Yasmin probably never imagined that the scandalous plan she had set up for Caitlin would backfire on her instead.
In Vito’s unexpected advance, Yasmin was completely caught off guard. The two ended up in a real-life drama inside the restroom.
When Yasmin finally left the restroom, most of the crowd had already gathered, including her father Paul and her mother Leah, who had arrived at the venue.
Leah was chatting with Connor’s mother, both of them talking about their children.
“Our Connor really likes Yasmin,” Connor’s mother said, “He’s always praising her in front of me, saying how graceful and elegant she is, and how she’s so well-mannered. It’s clear that Mrs. Jones has done a great job raising her daughter!”
Leah chuckled. “I can’t promise anything else, but I can assure you my daughter is top-notch. She’s well-behaved, and knows how to take care of herself. Connor is her first boyfriend! Before him, she never even had another one!”
As Leah was complimenting her daughter, Yasmin returned to the venue. Her mother spotted her immediately and called her over to greet Connor’s mother.
Yasmin had just heard her mother’s flattering words and felt her face burn with embarrassment. She could only force herself to approach and greet them.
Connor entered the venue and, upon seeing Yasmin, immediately approached her.
Little did he know, the pure and virtuous Yasmin he had in mind had just been involved in an incident with a servant in the restroom.
“Yasmin, I’ve confirmed that Sebastian will also be participating in the car race next week. Just wait and see, I’ll help you beat him!” Connor declared confidently.
Yasmin could only offer a nervous smile.
“Time’s up, the auction is about to start! Let’s go to the auction hall!”
As everyone entered, the auctioneer stepped onto the stage and announced the start of the auction.
The first three items were porcelain pieces, and no one of significance placed bids, so they were smoothly sold to some wealthy businessmen.
When the fifth item came up, a large painting, the auctioneer began his introduction.
“Next, we have a prized piece by the renowned artist, Mr. Martin. This national painting, titled *Clear Sky Over the Deep Sea*, is a masterpiece that showcases his incredible skill.”
After a lengthy introduction, the auctioneer set the opening bid at 200, 000, much lower than the 500, 000 for the previous pieces.
For the next minute, however, no one raised their paddle.
Yasmin grew uneasy. “Why is no one bidding on Grandpa’s painting? Is the price too high?”
Many collectors seemed to be waiting and watching, while others were clearly saving their funds for the upcoming *Yun’s Aromatic Codex*. Everyone had their eye on that, hoping to secure the secret formula.
Just as the auctioneer was about to ask if anyone would start the bidding, a paddle was raised!
“Lot 87! 210, 000!”
“Is this for real? Someone actually placed a bid? Who’s bidding?”
Many people turned their heads to see who had raised their paddle. Yasmin and her group also looked on curiously.
They saw that it was none other than Caitlin.
“Caitlin is bidding?”
This move took Yasmin and Madison by surprise.
Caitlin, along with Sebastian, was holding the same bidding number. This meant that Sebastian, through Caitlin’s paddle, had just placed a bid.
When the CEO of VEG had made a move, it signaled something important.
The stiff atmosphere in the room quickly lifted, as everyone believed in Sebastian’s taste and vision. From experience at past auctions, any item he bid on had significant potential for appreciation, so everyone assumed that this painting was extraordinary.
Soon, several other people followed with their bids.
“This gentleman, Lot 17, bids 220, 000! Is there anyone willing to bid higher?” the auctioneer called out.
“250, 000!” another man called.
“300, 000!” came the next bid.
The bidding was escalating fast, and Caitlin also placed a few more bids, though she wasn’t particularly interested in the painting. It was more about respecting Martin, who had been kind to her and her children.
Zeke thought Caitlin was fond of the piece and was determined to win it for her.
“Lot 59! 500, 000!”
The price had reached 500, 000, further reinforcing the painting’s value. A few more people started to follow along.
Sebastian, noticing Zeke’s bid, was not one to back down. He took the paddle and raised it himself.
“800, 000!”
Zeke turned, locking eyes with Sebastian. Their gaze was intense, an unspoken challenge filling the air.
It was more than just about the painting. The two were subtly taunting each other.
Zeke’s brow furrowed in irritation. “1 million!”
The big players had entered the fray, and the bids flew quickly. The audience was watching in amazement as the price shot up.
Sebastian’s next bid was for 1. 5 million, but Zeke immediately shot back with 2 million.
The auction had turned into a battle between VEG and SY Capital Partners.
After a few more rounds, the price reached 3. 5 million. Zeke raised his paddle again, announcing, “5 million!”
Sebastian looked at the number, about to raise his bid, but Caitlin gently stopped him, saying, “Let him have it. He really likes the painting, and we’re not here for the artwork.”
Seeing Caitlin speak, Sebastian relented and lowered his paddle.
“5 million for the first time! 5 million for the second time! 5 million for the third time! Alright! The *Clear Sky Over the Deep Sea* by Elder Xenos now belongs to Lot 59! Congratulations!”
The auctioneer’s gavel struck, and the deal was made.
Zeke gave Sebastian a triumphant glance, but Sebastian simply smiled inwardly, not bothered by the loss. After all, as long as Caitlin was by his side, he was the real winner.
A painting worth 5 million-just a minor detail in the grand scheme of things. The most important part of the night would be the final lot.
“Ladies and gentlemen, now we come to the final lot of the evening. Please turn your attention to the screen!”