She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 508

The auctioneer's voice boomed with practiced theatricality: "Behold the final masterpiece of a legendary artisan! This is a flawlessly cut Kashmir sapphire, accented by pristine diamonds and intricately carved to resemble oceanic motifs. We will start the bidding at thirty million dollars!"

This bracelet was the undisputed climax of the night. Nearly every heavy hitter in the room had shown up specifically for this piece.

Luna's eyes lit up instantly. She nudged Channing and whispered, "Channing, it's breathtaking. I want it for our anniversary. Wouldn't that be wonderfully romantic?"

Channing's chest tightened. If he could wire the funds from his offshore accounts, he could easily crush the competition and give it to her. But that money was untraceable blood money. Moving it into Harmony Country would immediately trigger a federal investigation. At the moment, the clean liquid assets he had on hand totaled roughly fifty million.

He was already sweating. There was no way he could survive a bidding war.

But he couldn't lose face in front of Luna. He swallowed hard and raised his paddle.

However, the bloodbath for the "Heart of the Ocean" was far more vicious than he had anticipated. The price skyrocketed, effortlessly blowing past the $150 million mark.

Cold sweat beaded on Channing's forehead. Even if he illegally dipped into his parents' accounts, he was completely out of funds.

Luna watched his increasingly strained expression, a flash of barely concealed disappointment in her eyes. "Is everything okay?"

Channing patted her hand tightly, then leaned toward Lucian in the center seat, keeping his voice low. "Lucian... could you front me some cash? I really want to win this for Luna."

Lucian shot him a sidelong glance. "Why?"

Channing hesitated for a split second before spinning a tale. "There's a rare legend behind the 'Heart of the Ocean.' They say a devoted king once owned it and gave it to his beloved queen to protect her on a perilous voyage. And she miraculously survived a devastating shipwreck. Since then, it's been known as a talisman for 'eternal protection and safe returns.' Buying it isn't just a gift; it's a prayer. I want it to protect Luna and keep her safe."

Lucian's gaze drifted back to the sparkling sapphire bracelet. He murmured the words under his breath, "Eternal protection and safe returns..."

A low chuckle escaped his lips as the corner of his mouth curved upward. "Interesting."

Channing's story was half-baked romance meant to mask his financial embarrassment. He was banking on the "sentimental meaning" to convince Lucian to open his wallet.

Lucian studied his brother's face for a long moment. His piercing, terrifyingly perceptive gaze made Channing's stomach churn with guilt.

Then, Lucian's eyes flicked to Luna, who was sitting gracefully, failing to hide her greedy anticipation.

Luna always believed her beauty was a weapon, unmatched by anyone—especially since she was in her prime. Surely, this hardened, older man would be swayed by it.

Switching to French, she purred, "I am absolutely in love with that bracelet, Lucian."

Lucian: "Two hundred and fifty million."

"Who on earth is in Box 2?!" someone whispered loudly in the crowd. "Dropping fifty million at a time... they're treating money like Monopoly cash!"

Luna was stunned. She hadn't expected Lucian to casually throw down a quarter of a billion dollars just to please her. Suddenly, the rugged commander seemed infinitely more magnetic than her useless boyfriend, who relied on daddy's money for everything.

Her gaze toward Lucian turned noticeably sultry.

Channing caught the look, and his expression instantly darkened.

Box 5 finally went quiet. A moment later, a request came through for a direct line to Lucian's box. The audio systems in the VIP rooms disguised the guests' voices to ensure total anonymity.

The voice from Box 5 belonged to an older gentleman with a thick, posh British accent. "Tomorrow is my thirtieth wedding anniversary. I am bidding on this bracelet to present it to my wife as a celebration of our eternal love. I would be immensely grateful if you would do me the honor of stepping aside."

Everyone in the room assumed the guest in Box 2 would politely concede to the romantic gesture.

But...