking flattery a bit too far, wasn't it? The previous ending was perfect. Why create complications now?

"Pardon me, we wish to perform a charitable act ourselves. We don't need to borrow another's flower to offer as a gift. I can afford to buy this bag."

As Luis spoke, he fixed a fierce glare on Bella, who was utterly bewildered and had no idea what was happening.

But seeing he was genuinely angry, she assumed she had inadvertently spoiled his moment—a man trying to spend money to impress a woman and steal the spotlight. Feeling apologetic, she stuck out her tongue playfully, turned her head away, and said nothing more.

This sudden reversal was baffling. The auctioneer was stunned for a good moment, only snapping back to reality after Bella gave her a slight nod.

"100,000 dollars, going once... 100,000 dollars, going twice... 100,000 dollars, going three times."

"Sold! Let us congratulate this lady."

Luis patted his fairy-like sister-in-law on the shoulder, nudging with his chin. "Go on. What are you waiting for?"

Following the auction procedure, both parties had to go on stage for a photo together, with the purchaser completing the transaction by swiping their card.

Nancy, holding her brother-in-law's bank card, took a deep breath to steady herself. Regaining her composure, she offered a serene smile and walked gracefully towards the stage. Possessing both celestial beauty and a devilish figure, her elegant stride made quite a few men in the audience swallow hard.

Bella also ascended the stage with poised elegance. The two exceptional beauties standing together formed a breathtaking scene, impossible for any man's eyes to ignore.

Luis smiled with satisfaction. But then, as he turned his head, a cold sweat broke out. His brother-in-law, Daniel, was standing right beside him, having appeared at some point without him noticing.

Daniel's expression was placid, seeming lost in thought. Looking at his attire today, Luis suddenly recalled that when he had been holding his elder sister's hand earlier, Daniel had been standing right there.

Daniel's face remained neutral. He smiled faintly and said, "What are these wealthy folks playing at? I really don't get it."

Watching Nancy basking in the spotlight on stage, he added another comment. "Your elder sister has always been fond of this kind of scene. She'll probably be too excited to sleep tonight."

"Brother-in-law, please, have your seat back. I'll return to my spot."

Luis hastily offered the seat back to him. Daniel didn't say anything further, nor did he ask any questions, but his expression held a certain meaningful depth.

Returning to Table 3, Luis sat down and immediately offered an apology. "My apologies, President Ben. When a woman acts coquettish, I simply can't resist. I hope I haven't caused offense."

"Hehe, it's all in the spirit of charity. There's no offense to speak of."

President Ben, Dominic, was quite amiable, showing no apparent displeasure.

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