Drama Novel
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Chapter 179 The Bidding War
After ending the call, Maggie didn’t dwell on it.
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Soon, the auction commenced officially. While the host delivered the opening speech, Maggie spotted Leo seated upfront, right on schedule.
Beth and Emma were nearby, just behind Leo. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
“Now, let me introduce the first item up for auction. It’s an original piece by the artist Claude Monet, titled “San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk. This painting is considered one of Claude Monet’s best works and is part of a series on the breathtaking views of the monastery–island of San Giorgio Maggiore…
Maggie and Mia listened attentively, but their interest was lukewarm. Still, with many art enthusiasts present, the bidding for the first item was fierce.
As the auction progressed, Maggie bid on items that caught her eye. Each time she raised her paddle, Beth followed suit.
Initially, Maggie hadn’t planned on competing, and she backed off after a few bids when the prices soared.
“The fifth item is the manuscript of ‘Moonlit Citadel by the renowned pianist Torvalan. While the original manuscript is lost, this replica, based on pen marks and traces, is genuine
As Maggie suspected, this replica manuscript was the traced version of the actual manuscript, making it a faithful representation of the original.
The piano manuscript had a limited audience, and few people placed their bids. Maggie raised her paddle.
twice.
Predictably, each time she bid, Beth did too, showing a determination to compete.
“Beth is quite persistent, isn’t she? What’s the point of her doing this?” Mia chuckled, unable to resist commenting.
Maggie remained casual. “Well, causing i ouble for others seems to be her joy.”
When Maggie stopped bidding, Beth did too, and the manuscript was smoothly acquired by Leo at a fair price.
Next on the block was an azure porcelain vase submitted by the Gatlins. With the sender’s name undisclosed, others couldn’t trace its origin.
Maggie saw an opportunity to deal Beth a blow, considering her apparent wealth but lack of sensibility.
“The bidding for this azure porcelain vase starts at 12 million, with increments of at least 150,000. Let the bidding begin.
“Number 21, 12.7 million!
“Number 30, 13–million!
Number 6, 13.3 million!
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Chapter 179 The Bidding War
The bidding war went on.
Porcelain always attracted a crowd, especially foreign collectors, leading to fierce competition from the
start
Finally, after reaching 18 million, bidding slowed.
Maggie raised her paddle. “19.5 million.”
Immediately, Beth followed suit. “22.5 million!”
With a 3 million increase, many gasped in surprise.
“Number 14 is bidding 22.5 million. Any higher bids?” The host’s voice echoed eagerly.
Maggie raised her paddle again. “23.5 million.”
“Number 26 bids 23.5 million. Any higher bids? 23.5 million going once!”
“Number 14, 25.5 million!” Beth’s determination was evident.
Although Beth didn’t necessarily desire the vase, she knew which items Maggie truly coveted and which she didn’t.
But could the Camerons afford this much money?
Maggie hesitated to bid higher, feigning uncertainty. At that moment, the host called out, “25.5 million going once! 25.5 million going twice… Alright, bidder number 68 bids 27 million!”
Beth frowned, glancing ahead to see Leo, the long–lost illegitimate child of the Calebs, who now held at significant position.
Maggie seized the moment and raised her paddle again. “30 million.”
She did it with determination, as if she had deliberated over it.
Mia watched eagerly, almost unable to contain her excitement.
If Maggie won, all that money would eventually line her pockets. She hoped Beth would push harder.
As expected, before the host called for further bids, Beth immediately countered, “31.5 million!”
Without hesitation, Maggie raised her paddle. “33 million!”
The host was excited. “Number 26 bids 33 million! Any higher bids?”
Emma glanced at Maggie, whispering softly, “I think she’s pretending. Should we bid higher?”
Beth remained indifferent. “Yes.
Emma hesitated, suggesting, “But can Maggic really afford that much? Maybe we should stop and see if she can come up with the money.
Beth lowered her gaze, suppressing her anger as she said coldly, “Even if she can’t, Nathael can. And didn’t Fricko sive her a black card? Have you Enrentten?”
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Chapter 179 The Bidding War
Beth’s words caused Emma to freeze.
How could she forget that?
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Though she didn’t know Maggie and Nathael’s relationship, she could guess from the look on Beth’s face whenever she brought it up.
And she distinctly remembered Ericko’s black card.
I wonder what’s gotten into Mr. Harris and Ericko. They act like they’re enchanted when they’re around Maggie, Emma couldn’t help but speak, feeling resentful every time she thought of their embrace.
Beth remained silent, raising her bid again.
Emma looked at the price. 37.5 million. That’s too expensive.
The highest auction price in history for an azure porcelain vase seemed to be only 40.5 million, and it seemed much better in quality than this one.
“Beth, your bid is too high. Won’t your parents be upset?” Emma couldn’t help but speak up.
Beth’s expression grew colder. “Even if they scold me, I don’t care, as long as I can take what Maggie wants.”
Emma fell silent. The Brays had many children, and Beth was always favored.
But favoritism often correlated with a person’s ability and value. If Beth continued to harm others without. benefiting herself, her parents would inevitably be upset.
was
But after all, it was Maggie on the other side. Emma thought, if she had Beth’s background, she might not resist venting her frustrations like this either.
What Beth hadn’t said was that her bottom line was only 4.5 million.
If Maggie persisted in battling until the end, Beth would have no choice but to relent. However, even if she didn’t emerge victorious, Beth would find satisfaction in causing Maggie to spend a bit more money.