Madam Wants To Divorce Her Second Husband
Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Chapter 96

’Seven million dollars means I have to sell one of my properties...’ Sebastian began to do a quick count on the cost-to-benefit ratio, and he found no benefit in paying so much for that jewelry. ’Maybe I can use this as a tax write-off for Goldmine Realty or even myself. Wait, I already paid my tax, and the company’s tax has been handled too. Arghh!’

Sebastian was frustrated because he had to consider the cost over something that would make Winter happy. It made him realize how stupidly poor he was right now.

"Last chance, five million dollars!" The auctioneer was about to seal the bid and Sebastian knew he had no time left.

’Fuck it. I’ll think about the cost later. I have to take it as long as it makes Winter happy!’ Sebastian braced himself as he lifted his bidder number, "Seven million."

"Seven million dollars! Do we have another bidder?"

"Are you sure you have seven million dollars in your bank account?" Lucien chuckled. "I’m worried."

"Worry for yourself, Sir," Sebastian said. "I have more than enough for that ruby."

Winter was shocked to hear that number. She knew that Sebastian had some money in him, but seven million dollars for a necklace was just ridiculous!

"Sebastian, don’t—"

"Eight million," Lucien said casually as he lifted his number.

"Nine million," Sebastian bid higher.

"Ten million." Lucien didn’t want to lose the chance to make Winter happy. Besides, ten million dollars was pocket change for a mega-wealthy hotelier like him.

However the same couldn’t be said for Sebastian. If he bid eleven million dollars, that would force him to sell two of his properties. It was a huge loss for him, especially when what he got was a ruby.

For a businessman who always seeks out more profit, this was a waste.

But he was reminded of Winter’s smile and he felt that he could just throw all of his money away if that meant Winter would be happy.

’Fuck it. Eleven million. Twelve million. I don’t give a damn anymore!’

Filled with his youthful vigor to make his beloved happy, he was about to lift his bidder number when Winter grabbed his wrist, stopping him from doing so.

Sebastian looked at his wife, and Winter shook her head.

"Don’t, Sebastian. It’s too much."

"But you like that necklace. So I must get it for you no matter what!" Sebastian insisted. "Don’t worry about me, I have more than enough to—"

"I don’t want it anymore," Winter said. "I don’t want you to throw everything for a necklace. It’s not worth it."

"Oh? Are you sure you don’t want it anymore?" Lucien asked as he overheard what Winter said. "You don’t need to lie to make your husband feel better."

Sebastian gritted his teeth. He wanted to lift his bidder number again before the auction was sealed, but Winter tightened her grip on his wrist.

She shook her head again, this time with a warning gaze.

In the end, Sebastian could only stay still, getting frustrated when the bidder closed the deal.

"Sold to number 23, Mr. Lucien LeBlanc!"

Sebastian had never felt so humiliated in life.

As a young man, to have his wife’s approval was all he wanted.

He knew that Winter was older, more experienced, and had been with a much richer man. Sebastian had his insecurity because of that, and he thought this would be a small step to make her see how much of a reliable man he was.

But Lucien destroyed it.

’No, if it’s not for him. Someone else would’ve taken his position. Winter is a beautiful, mature lady. She doesn’t need to do much to get the affection of many rich men.’ Sebastian thought. ’I only have myself to blame, because I’m not rich enough. I should’ve worked harder so I will reach that pinnacle of life faster. I should’ve achieved it in a year instead of two.’

Sebastian was filled with self-blame as he had to admit defeat to Lucien LeBlanc. Meanwhile, Winter had a completely different train of thought.

’He looks genuinely heartbroken... over a necklace? Does he really want to see me happy with that thing?’ Winter pondered.

Again, this man showed the quality that Aiden had.

Aiden would also do far and beyond just to make her happy, and now he saw Aiden in Sebastian again.

’I don’t get it. Why does he need to do so much just for me? Does that mean this version of Sebastian loves me?’ Winter asked herself.

She couldn’t get a clear answer because she was afraid that assumption was true.

She had always believed Sebastian would hate her. It didn’t matter whether it was this Sebastian, or that Sebastian who destroyed her life.

It was logical for Sebastian to hate or feel indifferent towards her. She was just a widow who inherited millions of dollars after her husband’s death. The only reason he would willingly marry her was to get all of that money.

’So, why is this Sebastian different?’ Winter pondered.

Winter was in a trance. The more she stared at Sebastian, the more she realized how hurt he was over all of this.

Thus, she slowly released her grip on his wrist and then patted his arm.

Sebastian darted his eyes at his wife and saw Winter smiling at her, "You did well, Sebastian. Thank you for trying."

Sebastian was dazed seeing her smile, "W-why are you smiling? I lost the bid..."

"You don’t need that ruby to make me smile. So, stop beating yourself over it," Winter said. "See? I’m happy that you tried your best."

Sebastian felt that his heart had been showered with a gentle and warm glow from Winter’s smile. He was happy but also felt empty at the same time.

He should’ve done more, so his wife wouldn’t need to comfort him over his failure. It was his duty to give her everything she wanted, as a way to compensate for his mistake in the past.