The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress novel Chapter 223

Several guests just couldn’t help themselves—they grumbled about Elbert, if only to themselves.

“Elbert must be kicking himself now. That miracle medicine was practically handed to him, and now he couldn’t buy it back if he begged.”

“If I missed out on a fortune like that, I’d be crying my eyes out.”

“He always seemed so shrewd. Who’d have thought he’d be such a fool, tossing away a priceless treasure like that?”

...

Tonight, everyone had their sights set on the pill in Citrine’s hands. The last thing anyone wanted was another bidder thrown into the mix—especially not Elbert.

Competition was already fierce enough. No one wanted to see their odds shrink for no reason at all.

Someone, worried that Citrine might go soft, piped up, “Ms. Carmichael, Elbert turned down your offer before. Please, don’t let him join the bidding now.”

“That’s right, Ms. Carmichael, don’t let your heart get the better of you,” another chimed in.

...

The chorus of anxious voices made Citrine’s head spin. With a sigh, she looked at the crowd, held up four fingers, and promised, “I won’t let Elbert participate in the auction. You have my word. Now, let’s get back to it.”

At her assurance, the guests finally relaxed. The bidding erupted with renewed enthusiasm.

Elbert watched, barely able to stand. If not for his grandson and granddaughter at his side, he might have collapsed right there.

It stung to realize that the priceless Vitaflux pill—now the star of a cutthroat auction—had originally been meant as a birthday gift for him, from that girl. The ache in his chest only grew sharper.

He could only watch as the miracle medicine slipped through his fingers.

His eyes turned red.