Divorcing My Husband Over His Stepsister's Secret novel Chapter 350

Chapter 350

Anna’s POW

I waited at Senside Manor until the agreed meeting time with Emily before heading out, Blake was

nowhere to be found.

After saying goodbye to Nora and Oliver, 1 drove to EcoMarine Group to pick up Emily, then headed to the auction venue Claire had provided.

The drive gave me time to think. Claire’s blackmail was a ticking bomb, and I needed to défuse it carefully.

Outside the auction hall, I was surprised to see Ethan handling the reception. His professional smile faltered when he spotted Emily beside me.

Emily straightened her posture and greeted him coolly. “Long time no see, Mr. Hamilton.”

Ethan frowned, quickly grabbing ho

demanded in a low, angry voice.

wrist and pulling her to a corner. “What are you doing here?” he

I followed them, concerned about Emily. Their heated exchange grew more intense with each word.

“You said you never wanted to see me again,” Ethan hissed. “So why are you suddenly appearing in

front of me?”

Emily laughed coldly. “This is a public auction. I’m here with my friend. It has nothing to do with

you.”

The sharp crack of a slap echoed through the foyer. Emily’s hand had connected with Ethan’s cheek,

leaving an angry red mark.

She shook her hand casually. “That’s for disappearing without a word.” With that, she strutted into

the auction room, head held high.

Inside, I noticed this auction had drawn quite a crowd. My eyes caught Melissa among the attendees.

What was she doing here?

As people gathered, I emerged from my corner and moved toward the main area. At the same moment, someone pushing a wheelchair appeared. My breath caught in my throat.

Claire sat in the wheelchair, a triumphant smile playing on her lips. “Anna, you’re not as detached as you claim. Your presence today proves you’re scared.”

I maintained a casual smile, though my hands clenched at my sides. “Scared of what?”

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Claire leaned forward in her wheelchair, eyes glittering with maller. Just bid $40 millon property, and I promise I won’t release your photos.

$40 million? I couldn’t hide my disbelief. The amount was ridiculous.

Claire’s expression hardened. “Anna, you’ve been with Blakey for years. Don’t pretend you can’t afford it! I won’t believe your poverty act for a second.”

I smirked, finding strength in her desperation. “Rushing to buy cemetery plots for you and Frank, are you?”

I walked to my assigned seat, discovering Melissa sitting right next to me. She sat straight, professionally composed as always.

“Ms. Anderson,” she nodded politely, “I didn’t expect to see you here.”

After sitting down, I turned to her. “Melissa, are you interested in this property too?”

She maintained perfect posture, smiling confidently. “I’m sorry, Ms. Anderson, but I’m determined to acquire this property.”

My face fell instantly. This complicated my already messy situation.

Noticing my expression change, Melissa added, “Ms. Anderson, this property is important to me too.

Our partner company needs it, and with year–end approaching, I need to show results.”

Emily sat down beside me, giving Melissa a cold smile. “Aren’t you afraid Anna will call Blake?”

Melissa’s expression didn’t waver. “I’ll follow whatever Mr. Wright decides.”

I sighed, not wanting to drag Blake into this mess.

I turned my attention forward as Frank appeared, pushed in a wheelchair. He looked physically diminished, but his eyes were cold and dangerous when they locked onto mine. A disturbing smile -spread across his pale face.

Emily noticed my tension and squeezed my hand.

I sat rigidly as Frank began his welcome speech: “Distinguished guests, welcome to today’s auction…” His voice carried an unsettling excitement that made my skin crawl.

The auction began with several smaller properties to warm up the crowd. Before the main event, Melissa leaned toward me. “Ms. Anderson, did you call Mr. Wright about this?”

I shook my head, keeping my expression neutral.

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A small smile tugged at her lips. “In that case, may the best bidder win.”

“Fine,” I replied calmly,

Ethan took the stage, the red handprint still visible on his cheek. He introduced the main property: “Next is the highlight of today’s auction, a prime location…” The starting bid was 3500,000.

Multiple bidders pushed the price to $2 million before the crowd thinned. The atmosphere grew tepid, with whispers spreading throughout the room.

Emily raised my paddle, her voice clear: “$2.1 million.”

Melissa calmly raised her paddle: “$2.11 million.” This minimal increase caused a stir. Ethan raised an eyebrow mockingly: “Is the lady trying to save money?”

Melissa remained unfazed. “If there wasn’t a minimum increment requirement, I’d have added just

ten cents,” she replied coolly, eliciting laughter from the crowd.

The atmosphere lightened, and several business owners joined the bidding, pushing the price to $2.6

million.

After Melissa bid $2.61 million, she made a gesture indicating she would top any bid by exactly one thousand dollars. The room erupted in murmurs again.