The auction house was abuzz with excitement. An array of treasures sparkled on the stage, tempting bidders. Amid the crowd, Maggie observed the scene with curiosity and restraint, her eyes glinting with a perplexed light. As the auctioneer skillfully presented each item, Maggie resisted joining the bidding frenzy, keeping her desires in check. Sensing her interest, the auction house manager approached her with careful respect and curiosity.
Manager: “May I ask, miss, what kind of collectibles are you looking for?”
Maggie politely smiled, appreciating the manager’s attentiveness. Her gaze roamed over the vibrant offerings, and before answering, she was lost in thought.
Maggie: “I’m in search of something truly unique, something that resonates with my soul.”
The manager, looking somewhat puzzled, retreated. “I hope you find a satisfying item among today’s offerings.”
By now, the first item’s bid had escalated from three million to eight million dollars, a number that left Maggie in awe.
“I can’t imagine money being just a number here.”
Charlie said, “These kinds of numbers are common around here.”
“I hope not too many people notice these Energy beads.”
“That’s impossible.”
“But you said these Energy beads look ordinary and wouldn’t pique anyone’s interest.”
“But when you express Mr. Barrett’s interest in these Energy beads, they become valuable.”
Maggie’s expression turned serious, and Charlie continued, “Miss Nelson, do I need to emphasize Mr. Barrett’s immense wealth again?”
“No, I’m already impressed.”
“So, what are you worried about? No one can outbid us.”
Maggie fell silent, briefly lost in thought. The people here had no shortage of money, and spending was as casual as tossing paper. However, their extravagance contrasted starkly with the people she had interacted with before, who worked hard for just a few bucks, making her feel somewhat disconnected from reality.
Clearly, Charlie wasn’t the right person to share these thoughts with. Maggie smiled and refocused her attention on the auction.
As the auctioneer announced the highly anticipated moonstone necklace, anticipation filled the air. The resplendent gemstones shimmered under the spotlight, their translucent glow reminiscent of the gems adorning Maggie’s own estate.
Charlie reminded Maggie, “These gems are the Energy beads.”
“Let me feel them.” Maggie carefully examined the Energy beads, trying to sense their energy.
Onstage, the auctioneer introduced them as exquisite moonstones, exceptionally rare in size and quality. The starting bid for each stone was one million dollars, sold in sets of five.
The moonstones emitted a rare aura, capturing everyone’s attention. Their breathtaking beauty transcended ordinary gemstones, casting a captivating radiance that drew the onlookers’ gaze. When the spotlight bathed them in an ethereal glow, the moonstones came to life, their smooth surfaces glistening with a translucent gleam. Each stone exuded an otherworldly clarity, as if harboring the essence of the moon itself.
Their rarity was undeniable, as moonstones of such size and quality were a rare sight in the world. Their pristine surfaces, free from any flaws, spoke of meticulous craftsmanship that had transformed these gemstones into extraordinary treasures. The auctioneer’s introduction emphasized their uniqueness and desirability, igniting a spark of longing in the hearts of those in the auction hall.
Under the auctioneer’s guidance, people’s interest in these “moonstones” had significantly increased, and the bidding had steadily progressed through several rounds.
Charlie couldn’t help but ask Maggie, “Miss Nelson, when do we make our move?”
“Just a little while longer,” she replied.
In her mind, she quickly calculated the starting price for this set, an astronomical figure at five million dollars. Earlier that morning, Aldrich casually announced that he intended to acquire all of these, which had left her shocked yet somewhat eager. She had been struggling with debts of just around a hundred thousand dollars recently, putting her financial situation in dire straits.
The bidding for the moonstones was nearing its conclusion. If Maggie didn’t act soon, someone else would win them.
Charlie urged once more, “Maybe you don’t intend to buy these Energy beads.”
“No, Charlie, I just need a bit more time.” Maggie wanted to feel the Energy beads on the table. She also held the Energy bead she carried with her, but it remained unresponsive.
Charlie couldn’t comprehend Maggie’s intent. “Maggie, I feel like you’re procrastinating. I don’t want to fail Mr. Barrett’s assignment.”
He raised his hand to signal the manager to come over. “Hello, we’d like to take a look at these moonstones.”
“Of course, you’re entitled to this privilege too.”
Other yet-to-be-auctioned moonstones were quickly brought over. Aware that the decision rested with the woman beside Charlie, the manager looked at Maggie with hopeful anticipation.
Maggie approached the Energy beads, but she still couldn’t sense them. As Maggie wrestled with conflicting desires and considerations, uncertainty shimmered in her eyes. She turned to Charlie, her voice subtly infused with yearning and restraint.
Maggie: “No, Charlie. These moonstones aren’t what I’m looking for. Let them find their true owner.”
“Miss Nelson, are you sure? These are the Energy beads you desire.”
“They look similar on the surface, but that’s all,” Maggie said with disappointment.
Charlie nodded, understanding Maggie’s longing for something more profound.
The auction house manager’s expression was mixed with nervousness and excitement. This enticing item was expected to fetch the highest price of the evening, indicating the young woman before him had a deep appreciation for exquisite jewelry. He cautiously approached Maggie, risking discovery of her preferences.
Manager: “Miss, it seems you have a discerning eye for the finest gemstones. Could you share your specific interests?”
Maggie shook her head, clearly disappointed. Pearls had no energetic connection to her. Charlie and the auction house manager shared the same sense of disappointment, realizing they hadn’t found the resonance they were looking for.
Meanwhile, the bidding war for the moonstones had reached its peak, with a renowned jewelry tycoon joining the fray, determined to possess these radiant gems. The auctioneer’s final announcement of a bid at twelve million dollars left Maggie in awe, shattering her preconceived notions about wealth.
“At this price, it far exceeds the actual value of these stones!”
Seeing Maggie’s shocked expression, Charlie approached her a little closer, his tone filled with admiration and competitiveness.
Charlie: “Maggie, that jewelry tycoon has always considered the boss a rival in the business world, but the boss has never acknowledged him. If the boss were here today, he’d effortlessly bid two million and snatch it away from him.”
Charlie’s thoughts raced as he resolved not to let anyone overshadow what Maggie saw in her eyes, the BOSS. In her world, there could only be one focal point.
He suggested, “Or maybe we should change the situation.”
“We don’t need these moonstones,” Maggie reminded him.
“Alright, but that big spender must be secretly excited about taking something from Aldrich.”
Hearing Charlie’s remarks, Maggie couldn’t help but roll her eyes in her mind. She thought, “Wear the badge of being a fool with pride, huh? Too naïve, I’m always looking for the best deal, even if it’s just buying a simple pizza!”