Two Chances,One Bullet: How His "Next Life" Promise Failed Novel

Chapter 3 The room erupted in shock . " Sir , are you saying … " the auctioneer asked incredulously . The man explained , " I'm Mr. Reed's executive assistant . Mr. Reed has instructed that any item Miss Mia Reeves shows interest in today will be purchased at any price - sky's the limit . " The auction house instantly buzzed with excited whispers . " Mr. Reed ? The sole heir to the North Shore empire ? " " Isn't he famous for avoiding romantic entanglements ?

Why would he be throwing unlimited money at Miss Mia Reeves ? " " Looks like Miss Mia is about to make quite the social climb … " The murmurs ebbed and flowed throughout the room . Mia's expression transformed from shock to delight , finally settling into poorly concealed triumph . " Is Mr. Reed here ? May I thank him personally ? " Mia asked , blushing . The assistant respectfully replied , " Mr. Reed cannot reveal himself at the moment . When the time is right , he will meet with you .

" Only then did Mia turn back to Ariana , her eyes gleaming with victory . " Are you still bidding , Ari ? " A second later , she added with fake innocence , " Oh , I almost forgot - Mr . Reed is backing my bids now , and I'm afraid you might go bankrupt if you continue . After all , who in this city has deeper pockets than Dominic Reed ? " Ariana's expression darkened . She shot a glance at Dominic, only to find him gazing adoringly at Mia , his eyes filled with tenderness .

The auction that followed played out like a romantic comedy . Any item Mia so much as glanced at , the assistant immediately announced " sky's the limit . " The ruby necklace , the rare Tiffany sterling silver tea service from the Belle Époque era , and even that Monet water lily masterpiece with a starting bid of 80 million - all fell into Mia's possession . Ariana abruptly stood up , unable to contain her frustration any longer . " Your Mr. Reed doesn't leave anything for anyone else ?

" The assistant glanced cautiously at Dominic , who gave an almost imperceptible nod . " Apologies , Miss Reeves , " the assistant replied coldly . " These are all gifts from Mr. Reed to Miss Mia . His only concern is her happiness today . The feelings of others are … irrelevant to him . " 12.75 Two Chances One Bullet : How His " Next Life " Promise Failed 11.6 % Chapter 3 Ariana laughed , her nails digging deeper into her palm .

She looked at Dominic , but his gaze remained fixed on Min , who was basking in her newfound adoration . Dominic Reed , you've really outdone yourself . You truly have ! When the auction ended , Mia was surrounded by society women , all fawning over her like she was the center of the universe . Ariana couldn't stomach the hypocritical scene and quickly left the hall . Once in the car , she told the driver , " Take me to Midnight Lounge . " She needed alcohol to numb herself .

Before the car door closed , Mia squeezed in beside her . " Ari , are you going to the lounge ? I've been so bored lately - take me with you ! " Ariana was about to kick her out when Dominic smoothly blocked the door and instructed the driver , " Drive . " Throughout the journey , Mia excitedly discussed the auction . " Dom , why do you think Mr. Reed would be so generous to me ? We've never even met ! " Dominic's voice was unbelievably gentle : " Because he's in love with you .

" Mia's eyes widened instantly , her cheeks flushing . " Dom , don't tease me ! " " Men understand other men , " he said , his gaze intense as he looked at Mia . " Money follows the heart . Besides … " " Miss Mia is exceptional . It's no wonder he's fallen for you . " " Does that mean … you like me too , Dom ? " Mia suddenly asked . Dominic froze , about to respond when Ariana coldly interrupted : " If you two want to flirt , get out of my car ! " Mia immediately teared up .

" I'm sorry , Ari . I didn't mean to upset you . I'll be quiet now . " Ariana ignored her and turned to look out the window . Through the reflection , she clearly saw the look Dominic gave Mia - full of tenderness and concern - while his gaze toward herself was only cold with contempt . She smiled bitterly to herself . Apparently all men only fall for that fake sweetness act !