Married First, Loved Later : A Flash Marriage with My Ex's 'Uncle' novel Chapter 168

Chapter 168: Selina Is Determined to Win

Selina blinked and smiled. "It’s not about whether I want it or not—because no matter who wins the bid, the violin will end up in my hands."

Logan narrowed his eyes.

Mrs. Reid was implying that she wouldn’t even have to pay for it, yet she would still end up with the violin.

Was there such a thing as a free prize in this world?

The Hayes Family was determined to obtain the violin. If Selina backed down, it would undoubtedly become their possession.

Would something that fell into the Hayes Family’s hands ever be willingly handed back to Selina?

Interesting.

...

The auction for the violin finally began.

Starting price: ten million.

By the time the bidding reached twenty million, with Bella competing against a few others, Selina glanced at Bella—

Then raised her paddle.

"Fifty million."

Even the most seasoned auctioneer had never seen someone casually add thirty million in one go.

It was an obvious move to scare off the competition.

The audience sighed, shaking their heads.

It seemed the violin was destined to be Selina’s.

After all, even though this violin was known as the "King of Violins", fifty million was already an astronomical price.

Who else would waste money beyond that?

Yet—

"Sixty million."

Bella raised her paddle.

The room fell silent.

All eyes turned to her in shock.

Bella sighed, putting on an apologetic expression. "Selina, I’m sorry. I promised Mr. Gavin I’d win this violin as a gift for him. I won’t let you have it this time."

Rose quickly chimed in. "Bella only backed off earlier because she didn’t care about those items! Selina, I suggest you give up now."

Selina arched a brow, too lazy to respond.

Instead, she casually raised her paddle again.

"Seventy million."

Bella held her breath. "Eighty million."

She pressed her lips together. "Selina, I truly apologize, but I must win this violin. Please step aside."

Selina shrugged, looking completely unbothered.

"One hundred million."

A collective gasp rippled through the hall.

Boom.

The entire venue fell into stunned silence.

Selina was dead set on competing with Bella tonight—why?

Bella hesitated, sneaking a glance at Logan.

Didn’t Mr. Hayes say Logan would stop Selina from bidding?

Why was she still raising the price?

Bella bit her lip. "One hundred and ten million."

Selina nonchalantly replied.

"Two hundred million."

...

Absolute shock.

Selina just bid two hundred million?!

Did this violin even remotely justify that price?!

So far, she had already spent nearly two hundred million on other items—

And now, she was throwing in another two hundred million?!

Had she lost her mind?!

Bella sat frozen in place.

Two hundred million—Hayes Family could afford it.

But... this was far beyond what she had expected.

Bella’s mind went blank for a moment.

Selina, however, turned to the auctioneer with a lazy smile.

"Is Miss Hayes hesitating? Forget it. If you don’t have enough money, just give up early."

Those were the exact words Rose had thrown at Selina earlier.

Now, Selina returned them—word for word.

Selina waited for a beat, then glanced at the auctioneer.

"Seems like Miss Hayes doesn’t plan on bidding anymore. Can we wrap this up?"

"After all, two hundred million is quite a sum. Miss Hayes hesitating is understandable."

Whispers spread through the audience.

"The Hayes Family calls themselves philanthropists, but they’re so stingy with their donations. Look at Selina—she already donated two hundred million, and now she’s adding another two hundred million."

"Tsk tsk. Not willing to donate or contribute, yet still claiming to be the biggest charitable family? Two hundred million is nothing for the Hayes Family—why are they hesitating?"

Every word felt like a slap across Bella’s face.

Her fingers dug into her palms.

She could not lose again—

If she did, the Hayes Family would become a laughingstock!

Meanwhile, Selina urged the auctioneer to hurry up.

The auctioneer waited briefly, then began the countdown.

"Two hundred million, going once."

"Two hundred million, going twice—"

"Two hundred and ten million!"

"No matter who wins the bid, the violin will end up in my hands."

Selina blinked and grinned.

"Mr. Reid, don’t be so impatient."

...

Not far away, Luke was growing restless.

He knew Bella didn’t actually need the violin.

The Hayes Family had an extensive collection of rare violins, many even better than this one.

So why was Bella so determined to snatch this one from Selina?

Would Selina be upset?

Would she think Logan was useless for not buying it for her?

Would she get so mad that she filed for divorce?!

Luke shivered at the thought.

No—he couldn’t let this happen!

He immediately stood up, prepared to march over to Logan.

But before he could—

BANG!

The grand doors of the auction hall suddenly burst open.

The crowd instinctively turned their heads.

A group of bodyguards escorted a young man into the room, his aura intimidating and powerful.

A hushed whisper swept through the audience.

"Isn’t that Gavin?"

"Gavin Hill—the renowned musician? Wait, I heard Mr. Hill had his eye on that violin... But it looks like he arrived too late!"

"Too late? Not necessarily! Didn’t Miss Hayes just say she bought the violin for Gavin?"

Bella’s heart pounded.

This was her chance.

Spending two hundred million had already secured her a pristine reputation.

If she could also win Gavin’s favor, it would be the perfect victory.

Determined, she quickly stepped forward.

"Mr. Hill, you’re finally here!"

She smiled sweetly, her voice gentle and apologetic.

"Mr. Hill, there was a misunderstanding between us at Grandma Perry’s birthday banquet... but I heard you were interested in this violin, so I personally bought it just for you."

She softened her tone, carefully studying his expression.

"I truly hope you’ll accept my gift."

Across the room, Gavin’s lips curved into a smirk.

And then—

His eyes met Selina’s.