The Wife You Buried Is Back from Hell novel Chapter 144

Danielle turned her head toward the sound.

Millie had appeared from somewhere in the crowd, her gaze fixed on the same ceramic vase.

Alexander glanced at her with a half-smile. "Since when are you into things like this?"

Millie shrugged lightly, lips curling in amusement. "Life's always a thrill. Sometimes, it's nice to enjoy something a bit more refined."

Just then, Liam strolled over, eyes widening as he took in the vase.

It really was beautiful—plain in color, yet every detail was exquisite.

"Good eye," Liam said approvingly. "This sort of piece would look classy on display at home."

Danielle spoke up, her voice cool and steady. "I'm sorry, but I called dibs on this vase."

After all, it had belonged to her grandmother. She wanted to keep it.

And her mother and uncle both missed her grandmother dearly. If her uncle saw one of her grandmother's original works, it might help his spirits.

Her mother had told her that her uncle's health began to decline after their mother's passing.

"This vase—I want it," Danielle said firmly.

Millie's attitude toward Danielle was different from before—measured, detached.

She looked at Danielle with mild indifference. "My mother's company just finished a major project. I'd like to buy this as a gift for her."

Raffy tugged on Millie's hand. "Mom, don't worry about it. You don't have to explain to her. She can't outbid you anyway—she doesn't have the money. And if you want this, Dad likes you so much, he'll buy it for you."

Liam let out a booming laugh and ruffled Raffy's hair. "You're good with words, kid. Keep it up."

Danielle's presence at the exhibit was a mystery; no one knew how she'd even gotten a ticket. Probably some underhanded trick again.

"Miss Crawford, they're a happy couple. Alex is buying this to make Millie happy—why spoil their moment?" Niki called out with a sly arch of her brow.

She added under her breath, "So rude…"

"You—!" Danielle started, but Liam cut her off, face darkening.

He shot Danielle a cold look. "Is this how you teach your daughter to speak? Turning a good kid into this?"

Danielle met his gaze squarely. "My daughter's upbringing is none of your business. But you—do you always cover up your own lack of class by putting others down?"

Danielle's head snapped toward him.

Alexander looked at Keegan. "Contact President Clarke. Any price is negotiable."

Danielle's grip on her purse tightened, her expression darkening.

He was ready to buy the vase for Millie, willing to pay whatever it took to make her happy.

He knew perfectly well Danielle had asked for it first.

Yet he stepped in to secure it for Millie without a second thought.

If Millie were buying it on her own, Danielle still might have stood a chance. But with Alexander's backing, it was clear: he meant to help Millie win, no matter the cost.

How could she possibly outbid Alexander? It was turning into a private auction she had no hope of winning.

Keegan said, "When the curator approached me, I called my father. If the price is right, we'll sell. But honestly, pieces like this aren't exactly rare."

It wasn't some ancient relic—just a finely crafted work of art.

"But this one was made by Matilda Garrison, a renowned master artisan. Since Ms. Garrison passed away three or four years ago, her pieces have become highly collectible."