Chapter 12

As soon as she finished speaking, Roxanne's gaze fell on Joshua. There wasn't a stir in his cold, dispassionate eyes. Nevertheless, his silence seemed to divulge wordless approval. Beaming with satisfaction, she linked arms with him triumphantly before walking off. "Starting bid—50 thousand dollars!" "Honey, that necklace is on your shortlist." "Two hundred thousand!" declared Joshua, raising his paddle with clear determination. A sharp gasp swept through the crowd. Astonishment spilled from the numerous eyes on him. "Mr. Colman's just throwing money around, isn't he? From 50 thousand to 200 thousand without blinking... He's leaving no chance for anyone else to bid." "Money talks. You can tell he's splurging for the woman beside him." "Forget it. It seems Mr. Colman's set on winning this. No point in competing." The auctioneer slammed the gavel with a thud. "Going once, going twice..." Just as the final strike was about to land, a crisp, cool voice rang out from the crowd. "