Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 328

Chapter 328: The Second Rule
Others present at the event started bidding as well. Those from Imperial City who were familiar with the two Ford sisters watched with curiosity, waiting to see which one would win. Occasionally, they joined in just to raise the bid, pushing the price up to 2.5 million.

Briena kept glancing at Natalie to see if she would bid further, only then deciding to raise her own bid. She was adamant about not letting Natalie win anything. Given Natalie’s new company and financial situation, she was sure Natalie couldn’t afford expensive items. And if Natalie bid on something cheaper, Briena would make sure to take it away.

Natalie raised her bid. “2.6 million.”

“2.8 million,” Briena countered immediately.

Natalie kept her expression calm and composed before bidding again, this time taking everyone by surprise. “3.5 million.”

“Is she doing it on purpose?” Irene commented angrily. “She can clearly see that Briena wants it, but she won’t back down.”

“But Natalie was the one who bid first,” someone next to them pointed out.

“She tried to bid low at first. Now that the price has gone up and she can’t afford it, she’s intentionally raising the bid just to make Briena pay more,” Irene replied. “She plays mind games really well.”

“Then let me raise it for her. Let’s see if she can actually pay,” Briena said, increasing the bid. “4 million.” Then, looking in Natalie’s direction, she smirked. “After she raises the bid this time, I won’t bid anymore and will make her pay.”

“That’s a smart move, Briena. Let her take it. You can get something even better for your grandma.”

Briena hummed in agreement and waited for Natalie’s response.

On the other hand, Natalie remained silent. This painting isn’t even worth that much, she thought. But then she remembered the rules James Harper had told her. I can make up for it later when something truly catches my interest and is worth spending on.

The auctioneer looked at Natalie to see if she was going to bid further, but she showed no such intentions. None of the other guests showed interest in bidding either. The starting bid of 1.5 million had now reached 4 million—it was indeed enough.

“Why isn’t she bidding?” Irene asked.

Briena realized she now had to pay for a painting that was worthless in her eyes, and Natalie hadn’t fallen for her trick. She cursed inwardly. Damn Natalie.

The auctioneer began, “4 million once, 4 million twice—”

“Six million!”

A cold, calm, and dignified voice echoed through the hall, and everyone turned to look at the man who had spoken.

James Harper.

He had increased the bid for that painting and it had jumped by two million—an unprecedented leap for the night.

Natalie looked at the man sitting next to her, her mind puzzled.

James turned to look at her, his cold but composed gaze meeting hers as he said, “The second rule.”

She clearly remembered it, but…

The auctioneer continued enthusiastically, “Six million once! Six million twice—”

“Six million and one,” Natalie raised her paddle.

The moment everyone heard it, they were stunned. Natalie had increased the bid as if she had merely added an extra penny—an amount that could only buy a small candy.

The auctioneer glanced at James Harper to see if he would say anything more, but he remained silent, his expression unreadable as always.

Since it was James Harper who had placed the bid, no one else dared to challenge it.

Finally, with the loud sound of the hammer, the painting was won by Natalie.

He reminded her of the second rule that means he was telling her to bid ahead. But when this man was ready to give it to her easily, why would she add more money? Adding one extra penny would be enough.

She looked at James once more, only to catch the corner of his lips curve into a faint smirk. She couldn’t help but smile as well at this unexpected turn, wondering what exactly was going on in this man’s mind.

Was he glad to see what she did?

It left bitter taste in Briena and her friend’s mouth.

Just like others, Ivan could guess James Harper did it so Natalie could win it and it also assured him that something was truly going on between Natalie and James, or there was no reason he would favour openly like this.

“She is clearly enjoying that old man’s money and dared spend it,” Irene said.

“That is how being a sugar baby of someone works,” Rina commented, “Such a slut!”

Charlotte, who had been sitting quietly, maintaining the dignity of a princess, frowned as she watched Briena being defeated by Natalie.

She leaned toward Howard and asked, “Grandpa, is James Harper really that powerful?”

Howard nodded. “No one present here dares to get on his bad side. He is that powerful.”

“Aren’t we powerful as well? We are royals, and our wealth is much greater.”

“His business empire is far bigger. Though we are royal, we are not wealthier than him. His wealth is immense,” he replied.

She gritted her teeth. “And he is on our enemy’s side.”

“Don’t worry. She must be just a plaything for him,” Howard said. “We can get him on our side soon.”

“How?”

“He has a son, and I’m planning to introduce you to him. I’m sure they would happily accept a marriage proposal from the royal family.”

“His son? Is he here?” Charlotte asked.

“No. He never shows up anywhere, and no one has seen him to this day.”

“What if he’s ugly and keeps hiding himself?”

“Look at James Harper. The way he looks—do you think his son could be anywhere close to ugly?” Howard countered. “It’s just a tactic of wealthy people to protect their children until they are powerful enough to protect themselves.”

She glanced at James Harper. Though probably in his fifties, he had kept himself well-refined and looked more handsome than many young men here. She could only imagine how impressive his son must be.

“Alright, Grandpa. I will meet his son,” she replied. If I marry into such a family, I won’t have to worry about threats from Natalie. I will still be more powerful.

Queen, who was enjoying this bidding process, had her gaze often following Natalie. She was happy that Natalie had such a strong support.

She signalled her assistant who leaned down to hear her. “Tomorrow, invite Natalie to have a breakfast with me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”