Laura’s Victory Second Chance

“Come here,” Easton said, his voice low and inviting.

“Okay.” Laura’s step was springy as she caught sight of him, sliding into the seat next to him with a grin.

Downstairs, the show was in full swhg. A pristine ivory silk gown with a lace bodice and detailed embroidery took center stage on the big screen. Olivia’s eyes sparkled with delight; she had a thing for white dresses. “Mom, I really like this one!” she exclaimed.

“If you like it, let’s get it,” Emma responded, her hand shooting up. “Five hundred thousand.”

From their perch next to Easton, Laura observed the bidding war. She recalled Olivia bragging about this very

gown.

“Do you want it?” Easton asked, his gaze never leaving the screen.

“No.” Laura replied, a dismissive wave of her hand. The dress was something her sister had flaunted before, and that was a deal-breaker. She added under her breath. “Though I don’t want her to have it either

“Ten million,” a deep male voice rang out from the second-floor VIP section, causing a collective gasp to ripple through the room. The jump from half a million to ten million was unprecedented.

Emma considered raising her bid. Her daughter rarely took a liking to something, and the funds were Laura’s. Her resolve hardened.

“Mom, let it go. Let’s move on to the next ones. This guy’s just showing off. No point competing; the next dress will be just as good,” Olivia advised, already strategizing for the upcoming lots.

The gown eventually found its way to the second-floor room. Laura felt a pang of discomfort. “You didn’t have to spend that much,” she said to Easton.

“I want you to be happy. That’s all that matters,” Easton replied with a nonchalant shrug.

Dress after dress followed the same pattern. Each time Emma bid, a voice from above would jack the price sky- high, as if intentionally provoking her. After an hour, Emma was empty-handed.

As the final, showstopping gown was about to be unveiled, Emma gritted her teeth, making a promise to Olivia. “Don’t worry, this time, no matter what that guy bids, I’ll get this one for you.”

The final gown didn’t grace a model but was draped on a mannequin, its elegance commanding the room. It was a showstopper-a regal red dress, exquisite and detailed, with over a thousand rare red diamonds that caught everyone’s eye.

The designer’s excitement was palpable as he highlighted the gown’s features, and the close-up revealed a sparkle that took everyone’s breath away.

The starting bid was set at three million. Robert’s gaze fell on the dress, and instantly, he pictured Laura in it, -stunning in red.

Olivia shared the sentiment. The dress seemed destined for Laura. Even though red wasn’t her color, she was

determined to s**h it from her sister.

Within minutes, bidding hit 25 million.

43%

Thirty million!” Emma chimed in, confidently raising the bid by five million. With 700 million at her disposal, this was just a drop in the bucket. The second floor had already bagged five dresses for over 30 million; they should be out of the running now. Unless Robert decided to counter, the dress was as good as hers.

But Robert, recalling the 17 million necklace, gritted his teeth and countered, “Thirty-three million.”

Olivia shot him a resentful glance, thinking, Why does everyone want Laura? One day, I’ll turn the tables and make them all chase me.

“Thirty-seven million!” Emma raised the bid again, her resolve firm.

Laura was sure the Sharpes wouldn’t go for 33 million on a dress, unless…. unless they were using her card. A shiver ran down her spine at the thought.

The bidding war was reaching its peak when Easton’s calm voice cut through the tension. “What color is that dress?”

‘Red. Cedric answered.

Suddenly, the voice from the second floor spoke again, its bid of “Three hundred and thirty million” sending a shockwave through the room.

Laura’s head spun, and she choked out, ‘Easton, have you lost your mind?”

His response was casual. “They say you look good in red.”