THE BIDDING GAME

CHAPTER 002

Hannah’s POV:

“Sold to Mr Hargrove.” The auctioneer’s voice boomed, silencing the rather opulent auction room.

I walked into the auction, my heels clicking rhythmically, the sharp sound dragging everyone’s attention. I kept my head and neck high, my back straight, and my gaze ahead.

Just like I was taught.

I could feel the weight of their gazes, like they were trying to tear through my facade. I dared not meet any of their eyes. I wasn’t here for them. Not at all. I was here for her.

Lo and behold, the Queen herself. Lucinda Devereaux.

She sat at the centre of the front row like she owned the room. Her posture is rigid, and her expression as sharp as her perfectly tailored suit. Her raven-black hair was swept into a low chignon that exposed the diamond necklace softly choking her throat. And her lips, they were painted in the same shade of red as the blood I imagined her hands were soaked in.

I swallowed a curse, smiling, and strode towards her, and with a calculated grace, lowered myself into the seat across from her. Sliding my sunglasses off with one smooth move, I tossed my hair dramatically over my shoulder, letting the luscious blonde wig fall flow in wavss under the gleam of the chandelier lights.

I could feel her gaze.

To make my presence well known to her, I crossed my legs over the other, one stiletto-clad foot dangling in the air. Her eyes flickered to my shoes; red-soled masterpieces, custom-made, adorned with delicate gold accents. All Alexander’s wealth ofcourse.

I smiled, the corner of my mouth curling into a subtle, knowing smirk.

I swung my foot slightly upwards, letting the light catch the embossed designer logo.

She didn’t recognize me, of course. Not yet. To her, I was just another perfectly polished elite, a young pawn in the room of sharks. That was what Alexander instructed me to become.

Alexander’s words echoed in my mind, replaying over and over again.

“This”, he said, gesturing to the lavish dressing room in his mansion filled with racks of designer gowns I never dreamt I would ever lay eyes on, “is your new arsenal. You are my prized possession, Hannah. And my team will transform you into the epitome of wealth and class. You, my dear, shall make them forget everything about your past and create your new presence.”

And truly, I felt different. I now sat just across my nemesis, under her scrutiny. Our eyes met for a brief second, and I threw a charming smile, uninterestedly shifting my gaze back to the auction an item was bought in.

“Miss, your number.” I looked up to the handler as he approached with a cautious bow, handing me a paddle with number 30 emblazoned in gold. I took the paddle wordlessly, my fingers wrapped around it loosely like it was something I had been doing for years.

My eyes scanned the entire room. The rich and powerful all waited with bored expressions, ready to spend millions on what they consider “priceless” commodities. But I wasn’t here to buy these arts they worship. I was here to get noticed by one person.

What else to get the attention of the Matriarch of the Devereaux family if not to play the ruthless, glamorous, and twisted game they thrive on?

“Up next, ladies and gentlemen. Before us is a one-in-a-lifetime piece, unlike any other seen in history,” the auctioneer declared, his voice filled with thrill and theatrics. “This exceptional masterpiece is a symbol of pure genius. A dazzling necklace of the rarest yellow diamonds: the Devonshire Diamond. And did I forget to say that this was said to be the last ownership of Lady Carrington, the Duchess of Devonshire?”

The crowd gasped, but I barely glanced at the jewellery. Instead, my attention remained on her.

“So, ladies and gentlemen, let us start the bidding at one million dollars.”

The internal war was to start, but the room remained quiet, with no one raising their paddle to signify interest.

“No takers? No bidders! This is a surprise. Are you going to let this prized jewel slip through your fingers?” The auctioneer’s voice became more urgent as his eyes scanned around the large space.

No one moved. Even I was confused at first, but I noticed everyone’s eyes consistently moved towards Lucinda’s position. I understood right away. No one dared to auction for such a prized jewel because they knew it caught the interest of Lucinda.

“One million dollars!” The sound of Lucinda’s voice pierced through the space, and everyone turned to stare.

“There, we have a starter. One million dollars. Do I hear higher?” The auctioneer dragged, but there was no response.

“Going once!”

“Going twice!”

“And sold to—“

I raise my paddle, my voice interrupting him. “Two million dollars.”

Lucinda snapped her head sharply towards me, so fast I was shocked her head hadn't fallen off, her eyes squinting into a hard glare.

“Two million, a token for those who appreciate the most exquisite of things,” I said, shrugging a little while trying to get a reaction from her.

She smirked, showcasing her full red lips. “Oh, really? You seem new to this game. Ten million dollars!” Lucinda said.

Gotcha.

“Now we’re talking. Ten million dollars. Do I hear higher?”

I decided to play just a small game and intensify her frustration. “Ten million and one dollar.”

Multiple sniffled laugh echoed after my say. I looked directly at her, watching her face turn red from anger.

“Oh, it seems like this bidding is getting more heated. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a war on our hands.” The auctioneer’s voice boomed, piercing through the silence.

Lucinda’s smirk widened, her black hair making her look even more fierce. “Twenty-five million dollars.”

The small crowd in the opulent room collectively gasps, a ripple of shock echoing through the room. Twenty million dollars is no small sum, even for most people in the room.

All eyes turned to me now, anticipation thick in the air.

I let the silence stretch, thriving and savouring the tension. The auctioneer’s gaze darted nervously between us, his excitement barely contained as he shook along with the microphone.

“Twenty-five million dollars! Ladies and gentlemen, this is history in the making. Do I hear higher?” His voice quivered slightly, eager for another twist.

I sighed, dropping my crossed legs, and I leaned forward, my elbow on the soft armrest. I tilted my head slightly, studying Lucinda like a predator would its prey.

“Twenty-five million and two dollars,” I said softly, almost bored, though my smile stretched larger than before. I took my time dropping my paddle, noticing the glare from Lucinda Devereaux. I could feel her hate and anger, barely suppressed as they were boiling, her perfect form cracking.

“FIFTY MILLION FUCKING DOLLARS—CASH!”