She's Too Busy Winning to Watch Him Cry novel Chapter 436

As for the real reason it was pulled...

Was Jasmine really still trying to play games at a time like this?

Seeing Lyra's face turn completely ashen as she stood up and marched out of the ballroom, Vivienne felt a surge of petty satisfaction.

Lyra didn't make a scene. She didn't yell or demand an explanation. She simply left in dead silence, her slender silhouette looking profoundly isolated.

The second she stood, Rowan tossed his bidding paddle onto the table and strode out after her.

Sylvia's smile froze, staring at Rowan's retreating back in disbelief.

While the guests murmured about the bizarre turn of events, Rowan caught up to Lyra in the hallway outside.

Softening his tone, he said gently, "I'll have the pieces I bought sent to your house. Do you really love that crown so much? Don't be upset. I'll buy you an even more beautiful one."

Lyra didn't stop walking. Her posture was rigid, her voice ice-cold. "I don't want it anymore."

It was a gift from her father. She refused to let it be tainted by Rowan's money. That would destroy what it meant to her.

Rowan thought the crown looked vaguely familiar, perhaps something he had gifted Jasmine in the past, but he dismissed the thought.

"It's just a second-hand piece anyway. I'll buy you something brand new."

Lyra had arrived in Rowan's car, so she was already booking a ride on her phone. Without even looking up, she snapped, "If I'm willing to entertain a man who comes with baggage, why shouldn't I fight for a crown with history?"

This wasn't about a new crown versus an old one. It wasn't even about the money.

It was the fact that no amount of money could buy it back now.

Lyra wasn't going to go begging Jasmine for it.

To pull an item at such an astronomical bid meant they held all the cards.

Jasmine definitely had a trap waiting.

The plane smoothly broke through the cloud cover and leveled out at cruising altitude.

The cabin lights dimmed, and a quiet hush settled over the passengers. Lyra stood up, pulled a fresh, preppy outfit—a pleated skirt and knee-high socks—from her carry-on, and headed to the lavatory.

She emerged a few minutes later.

The elegant evening wear was gone, replaced by a crisp sailor-collar blouse, a dark pleated skirt, and black knee-high socks. Her long hair fell in soft, loose waves around her shoulders, and a touch of peach lip gloss gave her a vibrant, youthful glow.

She had barely settled back into her seat when the man sitting next to her spoke, his tone laced with amusement. "A quick wardrobe change?"

Lyra glanced at him.

He was ruggedly handsome, his fingers drumming lightly on his knee. His dark eyes were fixed on her, taking in the edge of her skirt and the knee-high socks.

Lyra's expression instantly frosted over. She instinctively shifted closer to the window, putting distance between them without saying a word.