Rebirth Into My Second Chance novel Chapter 74

Often, the person who falls in love first ends up at a disadvantage.

"80 million."

Someone, not one of the people I'd bribed, upped the ante by ten million right on top of Kate's bid. I glanced around, trying to spot any of my plants.

For the items leading up to Kate's, I'd paid off a few bidders to drive up the prices, making her dig deeper into her pockets.

"Claude," she began, a hint of worry in her voice, "they're driving up the price, I…"

"100 million." Claude didn't respond directly, but his actions spoke volumes. He was willing to drop a cool hundred million for Kate, for that particular item.

But then, someone from the VIP lounge upstairs threw down a bombshell bid of 200 million.

A collective gasp swept through the crowd.

"Could it be that person from the Hilton clan?"

I looked up, questioning. The Hilton clan? Max had just left; could there really be another player from the Hilton powerhouse?

"Kate, if you like the design, we can find another one."

Claude didn't continue the bidding war. Was he really that wary of the Hilton clan's heavyweight?

Was he that intimidated by his uncle?

"Claude, but I really like it. Is it because the black card is with Claire? Can you talk to Claire and get it back to buy this crown? You promised me the most spectacular wedding."

I overheard them from behind.

Claude glanced my way.

I took out the black card, gesturing that I was about to return it to him.

But in this lifetime, he refused Kate. "The black card is Claire's now. As for the crown, it seems my uncle is set on having it. I have no reason to compete with him."

Kate pressed her lips together, eventually managing a compliant, "Okay, I've already got a lot today. Let's forget the crown."

In the end, the crown went to the Hilton clan.

And I kept the black card, which seemed to burn in my hand.

"Ms. Floyd, this was won by Mr. Hart for you. He asked me to deliver it to your apartment."

I nodded, accepting the items without unwrapping them.

Mocking myself, I had just been wondering about Claude's feelings for me. If he truly cared, he wouldn't have sent a delivery person; he'd have come himself.

It was proof enough he didn't love me.

Maybe him giving me the black card was his way of telling me that without him, I'd lose all my status and wealth, and be left to wallow in the mud.

Lost in these thoughts, Kate's call came through, on speaker: "Claire, I got carried away today, I'm sorry. Could we meet up today?"

Before I could answer, I heard Claude's voice in the background: "Kate, the towel?"

Rushing to apologize, Kate added, "Claire, Claude's taking a shower. I'll bring him a towel, and let's grab coffee tomorrow, okay?"

Claude was already spending the night there, apparently close enough to share showers.

What was I still hesitating for?