Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

outdone herself today; starting with such a bold bid to snag the jewelry would surely make everyone see her in a new light.

Lisa felt like she had just pulled off a brilliant move. As the host called her up to collect her prize, she confidently walked onto the stage and returned with a rose brooch in her hand. Scanning the crowd, she basked in the glory of her moment. She thought she had really But something was off. Instead of admiration, she noticed everyone was eyeing her with odd expressions. They were all grinning and chuckling among themselves, as if she was of no consequence. Some even seemed to look down on her, which made Lisa uneasy. She glanced over at Chloe, who sat there with a poker face. Connor, however, had a slight smile, watching Chloe with a twinkle in his eye. He quipped, "Enjoying the show?" Chloe smiled back without uttering a word. Lisa suddenly felt like the butt of a joke, as if she were the clown in the room.

She knew something wasn't right, but she couldn't quite figure out what it was. This unsettling feeling stuck with her until a few more jewelry pieces were auctioned off and the host announced a break. Lisa took this opportunity to approach Claire. After all, Claire was the one footing the bill.

side.

Trying to curry favor, Lisa handed the brooch to Claire, saying, "Ms. Claire, this rose brooch is just perfect for you. I got it as a gift for you." Lisa suspected Claire wouldn't accept it, which is why she made the offer. Whatever the case, she needed to stay on Claire's good

Claire barely gave the brooch a

glance before replying coolly, "If you

like it, keep it. Cheap baubles like

this seem fitting for someone with your..intellectual capacity." Lisa was taken aback. What was Claire implying with that remark?

Barrett, unable to hold back, chimed in with a sarcastic tone, "Ms. Chloe, Ms. Claire handed you fifty million,, and you spent it on something worthless. The brooch started at five million and at most, it's worth twenty million. Plus, it's not even a MISSY piece, so it's not really collectible. You just blew thirty

million."

Lisa was left speechless. She stared at the brooch, disbelief etched on her face. "Weren't all the jewels today supposed to be priceless? How is this one not valuable?" she wondered aloud.

Barrett continued, "Didn't you notice

there were over thirty items today? Not all of them can be priceless. Ever hear the saying, 'The best is yet to come? While others were playing their safe hands, you went all in with what you thought was a winning hand. Do you think that impresses people? No, they just think you're foolish."

Barrett's words cut deep, and Lisa realized why the room had been full of smirks and whispers after her bid. It wasn't admiration; it was amusement at her expense. She looked again at the brooch, a new understanding dawning on her. Despite her frustration, Lisa stood her ground. "Regardless of what this brooch is worth, if it's something Chloe wanted, I had to snatch it. Seeing her upset makes it worth every penny."