All too late for his love

100 million dollars... It was a new ew record. As soon as Zayn said that, the entire auction hall immediately focused on him.

The old man up front was clearly upset that the beauty he almost had was taken by someone else. However, when he saw Zayn's strikingly handsome face, he sadly put his paddle back on the table.

While 100 million dollars was indeed a significant sum, it was within reach for some. But Zayn was not someone they could afford to offend.

As the new CEO of Carter Group, backed by several elite families including the Carters, Griffins, Jaggers, and Dawsons, Zayn had the power to acquire anything he desired.

His influence extended beyond Havenpoint to all of Marley. Who would dare to compete with him?

"Why are you doing this, Zayn?" Thane took quite a while to calm down after being shocked by Zayn's bid.

"A gentleman doesn't steal another man's girl. Venus caught my eye first. You can't compete with me for her. Zayn, if you consider me a friend, you'll back off. Don't compete with me for my Venus."

Zayn turned away coldly. His gaze was so calm that it was suffocating. Smirking, he said in an extremely icy tone, "Thane, If you want to fight me, I'm up for it."

Thane, who had originally wanted to just vent his grievances, immediately fell silent. He knew that when Zayn got into a fight, he was exceedingly brutal. He didn't want to end up so badly beaten that he couldn't take care of himself for the rest of his life.

But Thane's fear of Zayn's overpowering violence was tempered by his affection for Willow, which bolstered his courage. Clinging to a last glimmer of hope, he nervously asked Zayn, "Zayn, are you bidding Venus to give her to me?"

Zayn smiled, but the absence of warmth in his eyes rendered the smile chilling, leaving Thane feeling threatened. "Dream on."

Thane pursed his lips. He had ultimately missed out on his Venus.

"100 million dollars, going once!"

"100 million dollars, going twice!"

"100 million dollars, going thrice!"

"Sald"

Even as the auctioneer's gavel fell, Willow remained in her daze. She had never imagined that Zayn would participate in the bidding. Even more out of her expectations was that he would be the one to ultimately win her.

Willow bit her lip tightly. Only when the taste of blood spread in her mouth did she snap out of her daze.

She wouldn't delude herself into thinking that he bid for her because he had feelings for her. If he truly did, he wouldn't have refused when she asked him for money to save Aaron. Nor would he let Skyler stay at Lakecoast Villa and sleep with her.

He had bid on her only to trample her dignity underfoot. Willow didn't want to think of herself as merchandise being sold to Zayn. But in this situation, she had no other choice.

Upon careful consideration, it didn't really matter. In his eyes, she was

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already deemed a skameless woman who would do anything for money. What difference would one more act of shamelessness make?

As Willow was lost in her thoughts, she was pushed forward by the manager and found herself standing before Zayn.

The manager's eyes were fiThis text is property of Nô/velD/rama.Org.

filled with obvious envy as she looked at Willow. When she looked at Zayn, there was an indescribable om reverence. Thank you, Mr. Carter. Ms. Sanford's first dance is yours now.

After saying this, the manager gave Willow a wink and quickly stepped aside. Willow took a deep breath and Willow followed the manager's instructions, stepping forward and taking the initiative to hold Zayn's hand.