The gavel was halfway to the podium when desperation overcame strategy. I couldn't let the Celestial Purple Vine branch slip away, not when it was the key ingredient I needed for breakthrough cultivation.
"Fifty thousand," I called out, trying to keep my voice casual.
Noah's hand shot up instantly. "One hundred thousand."
My heart sank. Just as I'd feared, he was going to make this a personal vendetta. The crowd stirred with renewed interest, probably wondering why two wealthy bidders were suddenly fighting over what looked like dried firewood.
"One hundred fifty thousand," I countered.
"Three hundred thousand," Noah declared with a smug grin.
I could feel sweat beading on my forehead. At this rate, he'd drive the price beyond reason just to spite me. The branch was priceless, but I didn't have unlimited funds, and explaining to Chloe why I needed millions for a dead stick would be impossible.
"Five hundred thousand," I said through gritted teeth.
