Game of Love and Deception: The Billionaire's Ex Wife
Chapter 55: Barbie and Ken from the gutter

Chapter 55: Barbie and Ken from the gutter

The moderator, a man who looked to be in his late forties, let his voice echo through the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to this year’s Fowler’s auction event. Without wasting time, let’s begin with our first item on the lot."

Ashley adjusted in her seat, excitement buzzing through her. It was her first time attending an auction ceremony, though she’d watched plenty on TV.

The moderator stepped back and gestured at a large projector screen that lit up behind him. "This exquisite rosewood chair, crafted in the 19th century, is a true masterpiece. Bidding starts at $30,000."

A picture of the chair appeared. Ashley watched with interest as the bidding began.

"Fifty thousand," a voice called from the back.

A middle-aged man with a stern expression raised his paddle with the number two boldly written. "Seventy thousand."

The man sitting beside Lorenzo, holding paddle number five, smiled confidently and raised it. "One hundred and twenty thousand."

A few gasps echoed from the crowd.

Ashley blinked. Woah. Didn’t expect that.

Number two countered, "One hundred and fifty thousand."

Number five didn’t flinch. "One seventy."

It became a fierce back-and-forth between five and two as the first man from the back had gone silent.

"Two fifty," number two called.

Ashley smiled, enjoying the show.

"Five hundred thousand," number five doubled without hesitation.

Lorenzo leaned back in his chair, and Ashley found herself doing the same, relaxing into the seat. The room hushed as everyone waited for number two’s next move.

"One million," the man finally said, his voice steady.

Neither of them seemed like they were going to back down.

"Three million," number five responded smoothly, clearly enjoying the challenge.

Number two hesitated, then shook his head. He was done.

"Sold! To number five for three. million. dollars!" the moderator boomed.

Lorenzo turned to Ashley with a subtle smile. "Looks like our neighbor has quite an expensive taste."

Ashley smiled back, intrigued by the drama. "Indeed."

The next item appeared on the screen—Marie Antoinette’s pearl necklace, starting at one million dollars.

A small necklace for a million? Ashley shook her head. The rich really knew how to waste money. Though she had to admit, the necklace was stunning. The pearls glimmered under the lights, breathtakingly beautiful. Still, she wouldn’t waste that much money on it—even if it was blessed by angels.

She braced herself, excited to watch the bidding unfold again. She was also waiting for a specific painting that she wanted to buy for her grandpa to surprise him when he returned home.

She noticed Kayla lean in to whisper something to Christian, her eyes flicking toward her and Lorenzo. Let them gossip, Ashley thought with a scoff, turning her attention back to the stage.

"Two million," Kayla suddenly called, raising her paddle. Ashley hadn’t expected that.

She rolled her eyes.

Then Lorenzo’s deep voice sliced through the air. "Three million."

Ashley turned to him, surprised. What’s he doing? But she kept her thoughts to herself. Maybe it was for his mother. Or a sister.

Kayla didn’t hold back. "Five point five million."

Ashley rolled her eyes again. So foolish.

Lorenzo looked completely unbothered. "Eleven million," he said with a bored expression.

Ashley sat up straighter. Her interest was definitely piqued now. She wanted to ask him what he was doing—but really, it wasn’t her business how he spent his money. Still, she couldn’t help but wonder what he actually did for a living to be so freaking rich. No, wealthy. She needed to ask after this event. Last thing she wanted was to get a knock from the FBI at 2 a.m. as the clueless girlfriend of a fraudster.

The room was silent. Kayla dropped her paddle and nudged Christian.

"Eleven million, going once..." the moderator stated.

Then Christian raised his paddle. "Eleven point five million."

Ashley sighed. Very foolish indeed.

Kayla turned toward her and Lorenzo with a smug, mocking smile. Ashley had heard that Christian’s restaurant chains were struggling, partly thanks to Kayla’s mismanagement. Yet here he was, throwing millions at a necklace. Either the rumor was false... or he was just as stupid as a duckling playing CEO—clueless, clumsy, and weirdly proud of it.

Lorenzo gave Ashley a side glance and winked. "Twenty million."

The air shifted instantly. Tension, surprise, even awe.

Ashley watched him. He was clearly showing off. Proving that neither Kayla nor Christian could compete. And even though she found it petty... she loved every second of it. As long as it made those two look like fools, she was here for it.

But she hated how her body reacted to everything Lorenzo did. She needed to get a grip—but then he smiled, dimples popping, and all her resolve melted into a pile of goo, like ice cream on a hot day. Her thoughts turned unholy, and her panties grew damp.

