Chapter 35
The next item on the auction block was a set of imported tableware from the last century, a rare collector’s piece by a renowned foreign mautel rate 67,000 dollars.
But it didn’t take long for the price to soar to 135,000 dollars..
As expected, it was incredibly popular.
The auctioneer, grinning, said, “It seems this set is highly coveted. A big thanks to Mrs. Brock for letting go of this piece that has been in her collection for twenty years. The current bid is at 167,000 dollars. Anyone willing to offer more?”
Valerie raised her paddle, “180 thousand dollars.”
Renata immediately perked up, her ears now fully alert.
She quickly realized that both Kelly and Valerie liked to swoop in and bid only after others had made their offers.
Was it because they thought the competition would be weaker by then?
Looking at the set of tableware, Renata grew more certain it was exactly the type of thing Ruth would love.
After all, Ruth’s taste had always been impeccable–her preferences were always refined, the kind of things that exuded class.
At 167,000 dollars, this set matched Ruth’s style perfectly. Renata, sensing an opportunity, quickly added, “180 thousand dollars, plus 100 dollars.”
The room fell silent, and people started murmuring, “Renata’s really doing this on purpose, isn’t she? Always waiting for others to bid first, and then adding just a hundred bucks. It’s so petty.”
“Ugh, it’s really disgusting…”
Renata ignored the whispers around her, her eyes fixed on Valerie and Kelly’s reactions.
Sure enough, Kelly was quick to respond. “200 thousand dollars,” she declared, unwilling to be outdone.
Renata, now even more confident, was sure that this set was something Ruth had her eye on.
Kelly wanted to impress Ruth, and Valerie, too, saw this as a chance to solidify her place in Ruth’s good books, But Renata had already caught wind of their plans.
A triumphant smile spread across Renata’s face. “200 thousand dollars, plus 100 dollars.”
Kelly, her patience wearing thin, snapped, “That’s enough, Renata. Stop pushing it.”
Renata feigned innocence, replying, “What’s the problem? I can bid just like you. I like it too. It’s fair game. If you can outbid me, go ahead!”
Before Renata could finish, Valerie raised her paddle again. “230 thousand dollars.”
Renata’s smile faltered, and her gaze turned cold.
A 30,000 dollars jump from 200 thousand dollars to 230 thousand dollars was no small increase.
Renata thought to herself, ‘This fool really thinks I won’t keep bidding?‘
With a sneer, Renata said, “230 thousand dollars, plus 100 dollars.”
She was the daughter of the Walker family, and her confidence came from the wealth and power that came with it.
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Chapter 35
But Valerie? She was a new addition to the family how much influence could she really wield?
But Valerie, undeterred, casually responded, “265 thousand dollars.”
Her calm demeanor and poised delivery made the figure of 265,000 dollars sound as casual as if she were bidding 25 dollars.
The atmosphere shifted, and the competition B
fiercer.
The auctioneer, excited by the growing bid war, called out, “It’s been a long time since we’ve seen such intense competition. Mrs. Fatima Brock’s twenty- year–old collection is certainly beloved by many of you. The current bid is at 265 thousand dollars. Anyone willing to go higher? 265 thousand dollars
once…”
A murmur of astonishment rippled through the crowd.
It was 265,000 dollars!
For an item that had started at 67,000 dollars, the price was now
The auctioneer, his voice growing more excited, called out again, “265 thousand dollars, second time!”
“Rich, so rich,” someone muttered.
“Some people were too quick to celebrate earlier, now they can’t even afford to outbid. Too bad.”
“After all, they’re here on their elders‘ money. Any extra? That’s on them to pay. They look hesitant now. Could it be… no money left?”
Renata’s fists clenched, her body shaking with rage. She gripped her bidding paddle tight.
Brody, sensing her frustration, placed a hand over hers. “Don’t do it, it’s not worth it.”
From the side, someone sneered, “If you don’t have the money, don’t pretend. You talk so confidently, but looks like you can’t back it up.”
The auctioneer, still counting down, called out, “265 thousand dollars, third time—”
The noise around her seemed to pulse in Renata’s ears, the mocking whispers growing louder, clearer.
Unable to take it anymore, Renata snapped. She raised her paddle high and shouted, “265 thousand dollars, plus 100 dollars.”
Kelly couldn’t help herself–she laughed out loud. “She actually did it.”
“265 thousand and 100 dollars. Anyone else?” the auctioneer eagerly shouted.
“That takes guts,” Valerie said with a light smile, her tone gracious. “Congratulations, you’ve won.”
It felt like a string inside Renata snapped. She jumped to her feet, her voice full of fury. “You’re playing me!”
“265 thousand and 100 dollars, first time!” the auctioneer excitedly called out. “Anyone willing to bid higher?”
Valerie turned, looking at Renata with a mix of sympathy and pity in her eyes. “Grandmother has always been so frugal. If she knew someone spent 265 thousand dollars on a set of tableware…”
Renata froze, her eyes widening in realization. “Wait… You did this on purpose!”
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