When Her Death Couldn't Break Him (Cecilia and Nathaniel) novel Chapter 1928

Chapter 1928 Sound Like Strangers
Cecilia's gaze drifted toward the crowd, landing on Phoebe—Chelsea's mother—who was scanning the room with quiet interest, as if assessing the crowd.

Charlotte frowned slightly. “Screening for what?”

Cecilia didn't look away. “Chelsea's parents have been searching for a suitable husband for her. If I'm right, this auction isn't just about fundraising. It's a subtle test to gauge the wealth and influence of potential candidates... or rather, their families.”

Chelsea's parents were no fools. They would never let their daughter marry a mere social climber.

Though their fortune was vast, they had no intention of handing it over lightly. Instead, they used this elegant evening as a quiet vetting process, seeking a man whose background and status matched theirs.

“So that's what this is about,” Charlotte murmured.

“I'm only speculating,” Cecilia replied calmly. “Whether that's truly their intent, I can't say for sure.”

Charlotte nodded thoughtfully. “Still, it makes sense.”

On the auction stage, the host launched into an enthusiastic account of the necklace's origins and storied past. His voice rose with excitement as he described its royal lineage and exceptional craftsmanship. Then, at last, he declared, “And now, let the bidding begin!”

The guests in the room were no ordinary folks. They were wealthy, influential, and ambitious. Many of them instantly understood this was more than a chance to own a rare piece of jewelry. It was a chance to impress Chelsea and her family. And so, the bidding war began.

“Ten million.”

“Fifteen million.”

“Twenty million.”

The numbers climbed rapidly, each bid escalating by increments of five million.

Cecilia's eyes narrowed slightly. She noticed someone discreetly recording each bid as it was called out. So her hunch had been right. This auction was more than it appeared on the surface.

Just then, a light tap on her shoulder made her flinch.

Startled, she turned and found herself face to face with a grinning Magnus.

“Cecilia,” he whispered.