The auction was being held at the prestigious Grand Marquee Auction Hall, a venue known for its opulence and exclusivity. The hall was elegantly decorated, with crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and plush seating arranged for the high-class clientele.
As Lucas, Greg, and One Eye approached the entrance, Greg handed one of his tickets to One Eye, while Lucas already had his own. Despite their simple attire, the guard recognized Greg and allowed them to enter without any hassle.
The trio found their seats in the middle section, with Lucas sitting between Greg and One Eye. To Greg’s side sat a wealthy couple; the woman exuded arrogance and vanity, while the man had the air of a seasoned businessman.
In a hushed voice, Greg leaned towards Lucas and asked, “What are you planning to acquire at this auction?”
Lucas smiled casually, “You’ll find out soon enough. A gift for the in-laws and something special for the wife.”
The woman overheard Lucas and turned to him with a sneer. “You can’t even afford decent clothes, and yet you think you can buy something here?” she taunted, her voice dripping with disdain.
Greg glanced nervously at Lucas, fearing the woman’s words might provoke him. But Lucas remained calm and retorted, “Why don’t you use the money you’re spending here to fix yourself up instead?”
The woman, thinking Lucas was calling her ugly, glared at him. “Are you saying I’m ugly, you filthy pauper?”
Lucas looked at her, unfazed. “Not at all. It’s just that your face is so plastic, it doesn’t need fixing. I was talking about your attitude.”
One Eye chuckled, adding, “Nice one, Boss. You really know how to hit where it hurts.”
The woman, realizing she had been put in her place, fumed with anger. Her face flushed with embarrassment, and she retorted, “You think you’re clever, don’t you?”
Lucas, unfazed, replied with another roast, “Clever enough to know that no amount of money can buy class, which is something you clearly lack.”
The woman’s face turned a deeper shade of red, her anger boiling over to the point where she was almost shaking with rage. Her husband, sensing the tension, placed a calming hand on her arm, but the damage was done. Lucas’s words had left her humiliated, and she sat back in her seat, seething silently, her anger so intense it was as if steam was practically coming out of her ears-and almost out of her rear as well.
A few moments later, a poised woman walked onto the stage, capturing the attention of the audience. She was elegantly dressed in a sleek, emerald green gown that shimmered under the stage lights, complementing her sophisticated demeanor. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, and she wore a simple yet stunning necklace that added a touch of sparkle to her ensemble.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen,” she began with a warm smile. “My name is Isabella Hart, and I am honored to be your host for this evening’s auction at the Grand Marquee Auction Hall. We are thrilled to have you with us tonight for what promises to be an exciting event.”
She continued with her speech, highlighting the exclusivity and prestige of the auction. “Tonight, we have five exquisite items up for bid, each with its own unique story and value.”
Isabella gestured to the first item, a beautifully crafted antique vase. “Our first item is a Ming Dynasty vase, renowned for its intricate design and historical significance. A true collector’s piece.”
Next, she introduced a rare painting. “Our second item is an original painting by the famed artist, Elara Monet. Known for her vibrant use of color and emotion, this piece is a testament to her genius.”
The third item was a vintage pocket watch. “Our third item is a vintage pocket watch from the early 1900s, crafted by the legendary watchmaker, Horace LeClair. Its precision and craftsmanship are unparalleled.”
Isabella then moved on to the fourth item, a luxurious tea. “Our fourth item is a rare and exquisite tea, known as ‘Eternal Spring.’ This limited-production tea is famed for its health benefits, with legends claiming it can extend one’s life.”
Finally, she introduced the highlight of the evening, a stunning diamond ring. “And now, the piece de resistance, a diamond ring crafted by the illustrious jeweler, Alistair Voss. Known for his unparalleled skill and artistry, Voss created this masterpiece as his final work before his untimely passing. His legacy includes the Crown Jewels of Eldoria and the famed ‘Star of the Sea’ necklace. This ring is expected to fetch a high price, given its provenance and the brilliance of its design.”
One Eye leaned over to Lucas and whispered, “Boss, it looks like you’re planning to go for the tea and the ring, if I’m not mistaken.”
Lucas nodded, a determined look in his eyes. “The tea will be perfect for my in-laws, and I’ll gift the ring to Victoria for our wedding once everything is settled.”
The woman sitting next to Greg overheard Lucas’s conversation and turned to her husband with a sweet smile. “Darling, that tea would be wonderful for my parents, and I really like that ring.”
Her husband sighed, clearly accustomed to her whims. “Your parents aren’t even fond of tea, and you already have so many jewels at home. You can’t possibly wear them all, so why add more?”
The woman pouted slightly, her determination unwavering. “If you won’t buy them for me, then I’ll buy them myself.” She thought to herself, ‘Surely, I won’t have to spend hundreds of millions for these items.’
Meanwhile, on the stage, Isabella gestured towards the first item being brought forward. “Ladies and gentlemen, our first item of the evening is the exquisite Ming Dynasty vase,” she announced. “The starting price is set at $200, 000, with increments of no less than $10, 000.”
With a graceful nod, Isabella declared, “Let the bidding begin!”
The bidding for the Ming Dynasty vase commenced with fervor, and after a series of competitive bids, it was finally claimed by a wealthy businessman, his satisfaction evident as he secured the prized artifact.
Isabella then introduced the next item, the original painting by Elara Monet. The room was filled with eager bidders, and after a spirited exchange, the painting was won by another affluent and influential figure, who nodded appreciatively as the gavel came down.
The third item, the vintage pocket watch, was presented next. The bidding was intense, with several collectors vying for the piece, but ultimately, it was acquired by a distinguished and powerful individual, adding another treasure to his esteemed collection.
With a warm smile, Isabella turned her attention to the fourth item. “Ladies and gentlemen, our next item is the rare and exquisite tea known as ‘Eternal Spring.’ This tea is incredibly difficult to produce due to the unique climate and conditions required for its cultivation. Its limited availability and renowned health benefits make it a true gem for any connoisseur.”
She continued, “The starting price for this exceptional tea is set at five million dollars, with bid increments of one million dollars.”
As Isabella declared the start of the bidding, the arrogant woman beside Greg was visibly excited, ready to raise her hand and increase the bid by a million dollars. However, just as she was about to make her move, a voice rang out confidently declaring, “Fifty million dollars!”