Chapter 407 I'll Make You Change Your Mind
Scarlett's POV:
The bidding war for the land on the east bank was more intense than I had anticipated.
Soon, the price of the land climbed to one billion and two hundred million dollars. It was getting closer and closer to my target price.
Buying this land was harder than I had imagined.
I observed the crowd. Because the bid was exorbitant, only a few big shots remained.
A few moments later, the bid went up to one billion and three hundred million dollars. With the price this high, everyone conceded, except Charles, Adam, and me.
With the paddle in his hand, Simon moved closer and whispered in my ear, "Caroline, what should we do now? The price is rising too fast." "There's nothing to be worried about. Just continue raising the paddle. I have a plan."
I had anticipated this. As long as the price of the land was no more than two billion dollars, I would surely manage it.
A few minutes later, the price reached one billion and six hundred million dollars.
Adam had no choice but to put down his paddle and admit defeat. Sadly for him, he could only glare at me across the audience. He looked as though he was going to eat me alive. How pathetic. Now, I only had one competitor left-Charles.
His bidding price was close to mine. At this moment, the price had risen to one billion and eight hundred million dollars. Nevertheless, Charles was still unwilling to give up. I must admit, I was starting to get
nervous.
Two billion was my limit. Truthfully speaking, I would have already gotten what I wanted if it were not for Charles.
Now, I was left with no choice but to use my trump card.
"Simon, give me the paddle."
Simon was taken aback, but he still did what I had asked.
"One billion and eight hundred and ten million," I confidently said.
As soon as I said these words, I turned around and smiled sweetly at Charles.
Charles's POV:
Unexpectedly, Scarlett smiled at me. Her bright smile made my heart flutter.
Countless women had smiled at me in my entire life, but none of them could make me go weak like Scarlett. In my eyes, all the good things in the world were nothing compared to her smile. Even though I had the means to top her bid, I glanced at Richard and shook my head.
"Let it go."
I admitted defeat.
What Scarlett had done had me smitten. Honestly speaking, she could conquer the world with that charming smile of hers.
"One billion and eight hundred and ten million dollars. Going once... going twice... Sold! Everyone, let's give the Wilson Group a round of applause! Congratulations!"
The host banged on the gavel and congratulated the Wilson Group for winning the bid on the land on the east bank.
The crowd burst into an uproar as soon as the host finished speaking.
"Oh my God! The woman who won the bid is the daughter of the Wilson family, right?" an audience asked in disbelief.
"Wow. The Wilson Group is rolling in money," another remarked.Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.
Under everyone's gazes, Scarlett and Simon stood up, arm in arm.
"Look. Who's the man standing next to Miss Wilson?"
"I think he's the heir of the Felix family-Simon Felix."
"The Wilson and the Felix family have been friends for generations. They're a perfect match. It looks like they'll soon unite the two of the most powerful companies in the business world." Having a good hearing was both a blessing and a curse. I could not help but stare at Scarlett and the man next to her as the audience's whispers came to my ears.
I wished I could rush toward them, separate them, and hold Scarlett in my arms. Then, while she was in my tight embrace, I would announce to the whole world that she belonged to me.
Jealousy and rage were clouding my mind. Just as I was about to stand up, Richard stopped me. "Calm down, Mr. Moore." He opened his mouth to say something more but stopped on second thought. Did he just ask me to calm down? How the fuck could I do that?
I stared daggers at Richard and ordered through gritted teeth, "Let go of me."
"Mr. Moore, if you do anything reckless, you'll only make the situation worse. Why don't you talk to Mrs. Moore in private after the auction?" Richard advised.
It was only then that I calmed down. Richard was right. Scarlett was now 'Caroline Wilson' and the daughter of the Wilson family. Caroline had nothing to do with me.
If I stormed over to her, it would only complicate things. Besides, not only would my action be written in the headlines, but it would also do no good in improving my relationship with Scarlett.
It took all my willpower to restrain my urge to fight. Once I was sensible enough, I left the hall and waited by the door.
Scarlett and Simon did not come out until most of the guests had left.
Without wasting any second, I strode toward Scarlett and blocked her way. "Caroline, we need to talk," I said in a hoarse voice.
"Mr. Moore, I don't think we have anything to talk about," Scarlett replied stiffly.
"Caroline, do you really want to push me like this?"
My voice sounded calm, yet I was struggling to hide my overwhelming jealousy.
Scarlett stared at me with narrowed eyes, but I remained unmoved.
Simon, who was standing next to Scarlett, lowered his head and said to her in an understanding tone, "Caroline, it seems that Mr. Moore has something important to say. I'll wait for you in the car, okay?"
I must say, I commended this man's reason.
Once Simon was gone, Scarlett looked at me expressionlessly and snapped, "What do you want?"
An overwhelming feeling of grievance surged up in my heart.
"Why... why did you smile at me? Was it only because you wanted me to concede so you could get the land on the east bank?" I solemnly asked, dying to know the answer.
"Yes," Scarlett answered without hesitation. "But you weren't playing fair either. Did you honestly think I wouldn't see it? You colluded with several companies to siege Adam. I thought we both agreed to have a fair competition.
It turned out that she knew everything.
"So what? The business world is full of deception. Who do you think I did that for? It's for you."
I unconsciously reached out my hands to hold her, but she dodged me.
"Charles, have you gone crazy?!"
"Miss Wilson, Charles, what are you doing here?" All of a sudden, Gary's voice came from not far away.
I turned in his direction and saw that he and the members of the Hill family were walking toward us.
Shit. Why did this old bastard always
appear out of nowhere and ruin my
moment with Scarlett? Meanwhile, a sarcastic smile tugged at Scarlett's lips. "Mr. Moore, since your future father-in-law is here, I'd better leave I shouldn't hold you up from spending time with your fiancee's family." Of course, I would not let her leave easily. I grabbed her hand and asked with my teeth clenched, "How many times do I have to tell you that I have nothing to do with the Hill family? We only cooperated on several projects, and all of them ended today. I promise you, from this day onward, the Moore Group will no longer cooperate with them. Do you believe me now?"
I found it very difficult to prove my innocence. And for some reason, Scarlett never believed that she was the only woman I had loved.
Upon hearing what I had said, Scarlett fell stunned. But then, she regained her composure almost immediately.
"You're the one who decides whom you want to cooperate with and be with. Not me. Now, let go of me. I have to go."
Scarlett's gaze was icy cold as if she was not moved by my words. I loosened my grip in frustration. I could only sigh as I watched her walk away from me.
What a heartless woman! She ignored my feelings and just discarded me after using me.
Just before she disappeared around the corner, I could not help but utter what I had been wanting to do for the longest time.
"Caroline, stay away from that man. Even if you don't want to forgive me now, I'll make you change your mind."
Scarlett stopped in her tracks.
As the saying went, "Where there is a will, there is a way." I would never let go of the woman I loved. Not now, not ever.