213: The Height of Competition

The auction room was charged with an unusual fervor over a ruby bracelet not unparalleled in craftsmanship yet contested with unmatched intensity. A hush fell over the crowd as bids flew, undoubtedly amusing the sellers behind the scenes to no end. Jada was driven by a singular purpose: to defend her pride. Thus, she escalated the bidding war, drawing an unexpected participant into the fray. "Thirty million," Emma announced, entering the bidding battle, silencing Alex, whose previous bravado now seemed to waver. Jada turned to Emma, her expression a mix of astonishment and disbelief. Emma's involvement was unforeseen, especially in a contest that held personal stakes for Jada alone. "This is only the beginning, and yet you've entered the fray. This battle of egos wasn't meant for you. My contention with Alex is personal, a matter of preserving my self-respect," Jada explained to Emma, her tone firm. She viewed Alex's challenge as a direct affront to her dignity and was determi