Chapter 62
62 Bidding Against Each Other
When Andy saw Marla decline Matthew’s invitation outright, he felt even more certain the person before him was the genuine article.
After all, few would refuse an invitation from the CEO of Horizon Corp so directly.
“My apologies for the intrusion.” Andy offered no argument and withdrew respectfully.
Once he was gone, Arabella let out a quiet sigh of relief. Good thing he’d left–if she’d actually gone to see Matthew, her cover would have been blown, and explaining that would have been impossible.
It was odd, though. Matthew was always so busy. What was he doing at an art auction?
Turning the thought over, Arabella took out her phone and texted Colton, “You didn’t tell anyone I’d be at Hilde’s today, did you p>
“No. Why?” Colton replied, clearly puzzled.
“Never mind. Back to work p>
When Matthew saw Andy return alone, he asked, “Where is Marla p>
“She declined. Said she was unavailable,” Andy reported truthfully.
“Unavailable? Did you give my name?” Matthew assumed Andy might have omitted that detail.
“Yes, but Ms. Marla said…” Andy trailed off, hesitant to continue.
“She’s a woman?” Matthew’s eyebrow lifted slightly.
“Yes, I saw her p>
“Go on. What exactly did she say p>
“Ms. Marla replied that she wasn’t acquainted with you and therefore declined the invitation,” Andy relayed carefully.
Matthew’s expression/didn’t change. It was true they weren’t acquainted. Still, his name carried weight in investment circles; even without prior contact, most would have accepted the invitation.
Marla was different.
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A woman who dared to refuse him only deepened his interest.
“Very well. If she prefers not to come, we won’t insist p>
+10 Free Coins
“Keep track of the lots she bids on today. Acquire them and have them sent to her anonymously. Consider it a meeting gift from me,” Matthew directed, a faint curve touching his lips.
“Yes, sir p>
Matthew looked down toward the auction floor. “Marla… Intriguing p>
Meanwhile, the auctioneer introduced the lot Arabella had her eye on–Phoenix Reborn, a century–old oil painting by Patrick Thompson.
“This piece carries a rich history and remarkable presence… Bidding will start at two million p>
Before others could react, Arabella placed her bid directly–three million dollars.
She genuinely admired the vivid, almost lifelike intensity of the phoenix in the painting. No one was taking it from her today.
“Suite Seven bids three million. Do I hear any advance?” the auctioneer called out.
“Mr. Stewart, Ms. Marla appears interested in Phoenix Reborn,” Andy reported.
“Oh? Let’s see,” Matthew replied calmly.
Down on the main floor, Harper turned to Dylan beside her. “Dylan, I absolutely love that painting p>
Dylan affectionately tapped the tip of her nose. “Alright, I’ll get it for you p>
He then raised his paddle. “Four million p>
“Bidder Fifty on the floor advances to four million. Any further bids?” the auctioneer inquired.
Seeing a challenger, Arabella bid again without hesitation.
“Suite Seven responds with five million. Do I hear six p>
Hearing the counterbid, Harper glanced irritably toward the upper suites. “Who is that? So annoying–outbidding me like this p>
Dylan also looked up toward Suite Seven before soothing her softly. “It’s fine. No matter who it
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Chapter 62 Bidding Against Each Other
is, I’ll secure it for you, okay p>
At his words, Harper finally allowed a small smile.
Dylan raised his paddle once more.
“Bidder Fifty advances to six million. Any further offers p>
+10 Free Coins
Arabella didn’t hesitate to up the ante. Whoever her rival was, she’d keep going so long as the price didn’t exceed her reserve.
“Suite Seven now bids eight million! Any advance?” the auctioneer boomed.
“Dylan, the person in Suite Seven is obsessed with this painting–they won’t stop fighting us on it,” Harper huffed, clearly irritated.
“Don’t worry about it. If you want it, it’s yours,” Dylan shrugged, his tone light as he tried to cheer her up.
He’d move heaven and earth to get this for her–anyone’s bid he’d match, except for whoever was in Suite One.
And with that, he raised his bidding paddle once more.
The auctioneer announced immediately, “Seat 50 bids nine million! Any higher offers p>
Arabella frowned slightly and looked down toward the floor.
Who was that person? They were really determined to compete.
In Suite One, Andy updated Matthew. “Mr. Stewart, another party is also bidding on the piece Ms. Marla wants. The competition is growing quite active p>
Seeing the bids had reached a meaningful level, Matthew gave a simple directive. “Secure it p>
“Yes, sir p>
Andy immediately entered a bid.
“Suite One bids fifteen million. Fifteen million—any advance?” The auctioneer hadn’t expected Phoenix Reborn to reach such a figure. It exceeded all estimates.
The price stunned both Dylan and Harper on the floor.
Dylan hadn’t anticipated that the occupant of Suite One—likely Matthew himself–would also
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50)
Chapter 62 Bidding Against Each Other
want the painting Harper loved.
+10 Free Coins
Wary of the other party’s influence, Dylan looked once more toward Suite One, then wisely
Chapter 62 Bidding Against Each Other
want the painting Harper loved.
+10 Free Coins
Wary of the other party’s influence, Dylan looked once more toward Suite One, then wisely
£50
+10 Free Coins
“What is going on?” Harper complained in a low, irritated voice. “Why is someone else jumping in? Everyone seems to be against us today p>
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Dylan quickly motioned for her to lower her voice. “Quiet, please. We can’t afford to upset whoever is in Suite One. Honestly, that painting isn’t even that exceptional. Let’s not fight over it. I’ll get you something else nice later, alright p>
“Fine,” Harper grumbled, noticing Dylan’s clear reluctance to challenge the occupants of the first box, and reluctantly let the matter drop.
Arabella hadn’t expected Matthew to suddenly jump in with such a high bid, competing with her for the piece.
She frowned slightly. He really is something else.
But now Matthew’s offer had exceeded her budget for the piece, and a flicker of annoyance passed through her.
After a moment’s thought, Arabella decided to concede. It was just one painting. Letting him have it wasn’t a great loss. There were other lots she liked coming up–missing one wouldn’t hurt.
She withdrew from the bidding.
“Mr. Stewart, we’ve secured Phoenix Reborn,” Andy reported.
“Good,” Matthew replied simply.
“Next, let’s turn our attention to Riven Lark’s latest standout work–a sculpture…” the auctioneer introduced.
“Opening bid is two million p>
“Three million,” a bidder called out.
“Three and a half,” countered another.
aucti
Several pieces were auctioned in succession. During this time, neither Matthew in Suite One nor Dylan and Harper on the main floor participated.
Then the auctioneer presented a calligraphy piece Arabella had noted earlier.
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Chapter
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.