No Wife, No Life Chapter 32

The room erupted in applause, the sound bouncing off the walls.

In the midst of this electric atmosphere, Harper's smile grew wider, making her look like the happiest woman in the world.

Caden watched her, his eyes filled with unmistakable affection.

Under the lights, Alex's face was shadowed, his eyes cold and intense.

After a moment, the auctioneer stepped forward with the final item of the night, announcing loudly, "And now, the last item for tonight's auction."

Before he could finish, Caden's phone buzzed urgently.

He frowned, glanced at the screen, and answered with a touch of impatience.

After listening for a few seconds, his frown deepened. "Got it," he said quietly.

He hung up and turned to Harper.

Before he could speak, Harper understood and smiled gently. "Go handle your business."

Caden smiled back. "I promised to take you home, and it's almost over anyway."

Harper knew what he meant. He had something urgent to deal with but didn't want to leave her alone, so he offered to take her home now.

Just as she was about to agree, her eyes lit up, and she said calmly, "No need, I'll leave later."

At that moment, Caden's phone rang again, more insistent this time.

He cut the call off abruptly and leaned in to whisper in Harper's ear, "There's something at the office I need to handle. Text me when you get home."

His warm breath tickled her ear.

Harper nodded slightly, her eyes fixed on the auction item ahead.

Caden quietly slipped out through the back door.

On stage, the auctioneer was enthusiastically introducing the final item.

In his hands was a necklace of emeralds. The green gems sparkled brilliantly, with a large heart-shaped emerald pendant.

The emerald was smooth and radiant, drawing gasps from the audience.

Ordinary gems were common, but a naturally heart-shaped emerald of this size was rare.

Experts in the audience estimated the starting price to be at least five million dollars.

The auctioneer continued, "This piece is called 'First Love.' It's a family heirloom, passed down for three generations. The owner has passed away, and this necklace was her keepsake. It's said that only those who find true love are worthy of wearing it."

Harper's eyes sparkled with a hint of starlight.

The auctioneer was right. Her mother, Alvina, had said the same.

A memory surfaced.

Alvina, in a green cheongsam, wore the emerald necklace around her neck.

She was slender, with fair skin, as beautiful as a painting.

Harper, resting her chin in her hands, was mesmerized. "Mommy, you look so beautiful!"

But Alvina's expression was somber, not joyful.

She caressed the First Love pendant, her eyes tinged with sadness.

"Harper, you know, only a woman who finds true love is worthy of wearing this First Love."

Young Harper was puzzled and asked innocently, "Isn't Daddy your true love?"

Alvina was silent for a long time.

"Mommy, don't you love Daddy?"

Harper repeated stubbornly, "Mommy, don't you love Daddy?"

Alvina knelt down, looking at Harper, and sighed deeply, her thoughts distant. "Harper, always remember: follow your heart, and bravely pursue what you want. Never compromise for anyone, and be your unique self. I will always bless you."

She took Harper's small hand, placing it on the emerald, feeling its warmth. "Do you hear it? It's saying that true love is the harmony of souls, the resonance of spirits, finding peace in each other's world."

Indeed, the First Love was Alvina's keepsake.

Harper's eyes reddened, a flicker of resentment flashing through them. She glared sharply at Emily.

Emily had actually sold Alvina's keepsake!

Sensing Harper's intense gaze, Emily didn't dare look up, lost in her thoughts.

The auctioneer finished his enthusiastic introduction, causing quite a stir. Many socialites attended the auction. Women naturally loved jewelry, especially pieces with a story. Many women were eager to get their hands on the First Love. After all, who wouldn't want to find true love?

Emily noticed this too. She gently took Alex's hand, pleading, "Alex, I want the First Love too."

Her voice was soft, almost intoxicating. "Alex, you're my first love. You have to get it for me."

The hairpin earlier could be ignored, but the First Love was a must-have for her. No matter what, this necklace held great significance for her. Harper could have the ruby hairpin, but Emily had to get the First Love. The First Love symbolized her and Alex's true love.

Emily pouted, pressing further, "Alex, if I don't get the First Love, I'll be so sad. Besides, Mr. Elikin helped Harper get the ruby hairpin. Are you going to let Mr. Elikin outdo you?"

She deliberately provoked Alex. He was always proud and wouldn't back down easily.

As expected, Alex's eyes grew colder, his brows furrowing.

At that moment, the auctioneer started the bidding. "First Love, starting at five million dollars."

"5.5 million dollars."

Someone quickly placed a bid.

"6 million dollars."

"7 million dollars."

Unlike the previous items, many people were bidding enthusiastically. To them, items with a story were more valuable.

Harper coldly called out a number, "10 million dollars."

She could forgo other things, but this was her mother's keepsake. She had to get it.

The auctioneer looked at her and announced, "This lady bids 10 million dollars. Any higher bids?"

Before anyone else could bid, Alex signaled Emily to call out a number, "20 million dollars."

The auctioneer turned to Emily, surprised. "This lady bids 20 million dollars."

Emily stood up, glancing triumphantly at Harper.

Harper remained calm, not even looking at Emily, and slowly raised her paddle. 

"30 million dollars! This lady bids 30 million dollars."

Everyone fell silent, watching Harper and Emily.

The auctioneer chuckled, "It seems both ladies are quite fond of the First Love."