Chapter 161
Albert took a seat beside Martin . Catching sight of Selina in his peripheral vision , he promptly rose to greet her
At sixty , age showed on her face , yet it couldn’t dim the artistic aura that radiated from her .
“ Professor Schmidt , long time no see , ” said Selina .
“ Long time no see ,” Martin replied .
Seated side by side , the two soon struck up an animated conversation .
Unable to join the conversation , Albert was relieved when someone nearby asked him an academic question , and he gladly focused on answering it .
Selina noticed Martin was troubled about finding a successor . So , she said , “ If you lower your standards a bit , there are plenty of qualified candidates . ”
Martin gave a wry smile . “ I can’t lower my standards . I’ve already found the perfect candidate . It’s just that she’s a bit reluctant . ”
“ Someone actually turned down the chance to be a graduate advisor at Mandino University ? ” Selina asked in astonishment .
Martin said , “ She’s Professor Colton . If anyone has the right to refuse , it’s her . ”
Selina asked in surprise , “ Professor Colton ? The developer of protease inhibitors ? ”
“ That’s her , ” Martin confirmed .
Selina asked , “ Is she at the event ? ”
Martin pointed and said , “ That beautiful young lady in the middle of the third row . ”
Selina glanced back and instantly spotted Aria .
She was stunned , thinking in disbelief . ‘ Professor Colton is actually that young? ‘
At that moment , Hannah was focused on the first row . Seeing Martin and Selina looking in her direction , her heart immediately settled .
The auction was about to start , and once it ended , she believed that Martin would definitely come looking for her .
Soon , the auction officially kicked off .
Soothing music filled the hall as waitstaff wheeled in serving carts , carefully arranging hors d’oeuvres and refreshments on each table .
A charity video played on the big screen as the host took the stage , offering warm commentary on the film while delivering heartfelt remarks .
The host announced , “ Ladies and gentlemen , the auction now officially begins ! ”
The auctioneer stepped onto the stage to introduce the opening lot . “ Donated by the Shaw Group , this limited – edition watch was handcrafted by a master from Masmubia . The starting bid is 16 thousand dollars , with no restrictions on bid increments . ”
No sooner had the auctioneer finished speaking than a voice called out , “ Thirty thousand dollars ! ”
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“ Sixty five thousand dollars ! ”
“ 150 thousand dollars ! ”
Most of the bidders were corporate executives . Some were looking to curry favor with the Shaw Group , while others truly desired the watch .
The hammer fell at 1.5 million dollars .
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The auction sped through lot after lot , its pace quickening , until a rare historical tome , donated by Owen , came up .
Hannah , an avid reader , immediately raised her paddle and called out , “ 150 thousand dollars . ”
“ Three hundred thousand dollars . ” The bid came from Martin .
Hannah was taken aback and didn’t bid again .
She believed Martin was planning to invite her to Mandino University . He probably knew she loved rare books , so he was bidding on this one to give to
hér .
Feeling elated , Hannah successfully bid on two pieces of jewelry for Elena .
The charity auction was drawing to a close , with only two lots remaining . The grand finale was a stunning jewelry masterpiece sculpted by Selina .
The penultimate lot was brought onto the stage , veiled beneath a red velvet drape .
This move caught everyone’s attention .
“ It looks like a painting .”
“ What painting is so special that they’re saving it for last ? ”
The auctioneer strode to center stage and , with a dramatic flourish , unveiled the red velvet drape .
“ Look ! Isn’t this Mono’s painting ? ” Someone gasped in shock .
Many in the audience sprang to their feet in shock .
Mono ceased painting many years ago , and his works were never for sale . Of the only five paintings in existence , two were displayed in museums , one was held by the Fine Art Society , and the remaining two were treasured in private collections .
This painting was one of those held in private collections .
It seemed impossible that Mono’s painting actually appeared at the charity auction event .
The auctioneer announced , “ Everyone , this painting is not Mono’s original work ;. It’s a replica . ”
Many suspected it was a replica . If it were the original , it would surely be the final auction item .
Uriah , the esteemed artist , rose and inquired , “ May I approach the stage for a closer look ? ”
The auctioneer nodded . “ Certainly , Mr. Preston . Please go ahead . ”
Uriah stepped onto the stage and carefully examined the painting with a portable microscope .
The entire hall held its breath ; not a single sound disturbed the silence .
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