Married To My Billionaire Stepbrother - Chapter 330

Chapter 330: The Precious Perfume
Though Briena could only swallow the bitterness, she consoled Ivan. “It’s alright to lose it, Ivan. I have even better jewelry with me. It’s good that you didn’t spend money on it, and now we can bid higher on what we’re really here for—the perfume, remember?”

Ivan hummed in response, looking forward to getting that precious perfume created by the mysterious perfumer, Dew. He needed it for research, so he could create the next best-selling perfume for his company. It was nearly impossible to get his hands on Dew’s creations, as Dew only made one perfume a year, auctioning it off to the wealthiest bidder.

After another item—on which neither Natalie nor James placed a bid—was won by another guest, the moment finally arrived.

The next item was presented—the one Ivan and Briena had been waiting for.

The auctioneer revealed a palm-sized, beautifully crafted perfume bottle shaped like a water droplet, carrying a transparent liquid inside.

“And here it is—the most awaited item of the night,” the auctioneer announced enthusiastically. “A perfume made by the world-renowned perfumer, Dew. As you all know, Dew only creates one perfume per year, and this year’s creation was already auctioned off a few months ago. However, in honor of our esteemed Queen of Belvorn, Dew has broken their own rule and crafted a second perfume in the same year. Though they couldn’t be here tonight, the presence of this perfume at our auction signifies Dew’s deep respect for the Queen, and we truly appreciate this extraordinary gesture…”

As the auctioneer continued speaking, Briena turned to Ivan. “Ivan, Dew’s perfumes are the dream of every perfumer. I’m sure Natalie will try to get it.”

Ivan didn’t deny the possibility.

“But this is important,” Briena added. “So I plan to help you win it. Bid whatever amount you need, and we’ll split the price between us. Don’t hold back, even if James Harper bids against us.” She smirked. “Though he may be the richest businessman, together, the Browns and Fords are no less.”

Once more, Ivan hummed in agreement.

The bidding started at 15 million, reflecting just how precious this perfume was and how much buyers valued it.

Most of the women in the audience immediately joined the bidding, each one desperate to get their hands on Dew’s masterpiece.

The price climbed to 30 million, yet neither Natalie nor James had placed a bid—at least, not yet.

“Doesn’t Natalie want this perfume?” Irene asked. “Or does she think she’s better than Dew just because she won some perfume competition?”

“She must be waiting for that old man to buy it for her,” Rina commented. “She really knows how to dig money out of them.”

Ivan was also surprised to see that Natalie showed no interest in this perfume. Unlike every woman in the hall, she was the only one who didn’t seem excited about it.

Finally, Ivan made the first call for his bid.

“40 million.”

He raised it straight by 10 million—an outrageous price for a perfume.

It wasn’t that the other guests lacked money, but this was already an absurd amount for a mere perfume, no matter how precious it was said to be. After all, what could a perfume contain? It was just a perfectly balanced mixture of different chemicals and fragrances. How valuable could it be unless it was infused with gold and diamonds?

Still, one of the guests challenged Ivan’s bid.

“45 million.”

“50 million,” Ivan responded without hesitation.

Gasps filled the hall as the bidding war escalated.

At this price, the buyer wouldn’t even dare to use the perfume, fearing they’d be wasting money with every drop.

Yet the bidding continued, climbing even higher.

Eventually, Ivan stood at the final bid of 80 million.

All eyes were on him, the young businessman who had suddenly captured everyone’s attention.

“Ivan, isn’t that too much?” Irene whispered.

“It’s for business,” Briena interjected, feeling smug that Ivan was willing to spend this much. “Consider it an investment.”

Irene remained skeptical, looking at her brother with doubt. Even she could tell this wasn’t worth it.

“Anyone else?” the auctioneer called, scanning the crowd.

Silence.

Briena smirked. Finally, we’re going to get it.

“80 million once… 80 million twice… 80 million—”

“2 billion.”

Loud, collective gasps erupted across the entire hall.

Everyone was frozen in shock.

From 80 million to 2 billion—the jump was beyond comprehension.

It was simply impossible to witness such a thing for a perfume that wasn’t even remotely worth that amount.

James Harper.

Once again, this man had shocked everyone.

Was he simply too committed to charity, bidding such an absurd amount? That seemed to be the only explanation.

Without a doubt, the perfume went to James Harper.

Ivan didn’t dare to bid any further. He knew that if he did, James Harper would simply double the price—he would never lose to anyone. Stepping back was a better option than challenging him and humiliating himself when the result was inevitable.

While others were still reeling from shock, Natalie remained calm as if nothing happened there.

She looked at James and asked, “Is this also a gift for me?”

“If you want it, it’s yours,” he replied.

“Thank you,” she said and stood up, walking directly toward the auctioneer.

“Give me the perfume.”

Everyone in the hall stared at her in stunned silence.

Was she so desperate to get this perfume that she couldn’t even wait for the proper procedure? Typically, items were handed over to the bidder after the formalities were completed. Moreover, this time, it wasn’t her bid—it was James Harper’s.

The auctioneer hesitated, looking toward James, who gave a light nod, granting permission.

With that, the auctioneer carefully handed the perfume to Natalie. His hands trembled slightly as he held the tiny bottle—an object now worth 2 billion.

Natalie remained composed, treating it as though it were any other ordinary thing.

She pulled the small bottle from its case and examined it with a cold gaze.

And then—

Smash!

Natalie smashed the perfume bottle onto the ground.

Shattered glass scattered in all directions, and the precious liquid—worth billions—spilled across the floor.

“Oh my god, Ms. Natalie, what did you do?!” the auctioneer exclaimed.

Gasps filled the hall.

Everyone sat frozen, their expressions of shock mirroring one another.

They couldn’t believe what had just happened.

This woman had just destroyed the perfume now worth 2 billion.

Has she gone crazy?!