Chapter 9 He shot Emelia a glare before reluctantly lowering his bidding paddle with clenched teeth . The coveted land parcel ultimately went to Joshua for 600 million dollars . As the auction concluded , attendees began dispersing . Justin's face was terrifyingly gloomy , his eyes fixed on Emelia . He strode forward and tightly grabbed to crush it . " What were you thinking ? " he demanded through gritted teeth , leaning uncomfortably close . " I should be asking you that , " she retorted , struggling futilely against his iron hold . Before Justin could respond , Samantha seized the opportunity to vent her anger . Menu such force that threatened Hands on her hips , she accused , " Mrs. Pittman , Mr. Pittman was determined to acquire that land today . Because of your interference , we lost billions . " Justin remained silent beside her , his brow slightly furrowed with unreadable flickers in his eyes . Neither defending Emelia nor contradicting Samantha , his silence tacitly endorsed the accusations . A wave of sorrow washed over Emelia as she witnessed the scene before her . Yet she quickly composed herself , her lips curving into a faint smile . " I wasn't the final bidder for that land parcel . How could I have interfered ? If you were powerful enough , someone else wouldn't have outbid you . " " But earlier he was clearly … " Samantha began to argue , only for Emelia to abruptly reach toward the jewelry she held . Thank you for holding my husband's gifts for me , Ms. Wash . " As she spoke , Emelia attempted to retrieve the glittering pieces from Samantha's grasp . gifes the ewer Samantha immediately clutched them tighter . These were Justin's presents to her , and she had no intention of surrendering them . When it became clear she couldn't reclaim them by force , Emelia turned to Justin with mocking eyes . " Darling , your secretary appears to be o overstepping her boundaries . "