Chapter 67
Chapter 67 Bidding Wars and Revelry
10%
+10 Free Coins
“I don’t think so. Otherwise, they would’ve stopped me right then and there.” Arabella knew Dylan and Harper all too well. If they had recognized her in that setting, she would’ve never heard the end of it.
“It’s weird, though. What were they even doing up there? Don’t tell me they were also here for the auction,” Colton said, his tone laced with a hint of disdain.
“Oh, they were. And they’d set their sights on the ‘Phoenix Reborn‘ painting and the calligraphy scroll. Put up a whole show for nothing, though. In the end, I walked away with everything.” Just thinking about it lifted her spirits–knowing those items were now hers, and they had gotten nothing.
Hearing the story, Colton’s mouth curled into a knowing, gossip–ready smile. “Sounds like the auction had its share of drama. I should’ve been there to watch it unfold p>
“You really missed out. You should’ve seen the look on Dylan and Harper’s faces when they lost the ‘Phoenix Reborn‘ painting. Pure frustration. It was honestly satisfying just watching p>
“I can picture it. They must’ve been furious. Who wouldn’t be, when someone else walks off with exactly what you wanted p>
“Maybe they went upstairs looking for you,” Colton guessed, a little boldly.
“Not likely. I wasn’t the one bidding openly. If they were going to confront anyone, it’d be Matthew p>
“They wouldn’t have the nerve. Asking Matthew to hand over a painting? They’d have to be out of their minds. He’d make them regret even trying,” Colton said, not exaggerating one bit.
“Regret would be putting it mildly…” Arabella replied, her voice edged with old resentment.
“Do you think if Dylan and Harper knew the pieces they wanted are now with you, they’d completely lose it?” Colton asked, almost gleeful
“Without a doubt. Absolutely.” Arabella’s reply was firm. It wasn’t just about the artworks being in her possession. If they’d even spotted Arabella at the auction to begin with, the shock alone would’ve been enough.
After all, when she’d left Macdonald Villa, she hadn’t taken so much as a suitcase with her–to them, she’d looked completely destitute. Dylan ad only turned his attention to Harper once he saw Arabella stripped of her status as a Macdonald daughter.
“I’m kind of tempted to tell them everything’s in your hands now, just to watch them spiral p>
1/3
18:50 Thu, Jan 15 @ DG.
Chapter 67 Bidding Wars and Revelry
Colton said with a laugh.
ས 10%
+10 Free Coins
“No need. It’s more fun to let them stay in the dark. Don’t ruin my entertainment,” Arabella cautioned.
“Don’t worry. I’m just talking. Wouldn’t actually do it.” He paused. “By the way, what’s the plan for the pieces p>
“Same as always. List them at twice what we paid” A faint, satisfied smile touched her lips.
“Got it p>
“You know, it really doesn’t seem practical for you to be running around without your own car. I should get you one,” Colton offered.
“Not right now. I just rejoined the Hamiltons. Showing up with a new car out of nowhere would raise too many questions. I’ll wait until I’ve officially taken over the company they’re giving me,” Arabella explained. She preferred to keep a low profile around her family for the time being.
“Hold on a company they’re giving you? What’s that about?” Colton frowned, glancing over at her.
“Oh, I haven’t had the chance to fill you in. When I went to Hamilton Manor and checked my grandpa’s vitals, they offered me a pharmaceutical company and a manufacturing plant,” she said matter–of–factly.
“What? Seriously?!” Colton looked utterly stunned by how casually she’d dropped the news.
After a moment to process, he asked, “So… does that mean they know you’re the physician Aletta p>
“No. Luckily, when I treated Robert, the room was crowded, so I never revealed my identity. They still don’t know who I really am. As far as my family’s concerned, I’m just ‘good with medicine.” Arabella was relieved she’d been cautous back then. If she hadn’t, both the Stewarts and the Hamiltons would have known he was the renowned Aletta.
Hearing that, Colton finally let out a breath of relief. “Still, you’ve only just returned to the family and you’re already being favored like this by the elders. What about your sister…” He trailed off, leaving the thought unfinished.
Arabella understood his unspoken meaning. “Naomi seems a little unsettled by it, but it’s manageable. It’s more that girl Ruby who’s always around her–she’s the irritating one p>
“Tell me, what’s she been doing p>
“When I first got back, my mother gave me a few welcome gifts. Would you believe Ruby
2/3
18:50 Thu, Jan 15
Chapter 67 Bidding Wars and Revelry
10%
+10 Free Coins
actually came up and asked me for one of the handbags? Like she was entitled to it…” Arabella shook her head, laughing quietly at the memory
“The nerve. That’s seriously shameless,” Colton remarked.
“Who even is she, exactly p>
“A cousin on my uncle’s side, I think. But she has no sense of boundaries whatsoever. Follows Naomi around all day like a personal shadow,” Arabella said with a hint of a sneer.
“I’ve met that type. No real skills of their own, just cling to someone with more status and act all high and mighty because of it p>
“If she’s bothering you that much, want me to put her in her place?” Colton offered, more than willing to handle that sort of thing.
く
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.