At that moment in time Emma's heart raced, her breath catching as she watched Sofia.
She wasn't sure what to expect.
Would Sofia take it slow, testing the waters with a small increase? Or would she make a bold move, throwing the entire auction into chaos like she had with Mr. Shaw?
Sofia, however, remained calm—as if she had already decided her next move before even walking into the auction hall.
Then, without hesitation, she raised her hand.
Her voice was smooth, controlled.
"Sixteen million dollars."
Hearing what she just said the air in the room stilled.
For the briefest moment, there was nothing.
Then—Gasps followed.
A ripple of shock spread through the hall like a wave.
The guests, who had been entertained by the earlier bidding war, suddenly felt the weight of Sofia's presence again.
They would tell She wasn't here to play games.
She wasn't just driving the price up to frustrate someone else.
This time—she wanted it.
And that realization changed everything.
