?Chapter 1668:


    La’s expression was tight with humiliation, Alban’s mockery still burning beneath everyone’s gaze. In her heart, she ced the me squarely on Christina. It was Christina who had insisted on securing those two auction items, giving Alban the opening to publicly humiliate her.


    Thebined cost had reached three hundred and twenty million. Both pieces had sold far beyond their true market value, with the Elderroot priced at an especially outrageous level. La’s face pale, she shot Christina an angry look — but before she could voice her resentment, Christina turned to her with evident warmth and gently sped her hand.


    “La, thank you for winning those two items for me. My grandma is going to be so happy,” Christina said sincerely.


    Christina’s genuine gratitude pulled La back to reality before her temper could take over. As her emotions settled, she reminded herself that pleasing Florrie would significantly improve her prospects of marrying into the Jones family. Spending over three hundred million as a calcted step toward that future suddenly seemed justifiable. If her parents learned of it, they might not severely reprimand her — it was a gamble, but one with enormous potential returns.


    La forced a pleasant smile. “As long as you and Florrie are happy, nothing else matters.”


    “Are you really nning to give both items to me? Or should I… reimburse you?” Christina asked, her tone deliberately hesitant.


    La would have preferred Christina to cover the cost, but she feared that doing so would make her appear unreliable. If Christina returned to the Jones family and mentioned it, La’s hopes of joining the family would copse instantly.


    “No,” La replied with a smile. “I said they were gifts, and I’ll stand by that. A promise is a promise. Even though this amount isn’t small for the Wade family, making you happy is worth it.” Her words subtly emphasized the sacrifice while showcasing the Wade family’s willingness to spendvishly for Christina.


    “Thank you,” Christina said, putting on a deeply moved expression. “I’m truly touched. You’re incredibly generous.”


    Christina had anticipated from the start that Alban would sh with them during the auction. She had deliberately guided La into overspending, intending to inflict serious financial strain on the Wade family.


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    La continued smiling and appearing delighted, while secretly grinding her teeth. Had she known she would be drained dry at the auction, she never would have brought Christina along. She was already dreading how she would justify this to her family once she returned. The Wade family was already under financial pressure, and spending over three hundred million in a single stroke would undoubtedly provoke their fury.


    At the Martel estate, Henrik looked up as Alban entered empty-handed. “Didn’t you attend the auction? What did you bring back?”


    Alban offered no answer, only a faint, knowing smile.


    Santos frowned. “What’s with that expression? Your grandfather asked you a question.”


    “Nothing much. I just came across something amusing,” Alban replied casually as he settled onto the sofa.


    “Amusing? What was it?” Colette asked, curiosity lighting her eyes.


    Alban paused briefly, then smiled. “I uncovered a secret that’s going to surprise all of you.”


    “What secret?” Every pair of eyes turned toward him at once.


    Alban didn’t bother with suspense. “It appears the Jones family has found the daughter they lost years ago.”


    “What?!” all three eximed together, stunned.


    Santos shot to his feet, his face frozen in disbelief.


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