Chapter 69

The crowd broke into murmurs. There had been three bids in a row, each precise and decisive. The last bid was the boldest, jumping from 120 thousand dollars to 150 thousand dollars. This showed how determined Elena was to win the tanzanite gemstone. "What's going on? Is Bidder 823 aware of who they're up against? Why is she so persistent?" "Of course she knows. Elena came with Jimmy tonight. Ferrell Group is hosting the gala. Jimmy definitely knows." "You're right. What on earth is going on?" "Who knows? Howard's date may be the one holding the paddle, but every bid from 823 is a challenge toward Howard himself." "The tanzanite is merely worth 100 thousand dollars. Anything over 120 thousand dollars isn't worth it. There must be a reason she raised the bid straight to 150 thousand dollars." "I have no idea. Do you think Bidder 888 will raise again?" "If it were Howard himself, definitely. He has the money to push it as far as he likes. But it's Alyssa holding the paddle th