Chapter 255

However, Mabel’s paddle was barely raised when Regina swiftly pulled it back. What’s going on? Mabel asked with a furrowed brow. Didn’t you want to take her down a notch? We just won one; isn’t that enough to dent her ego?

Regina hesitated before speaking the truth. Mabel, I don’t have enough money with me today. I still need to bid on the herbs my mom wants later. We can’t keep competing with her like this. One win is enough; she’s already lost face before us.

Mabel’s eyebrows formed a clear frown as she responded displeasedly, You’re out of money? Why did you talk about taking her down a notch if you don’t have money?

Regina’s expression darkened. Knowing she and her mother needed to establish connections in Silverlake, she couldn’t afford to antagonize Mabel, who was currently prominent in Silverlake’s social circles. She reluctantly apologized, I’m sorry, Mabel. I didn’t bring enough money today…

Mabel pursed her lips but reconsidered,, remembering she now owned a necklace worth 20 million dollars. Her anger subsided a bit. Forget it then!

Regina breathed a sigh of relief when Mabel didn’t bid again. The bidding progressed to 6 million dollars and Melody, from the front row, immediately bid 8 million dollars. The bidder who initially bid 6 million dollars hesitated and did not raise their paddle again, seemingly afraid Melody would drive the price up to 20 million dollars again.

Despite the interest in the vase due to the previous necklace auction, no one else continued the bidding.

Melody successfully acquired the vase Ken wanted for 8 million dollars. James felt relieved. You managed to accomplish something, too. Bid on whatever else you want later. As long as Mr. Swanson’s matters are settled, the rest is up to you.

When Melody heard this, she remained quiet and patiently waited for the desired items. The subsequent items for auction included expensive luxury goods, many of which were gemstones favored by women.

James thought Melody might start revealing her true colors, but she remained still as a mountain, seemingly deep in meditation. He couldn’t help but smirk. He thought, why start pretending now? Why didn’t she control herself from the beginning?

As James was silently criticizing Melody, she suddenly lifted her eyelids. He instinctively looked towards the stage, expecting to see jewelry, but instead, it was an inconspicuous instrument.

The auctioneer announced that the starting bid was 180 thousand dollars.

Melody immediately raised her paddle: 200 thousand dollars.

Seeing no further bids, the auctioneer scanned the room and hammered down the final price. 200 thousand dollars, SOLD!

Melody felt a slight relief as she secured the instrument. Tomorrow, she could begin her experiments, bringing her closer to the successful development of her new product. Not long after, the auction finally began for the herbs. When it came to the Uvograss that Melody desired, she immediately sat upright and alert. Missing the opportunity meant she might not find Uvograss again anytime soon.

On stage, the auctioneer had already begun introducing the Uvograss, highlighting its benefits and rarity. He mentioned, that Uvograss only grows in oases in the desert and currently, no traces of Uvograss have been discovered in Halcyon. Hence, it’s scarce. The starting bid is 2 million dollars per stalk, and we have 5 stalks available, not auctioning individually.

The starting price is 2 million dollars was market value, precisely what Melody had paid for on the black market. Therefore, this price was fair and reasonable. As soon as the auctioneers finished speaking, bidding commenced from the audience below.

11 million dollars!

12 million dollars! The price soared until it reached 16 million dollars, and fewer people raised their paddles.

Regina tightened her grip on the hands, thinking now was the time. She raised her paddle: 18 million dollars!

Melody looked up; her guess was correct; Regina had appeared tonight, aiming for the Uvograss.

The auctioneer raised his voice, 18 million dollars once, 18 million dollars twice…

Regina smiled contentedly. She thought, 18 million dollars, already double the market price, no one should compete with me now.

However, the next moment, Melody raised her paddle: 20 million dollars.

Regina’s eyes widened in astonishment. She thought 20 million dollars! Melody offered 20 million dollars!

She had 40 million dollars and spent 20 million dollars on that diamond necklace earlier. She had no spare cash left to bid. Feeling helpless, Regina had to turn to Mabel for help. Mabel, if I don’t bring back this herb, my mom will skin me alive. Do you have any money on you? Can you lend me some?

Mabel frowned. She thought: This nouveau richer is asking me for money? Isn’t she supposed to be very wealthy? Is she afraid of spending that 20 million dollars on me and trying to make some back? I’m not falling for that.

Mabel feigned guilt as she said: I’m sorry Regina. I spent all the money I saved recently and don’t have much now. I’m sorry.

Regina angrily exclaimed. Y-You must have at least 200 thousand dollars on you, right? I did give you a necklace worth 20 million dollars!

Mabel became displeased. You insisted I bid on that necklace yourself; it wasn’t me something I begged you to give me. Are you trying to guilt-trip me now?

Regina was infuriated; her eyes reddened with anger. She never expected Mabel to be like this. In desperation, she had to call her mother.

At that moment, the auctioneer began counting, 20 million dollars once, 20 million dollars twice, SOLD for 20 million dollars! Congratulations to the lady; the Uvograss is now yours. Melody nodded slightly in acknowledgment.

Regina was frantic and unable to call because the venue’s mobile signal was blocked. Seeing this, Mabel, not wanting to entirely fall out with Regina, who still wanted the necklace, said softly, Regina don’t worry. Melody can’t possibly come up with 20 million dollars. She’s just bidding like this to get back at you for the necklace. Just wait; when she goes to pay, she won’t be able to come up with the money. According to the procedure, the Uvograss will still be yours.

Regina uncertain, asked Mabel, are you sure about your sister? Are you sure she can’t come up with 20 million dollars?

You’ve acknowledged she’s my sister. Do you think I wouldn’t know? Rest assured! She’s just someone who returned from the rural with no background, no money whatsoever, just a stroke of luck and nothing more.

Regina’s complexion regained some color, but she still felt uneasy. She couldn’t shake the feeling that Melody might not be as incapable as Mabel described. Yet, Mabel’s words were based on truth. Melody’s background was widely known in Silverlakes’s social circles. Perhaps Regina was overthinking it.

She thought: Melody had some medical skills, but that didn’t mean she could afford to pay 20 million dollars for the auction. Regina could only hope that Mabel was right in her assessment. Otherwise, she wouldn’t know how to explain to her mother once she returned. Regina took a deep breath and patiently waited for the auction to conclude.

Finally, an hour later, all the items were auctioned off, and the host gave a closing speech. The proceeds from tonight’s auctions, on behalf of our auction house supported by the Silverlake Customs, will be donated entirely to charity. We sincerely thank everyone for attending. Guest who have successfully bid on the items, please proceed to the backstage to sign the auction documents and make payment to collect your purchases.

Regina immediately felt relieved. She thought: Finally, it’s time for the payment process!

Mabel, who was beside Regina, could barely contain her excitement. She thought, Finally, I’ll see Melody’s embarrassed face when she can’t pay! I’m going to livestream this for Dad to see.

Prev

Next