Chapter 64
63 Losing the Calligraphy Scroll
+10 Free Coins
Arabella looked at the large screen. She remembered seeing several classical scrolls hanging in Ryan’s study during her visit. Clearly, Ryan had an appreciation for fine writing. This particular piece had a bold, powerful style–she thought it would make a perfect gift for him.
“The opening bid for this calligraphy scroll is three million. Bidding is now open p>
Arabella held back this time, deciding to observe the initial activity.
“Dylan, my father adores calligraphy. If you could win this for him… it might really help when
we talk about our engagement,” Harper said, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.
Hearing this, Dylan straightened with renewed purpose and placed the first bid.
“Four million,” he announced, raising his paddle.
“Five million,” came a counter from another collector.
“Six million,” Dylan continued.
Watching from above, Arabella saw the bids volley back and forth on the floor. The price had now reached ten million dollars.
Time to step in. She bid thirteen million dollars.
“Suite Seven bids thirteen million,” the auctioneer called out.
Down on the floor, Dylan stiffened at the bid from Suite Seven. He glared up toward the mezzanine with clear irritation. “Unbelievable. Why is Suite Seven always targeting the same lots as us? ”
Harper followed his gaze, equally displeased. “Who is in Suite Seven? It’s so frustrating–they keep wanting exactly what we do p>
Angrily, Dylan raised his paddle again.
“Bidder Fifty advances to fourteen million p>
Upstairs, Arabella finally noticed that Bidder Fifty on the floor repeatedly favored the same items she did. She stood and glanced down through the one–way glass.
To her surprise, the holder of paddle fifty was Dylan, with Harper seated beside him.
“What are they doing here?” she murmured.
She placed another bid.
2/3
18:11 Thu, Jan 15
Chapter 63 Losing the Calligraphy Scroll
50
+10 Free Coins
Just a despicable pair. She didn’t take them seriously, but their presence did add a layer of petty amusement to the otherwise formal affair.
From now on, if they want something, even if I don’t particularly care for it, I won’t let them have it easily.
In Suite One, Andy noted Arabella’s renewed activity. “Mr. Stewart, Marla has entered the bidding again p>
“Place a bid just above hers,” Matthew said, a note of interest in his voice.
“Yes, sir.” Andy immediately entered the offer.
“Suite One bids seventeen million,” the auctioneer announced.
A faint frown creased Arabella’s forehead. She’d been all set to mess with Dylan and Harper a little–so why did Matthew have to crash the party?
Paying Matthew no mind, Arabella kept upping her bid.
But when Dylan downstairs heard Suite One’s offer once more, he gritted his teeth and conceded, bitterness weighing on him.
The last thing he wanted was to cross Matthew–a man who existed far above his league.
Harper was just as defeated. Not only had they landed a tough competitor, but now there was someone untouchable in the mix. Would she even walk away with anything she wanted today?
Glancing at Dylan and Harper, who’d dropped out of the bidding, a smug smile curled Arabella’s lips.
Throwing in the towel that fast–they were utterly spineless. How on earth had Harper ended up with him, anyway…
“Suite One bids seventeen million!” the auctioneer boomed.
“Suite Seven counters with eighteen million,” came the reply.
After several more rounds, Arabella let out a slow breath as she heard the latest price.
Now it was just Matthew against her. Every time she bid, he topped it by a small margin.
What is he playing at? she wondered. Is he deliberately trying to provoke me?
Is this because I refused to meet him earlier? Is he just causing trouble out of spite?
3/3
18:11 Thu, Jan 15
Chapter 64 Driving Up the Price
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.