Jasper felt his knees go weak and instinctively took a small step back.


    That look. He already knew what wasing for him.


    Miranda noticed Jasper''s subtle reaction too. Was this the look of someone caught cheating by their spouse?


    Miranda nced over in the direction Jasper was looking but only caught the fleeting shadow of someone disappearing into the crowd, leaving her with nothing to identify. Yet, that shadow seemed oddly familiar. Jasper cleared his throat. "Hey Miranda, if anyone askster, just say you wanted toe here initiatively, okay?"


    Miranda was curious. Was Jasper afraid of someone? Could it be that he scared of his mother checking up on him?


    Just then, the auction kicked off. One by one, items were brought up for bidding, and the guests eagerly threw in their bids.


    The bidding was fierce, far edgier than any formal auction, boiled down to the essence: highest bidder wins.


    Jasper couldn''t help but remark, "This is so much more exciting than those charity auctions. You never know, some of these folks might seem ordinary but could be here bidding on behalf of some big shot. I hear they even hire experts just to find treasures for them, and themission alone is pretty hefty." Jasper was well-acquainted with high society; for him to be this impressed, these behind-the-scenes yers had to be quite formidable.


    Miranda nced sideways. "What about that guy?"


    Jasper followed Miranda''s gaze, his expression stiffening slightly, his eyes darkening as he subtly pulled Miranda aside.


    A man in a ck suit was strolling past them. The cut and simplicity of his suit only served to entuate his air of wealth and power, but there was a dark, dangerous edge to it that sent chills down one''s spine. With a subdued voice, Jasper whispered his reply in Miranda''s ear. "His bodyguards behind look like they''ve seen some action. This man mustn''t be from this country. I don''t recognize him, but he seems to have a big reputation."


    Jasper was familiar with most of the big names around, so if this big shot was unfamiliar, he was likely from abroad. Plus, the man''s mixed heritage and the diversity of his entourage suggested he was indeed a foreign figure.


    Miranda nced at the man, and then looked away withoutment. The man, however, let his gaze briefly rest on Miranda before turning back to the auction.


    But even that brief nce felt like a de grazing her neck. Miranda furrowed her brows slightly. Why was this man interested in her?


    Just then, the item she had her eyes on came up for auction. Miranda stepped forward slightly.


    The stone looked nondescript, its rough exterior concealing a faint green glow. The crowd seemed uninterested; it didn''t seem like anything special.


    After all, not every auction item turned out to be a treasure, and it was up to the buyers to discern the valuable from the mundane. Most buyers preferred bidding on items whose value was apparent at first nce.


    Though interest was sparse, a few bidders were in the mix. As Miranda prepared to bid, the man beside her beat her to it.


    "Two million," his associate announced the bid.


    After his bid, the other participants quickly backed down.


    Miranda countered, "Two and a half million."


    Her voice nearly startled Jasper. The man cast a calm nce at Miranda.


    His associate said, "Three million."


    Miranda responded, "Three and a half million."


    Jasper was bbergasted. Where was Miranda getting all this money? "Four million."


    Miranda countered again, "Four and a half million."


    Jasper tugged at Miranda''s sleeve whispering, "I don''t have that


    me." Contervene


    istories


    "Five million."


    With the man''s nod, his associate continued to up the stakes.


    Miranda calmly said, "That thing won''t help with your condition."


    The man''s eyes narrowed, his presence suddenly sharp and menacing.


    "Why rush? You won''t seed in killing me," Miranda replied with a serene boldness. Jasper was at a loss for words. "Oh my God," he whined to himself. What on earth was Miranda doing? What was she even talking about? He could feel the hostility directed at Miranda, a palpable threat.


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    bet locals. If they really


    Miranda''s daring act was backed by confidence. Moreover, showing a bit of bravado ensured she wouldn''t be underestimated and be intimidating instead.


    The man had already shown his hostility. She was just reciprocating in kind.