I Hope You Will Reject Me

That struck a nerve. Miranda knew all too well how strict her uncle and aunt were. If they found out their son had blown the equivalent of an entire project’s budget- eighty million on a necklace just to impress a girl, they’d be livid.

Her fists clenched. “Don’t call home. I’ll cover the difference.”

Allen gave her a slow, easy smile. “Thanks, Miranda.”

Miranda was frustrated. She doubted he’d repay her.

All she could do now was pray that Allen’s meeting with Chelsea would go well, and that there’d be no surprises, no stumbles. If the two really got together, maybe all this wouldn’t feel like such a waste.

The first auction item had gone for a staggering eighty million, setting a high bar from the outset. As the event continued, items worth tens of millions no longer raised eyebrows-they had been completely overshadowed.