"You don’t have to hide your admiration, cookie," Lorenzo whispered, brushing a strand of hair from Ashley’s face. "I know I look pretty damn good. Sometimes I even admire myself in the mirror."

Ashley turned her gaze away quickly, flustered. "I was looking at him, not you," she lied, flicking her eyes to the guy after Lorenzo. He was good-looking, sure—but no match for the annoying man beside her.

Lorenzo leaned in closer, voice low and thick. "You look cute when you lie. And I love it."

His breath tickled her skin, and goosebumps danced along her arms. She glared, but Lorenzo held her stare, eyes intense and focused on her lips. For a moment, everything around them faded. It was just him, his dimples, and those pink lips. Ashley, you hate him. You hate him for hurting you. You can’t kiss him.

"Twenty million, going twice..." the moderator’s voice snapped her back to reality. She released a breath she didn’t know she was holding.

Clearing her throat, she pulled herself together, trying to calm the fire he ignited inside her. Her heart still thudded in her ears even as they both turned back to face the stage.

Silence stretched as everyone waited for Christian to counter.

"Sold to number six, Mr. Lorenzo Grey, for twenty million dollars!"

Kayla’s smile faded. Christian’s jaw clenched. The sight sent butterflies fluttering in Ashley’s stomach, and she barely held back a laugh.

Christian couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Lorenzo did to be able to spend that kind of money without batting an eye. Sure, everyone knew he owned a clubhouse with few branches around the country, but that couldn’t be all. He needed to dig deeper—and hopefully find something that would send Lorenzo back to prison, where criminals like him truly belonged.

Applause filled the hall.

Ashley glanced at Lorenzo, who now wore a sly smile. His eyes sparkled with mischief.

Kayla gave them an icy glare before Christian leaned in to say something, pulling her attention back.

Lorenzo leaned close to Ashley and whispered, "I hope you’re enjoying the evening, love." His eyes flicked to the seething pair in front of them.

Ashley laughed—a low, mocking sound.

The moderator moved on to the next item: the Flaming Fire Diamond Ring, starting at one million dollars. Ashley caught the mischievous glint in Lorenzo’s eyes as he crossed his legs.

Was he planning to bid again?

A man from the back raised the first offer. "Two million."

Ashley’s gaze shifted to Kayla and Christian, who were now suddenly in a muffled argument.

A moment later, Christian stood up, face red with anger. "Stop!"

Every head turned towards him.

"Where did you get that ring? That’s mine," he shouted, body trembling with silent rage.

The moderator looked stunned. "Pardon?"

"I said the ring is mine," Christian repeated, voice tight. "It belongs to my family, and I don’t remember selling it. Where did you get it?"

Murmurs quickly spread across the room. Ashley turned to Lorenzo, who now wore a smug grin.

She eyed him suspiciously. "Do you know what he’s talking about?"

Lorenzo lazily shifted his gaze. "I heard he once proposed to his sweetheart with that ring."

Ashley gasped.

Her eyes flew back to the screen, and that was when recognition hit her. It was the same ring Christian gave Kayla two years ago.

Memories came flooding back, dragging pain with them.

Lorenzo noticed her change in mood, his expression softening as he turned to her and took her hand. "Are you okay, sunshine?"

His touch sent a shiver through her. She had the sudden urge to rest her head on his shoulder, but she forced herself to stay composed.

"Yeah. I’m fine," she lied, offering a forced smile and gently pulling her hand away. "Just remembered something."

He didn’t look convinced, but didn’t press her. She appreciated that.

Still, one question nagged at her—how did that ring end up here? Did Kayla sell it to the house? In the end, she decided it wasn’t her business if they stick their heads in a flaming fire.

"I think this is a misunderstanding, Mr. Harrington," the moderator’s voice cut in. "Please take your seat so we can continue."

Ashley looked up just as Christian’s face darkened. "If you continue this auction, I’ll report the house."

The moderator stayed calm. "I apologize for the interruption. Please sit so we may continue." He turned to the room, ignoring Christian’s threat.

Christian lunged toward the brown-haired man in anger. But securities immediately rushed in and held him back. The moderator stepped back in shock.

"Baby," Kayla cried, jumping to her feet. But Christian shoved off her hand and stormed out.

Ashley scoffed. A perfect match made in heaven—two utterly foolish people.

She chuckled under her breath, entertained. No doubt they’d be trending by morning.

Kayla turned to shoot Ashley and Lorenzo a glare that promised revenge, before running after her idiotic boyfriend like the desperate whore she was.

Barbie and Ken from the gutter, Ashley thought, hissing silently.