The Last Time I Cried Your Name novel Chapter 112

One hundred million dollars. That was basically the buyout price. Even if someone else tried to bid, everyone knew Franco wasn’t backing down.

When it came to money, who in Cabinda could really compete with Franco anyway?

Owen didn’t even try to bid. Petty had her hand tight over his paddle and whispered, “I don’t want it.”

“Owen, I really don’t like that brooch.”

She said it just as the whole room quieted down. Her voice wasn’t loud, but everyone in the rows nearby heard her, clear as day.

Laura just looked calm, glancing sideways at the man next to her. His long, pale fingers tapped once on the armrest.

Owen shrugged like it was nothing. “One hundred million? I could go higher. Don’t worry about the price.”

Petty shook her head. “If I wanted it, I’d want it no matter what it cost, even if it was just a piece of trash. If I don’t, it doesn’t matter how beautiful or valuable it is. It’s got nothing to do with me.”

She looked serious as she repeated, “I really don’t want it.”

Their little scene barely made a ripple in the auction’s flow.

Soon enough, one of the staff brought the box with the sapphire brooch to Franco. He signed the paperwork with barely a pause.

“Franco bought that brooch… is he giving it to someone special?”

“I saw Laura watching it. She must have liked it. Franco’s really willing to spend big for the right woman.”

“I heard that Petty is Mrs. White. Isn’t this just embarrassing for her?”

“She’s only Mrs. White in name. No one actually cares.”

The whispers followed Petty as she quietly slipped out of the hall.

She pulled her shawl closer around her shoulders as she made her way back toward the main banquet.

Suddenly, she felt something warm and heavy settle over her shoulders. Someone had draped a coat around her, and it still held the heat from his body.

Her breath caught. She turned to see Harris, his eyes filled with concern.

The car door opened. Franco ducked his head and started to get in.

“Franco!”

Through the falling snow, Harris hurried toward him.

Harris was famous in Cabinda for being the perfect gentleman. He always seemed calm and in control. Nothing ever seemed to throw him off his stride.

Franco paused, his hand on the car door, his gaze sharp.

“Are you giving that brooch to Laura?”

Franco’s voice was cold, like the wind outside. “Why do you ask?”

Jay frowned. Harris and Franco had been as close as brothers for over twenty years, and Harris never got involved in things like this.

Harris stepped closer, meeting Franco’s eyes. “If you’re not planning to give it to Laura, sell it to me.”