?Chapter 104:


    As the auction wrapped up, the winning bidders were directed to the conference room toplete payment and sign ownership transfer documents.


    Erickmented sarcastically, “One billion for a winery, Uncle, you certainly know how to spend money.”


    He discreetly kept his voice low as he referred to Kaiden as “Uncle,” ensuring he wouldn’t be overheard.


    Before Kaiden had a chance to reply, Ellie interjected with a smile, “Not quite as extravagant as Mr. Thorpe’s girlfriend, though.” She then turned her attention to Demi, adding, “Miss Gordon, it seems you went over your budget by an extra 100 million today, just in an attempt topete with me, right?”


    Demi, defensive, shot back, “I wasn’tpeting with you. You were the one trying topete with me!”


    Erick’s heart sank hearing this. He knew Demi had overspent, but the reality of an additional hundred million stung.


    That was one hundred million, not ten million!


    Ellie simply smiled, offering no furtherment.


    When the time came to sign for the diamond bracelet set, Kaiden extended the pen to Ellie.


    Ellie looked puzzled at the gesture. Kaiden exined, “It’s a gift for you.”


    “I don’t need it.” Ellie declined promptly.


    Her mindset was clear: if there was something she truly desired, she would purchase it herself.


    Kaiden seemed indifferent to her refusal. He had participated in the auction to purchase her a gift, unaffected by whether or not she needed it.


    The staff exchanged surprised nces, taken aback by Ellie’s rejection of such avish gift.


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    Kaiden coolly instructed Bruce, “Dispose of it then.”


    “Hey!” Ellie, believing Kaiden might actually do it, hastily suggested, “Give it to someone else.”


    Demi, observing the exchange, scoffed, “Hypocritical bitch!”


    Erick, watching silently, understood Ellie’s sincerity. During their engagement, Ellie never sought gifts and always reciprocated when she did receive them. Her refusal now wasn’t an act of pretense but a genuineck of desire for the item.


    Erick, who had once considered Ellie’s simplicity and directness naive and tactless, now felt a touch of nostalgia for those traits.


    Not wanting to engage with Demi, Ellie ignored her. She worried Kaiden might actually discard the bracelet set.


    Eventually, she decided to keep it, reasoning it could be stored at Moon Manor, which was also owned by Kaiden, and signed the necessary documents.


    Then, a staff member approached with a concerning update. “Apologies, Mr. Thorpe, but your ount bnce is insufficient for the Koenigsegg bid. Would you prefer to use a check or another bank card?”


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