Revenge In Repose (Valerie and Aiden) novel Chapter 34

Valerie caught Renata’s gaze, smiled faintly, and promptly looked away–clearly imbothered.

On stage, the auctioneer continued, “Any higher bids? 120 thousand and 100 dollars, once… 120 thousand and 100 dollars, twice…

“125 thousand dollars.” Valerie said calmly.

Renata smirked triumphantly. “125 thousand and 100 dollars.”

That did it–kelly’s temper flared. She spun around and snapped, “130 thousand dollars!”

Renata, still basking in smug satisfaction, drawled, “130 thousand and 100 dollars.”

A wave of whispers rippled through the crowd. Kelly, how truly fuming, barked, “Renata, if you’re gonna bid, then bid properly. Adding just a hundred bucks–what are you trying to pull?”

Renata shrugged with mock innocence. “I don’t see any rule against it. If you like the idea, feel free to add a hundred too.”

Kelly rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t be caught dead doing something that tacky.”

Valerie gently tugged her back, her voice soft and composed. “Let it go. Grace is a virtue. If she wants it that badly, let her have it.”

Kelly scoffed. “She wants it, but can only afford to climb in hundred–dollar steps? Pathetic.”

Renata’s smug smile faltered for a split second, but she quickly recovered with a fake laugh. “Kelly, aren’t you going to introduce me to your companion? She’s sitting in quite the seat–surely not just anyone gets to sit there.”

Kelly gave a cold hum. “Didn’t Brody tell you? This is Valerie.”

“Valerie?” Renata gasped, covering her mouth theatrically. “You mean Aiden’s wife? Since when is Aiden married? I had no idea!”

Kelly turned around with a dazzling smile and said sweetly, “Well, that’s not too surprising, is it? You’ve always been rather oblivious to the world. I bet you don’t even know how many kids your own brother has.”

A few people in the crowd stifled laughter. Brody’s expression darkened slightly, though he forced a smile. “Kelly, you’ve gotten cheeky. Why are you adding fuel to those ridiculous rumors?”

Kelly crossed her arms with a snort. “Oh please. Blame your sister for playing dumb. Aiden and Valerie were promised to each other as kids–everyone knows that. Outsiders might not, but people in the family sure should.”

“Wait, a childhood engagement? So she’s the Clark family’s granddaughter?” someone in the crowd asked.

“She’s stunning! I remember hearing Axel had a granddaughter betrothed to Aiden since birth.”

“No wonder Aiden’s never entertained other women. He already had a better one waiting for him.”

Valerie smiled demurely, perfectly composed. “Hello, everyone. I’m Valerie.”

From not far off, a voice called, “So poised. A perfect match for Aiden.”

Valerie recognized the voice–it was Tinley.

Her words struck a chord, and several people around them began nodding and praising her in agreement.

Renata’s heart sank slightly, just as the auctioneer announced that the item had been won–by Renata.

Next came the fifth item. The opening bid started at 27 thousand and quickly climbed to 83 thousand.

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Chapter 34

>This time, Kelly stayed silent Valerie stepped in “90 thousand dollars-

The auctioneer beamed, 90 thousand dollars from Mrs. Walker. Do I hear higher?”

Renata finally chimed in, “90 thousand dollars… plus 100.”

This time, the crowd stirred more audibly. “Seriously? Again with the hundred–dollar bumps?”

“She’s doing it on purpose.”

“Clearly targeting Mrs. Walker and Miss Kelly. She wasn’t bidding against anyone

else.”

Kelly’s patience snapped. She turned, voice raised. “120 thousand dollars!”

Renata seemed completely unbothered, even pleased, as she gazed at Kelly. “120 thousand dollars… plus 100.”

“125 thousand.”

“125 thousand… plus 100.”

Kelly threw a glare at the auctioneer. “Can she do that? Just add a hundred each time?”

The auctioneer looked a bit embarrassed. “Well… technically, there’s no rule against it.”

“I’ll… Leave it,” Valerie cut in gently, holding Kelly back. “If she wants it, let her have it.”

Renata blinked, clearly caught off guard. Valerie’s backing down? So timid?