Chapter 81

A million dollars! A full tenfold jump! The hall froze for two seconds, then erupted. "She's still bidding!" "She's testing how far Howard can go with that pledge!" "Oh, my God! Bold move!" "We're about to see history being made!" "No one's challenged Howard like this in years!" The uproar nearly blew the ceiling off. Alyssa glanced toward seat 823, clenching her jaw. She still couldn't read what Irene was after. A calculating glint flashed in her eyes as she subtly turned, hid her phone from Howard, and typed out a quick message to someone. Meanwhile, Howard raised his hand again. "Bidder 888 follows at 1.2 million dollars!" the auctioneer called. "It's 1.2 million dollars now! That's 12 times its worth!" "That's 12 times! Oh, my God! Where does this end? Will 823 keep going?" It was only a tanzanite, yet the bidding had rocketed to 1.2 million dollars. The hall erupted in noise, lights flashing as all eyes fixed on the two seats on the second floor. Then, someone sho