Chapter 181 A Kind Gesture
With just a few words, Mia managed to embarrass Emma and put the Hollands in an uncomfortable position. Emma’s face turned red with anger, leaving her momentarily speechless.
She never anticipated Mia would disregard the Hollands and openly discuss her feelings for Ericko.
Mia’s so frustrating!
Witnessing the tension in the room, the host hesitated to interfere, fearing it might exacerbate the situation.
However, Mia, known for her directness, boldly inquired, “So, are you going to increase the bid or not? Let’s not waste everyone’s time here.”
“Yes! I’ll bid 9 million!” Emma clenched her teeth, realizing that regardless of her decision, she had a scolding lined up when she returned home.
If she raised the bid, she’d end up overpaying for the pen.
But if she didn’t, it would seem as if the Hollands were in dire financial straits, and if Mia’s remarks reached Ericko’s ears, it wouldn’t reflect well on her either.
Upon hearing this, Mia chuckled sympathetically. “Is that all you’re willing to add, Ms. Holland? Are the Hollands facing financial difficulties? Do you need me to lend you some money?”
Maggie couldn’t help but smirk.
Mia’s approach has always been assertive and forceful, unlike my method, which is more towards cunning calculations. Nonetheless, it works..
In other words, Mia’s aim is to completely break her opponent’s spirit.
Emma’s expression darkened, and she murmured, “The Hollands can afford 1.5 million, but we’re not. id’ots either. Why provoke me like this, Ms. Gatlin? If the Gatlins are wealthy, why not just set an exorbitant price and pretend it’s charity?”
Mia smirked provocatively. “I would set an exorbitant price if I liked the item. Unfortunately, I’m not interested, so it’s not worth it.”
“Heh, Ms. Gatlin, are you trying to bite off more than you can chew? Why bid when you’re actually not interested?” Emma glared at Mia, her gaze icy.
Mia casually flicked her hair and said softly. “Of course, I’m just trying to defend the Hollands‘ reputation, so that others don’t think your family’s broke and couldn’t afford a few million dollars. Oh, and of course, it’s also to make you spend more to please me, Ms. Holland.”
Before Emma could respond, Mia turned to the host and stated, “Since Ms. Holland has decided that her feelings for Mr. Adam is worth 9 million, I’ll withdraw my bid.
Seeing Emma singled out, the host quickly announced, “9 million going once! 9 million going twice! 9 million going thrice! And sold! Congratulations to Number 15!”
Emma slumped back in her seat, any joy she felt earlier evaporating due to Mia’s taunting.
Chapter 181 A Kind Gesture.
The pen was still as elegant as ever, but with the price skyrocketing to 9 million, it lost its appeal to Emma.
Watching Emma’s discomfort, Mia felt a sense of satisfaction.
Maggie’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she whispered, “You really cornered her, Mia. Emma’s probably going to hate you for this.
“I have plenty of enemies; one more won’t make a difference.” Mia shrugged nonchalantly.
Even if she caused trouble, making a fortune from the azure porcelain vase today meant her father wouldn’t be too upset with her. At most, he’d give her a lecture.
Maggie wasn’t too interested in the next few items, so she just joined in the fun and waited until the auction was over.
After the event ended, the staff immediately led the buyers to a special room for inspection and payment.
Despite Maggie and Mia’s active participation, they realized they had nothing to pay for.
“Let’s grab something to eat at the banquet and wait for Leo, Maggie suggested gently.
After they two spent some time at the banquet, Leo arrived with the items. “Got the stuff. They’re all here.”
Leo presented the items, placing the vintaga fan and the music score together in a long, narrow box.
Maggie was thrilled. They found a secluded spot to open the box.
Maggie carefully unfolded the fan and admired it before commenting. “It’s well–preserved and elegant yet simple. The painting is stunning. I’m sure Mr. Dunphy will love it.”
Meanwhile, Mia examined the music score, finding the messy notes and smudges unappealing.
“I didn’t expect a handwritten manuscript to be sp expensive. Art truly knows no bounds.” Mia handed the manuscript to Maggie, knowing her proficiency in playing the piano was higher from hers.
The piano piece ‘Moonlit Citadel‘ had circulated for a while but remained relatively unknown, appealing
to niche audiences.
Nevertheless, Kevin had always cherished this piece, and obtaining the manuscript fulfilled a long- standing wish.
At that moment, both Beth and Emma arrived at the banquet hall after paying for their haul. Although they were far away, Beth spotted Leo, Maggie, and Mia together.
Maggie was holding the music score, carefully observing it.
Beth felt a sudden unease when she saw them together.
How come that illlegitimate child of the Calebs is standing alongside Maggie and Mia?
Is he just showing the manuscript to Maggie?
And that vintage fan!
“Why
are they together?” Emma inquired echoing Beth’s thoughts
Chapter 181 A Kind Gesture
Beth immediately approached them, with Emma following closely behind.
“Ms. Adam, thanks for letting me win the bid,” Beth uttered softly, wearing a polite smile.
But beneath that smile, there lingered a hint of superiority, as if she felt they were beneath her.
Upon hearing this, Maggie and the rest turned their heads..
Maggie grinned and responded, “Oh, it’s nothing, Ms: Bray. We should thank you instead.”
Emma couldn’t resist asking. “What do you mean, Maggie?”
Mia added. “That azure porcelain vase was my contribution to the auction. I didn’t expect you to bid for it, with such a high price no less. You’ve done me a big favor.”
With just that remark. Beth’s expression altered, realizing instantly that she had been manipulated.
The origins of auction items were never disclosed; the focus was solely on authentication. The sellers. themselves sometimes partook in bidding to inflate prices, and this practice was unregulated.
However. Beth didn’t expect that Maggie did not really want the azure porcelain vase and was just driving up the price for Mia’s sake!
“Ms. Bray, we’re not related, so I feel bad gaining that extra 30 million from you. But don’t worry, Ms. Bray. Maggie and I will spend it all wisely so that your kindness isn’t wasted.” Mia smiled, clearly in high spirits.
Send Gifts
70
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15:34 Wed, 22 May BB
Let’s Star All Over Again, Shall We?
