Alyssaâs round eyes turned cold. She gave Landon a deadpan look.
Jasper noticed his indecent behavior, and his face turned dark!
âHow did I do just now?â Landon returned to Jasperâs side with a grin, nudging his elbow.
âGreat. Iâll kill you if you try that again,â Jasper replied with a chilling glint in his eyes.
Landon felt hopeless as he said, âWhy are you always picking on me? Youâre harder to deal with. than all the hundreds of girlfriends Iâve had combined!â
Soon, the first auction item was presented to the audience.
It was a landscape painting from the 20th century. It was a simple brushwork painting that captured the essence of the scenery, truly a masterpiece. But, the artist wasnât famous, so the starting price was only one million dollars.
Jasperâs interest in antique artworks was limited. However, he had his fair share of knowledge since his grandfather and father were both avid collectors.
He immediately recognized the painting upon seeing it. There was an identical one in his grandfatherâs studio, an authentic piece. The one being auctioned was most likely a wellâcrafted replica.
Replicas and fakes were quite different. Highâquality replicas could fetch high prices, but it was unlikely in the presence of authentic work.
âOne million five hundred thousand!â
âTwo million!â
âThree million!â
Just as the auctioneer was about to hammer down, a clear and gentle voice rang out âFive million.â Alyssa casually raised her paddle. She surprised everyone with her bid.
Jasper glanced at Alyssaâs face and felt suspicious.
First, the painting wasnât worth five million. The three million was already too much.
Second, Alice had spent so much time with his grandfather. She helped him manage his treasures, antiques, and paintings. She must know his grandfather had the authentic piece.
So why would she spend her money on this replica?
âSix million!â Everyone turned around to see Liana raising her paddle high. She couldnât bear to âSeven million!â Alyssa raised her paddle once again.
âEight million!â Liana followed and yelled loudly.
Rosaline was nervous. She had never attended such an auction before. The price of a single painting had already reached seven million.
It was just the first item. Shouldnât they wait and view the others?
âMom, should we follow along?â Betty asked Sophia quietly. She was slightly displeased with Liana stealing the limelight.
âWe are family. Letâs not compete with each other.â Sophia had attended many auctions and knew the superior items were usually kept until the end.
âNine million.â Alyssa raised her paddle again. She was determined to win the painting.
Rosalineâs blood pressure rose. She hadnât planned to spend such a high budget on the birthday gift for Mr. Beckett Senior. She was truly feeling the pinch!
âTen million!â Liana was already caught up in the bidding frenzy, her eyes red as she raised her paddle again.
The crowd was in an uproar!
Yet, Landon burst into laughter. âItâs the first auction item, and itâs not something valuable. Yet it has reached this price. Iâve made quite a huge profit! So, Jasper, should I thank the exâMrs.
Beckett or the current Mrs. Beckett?â
Jasper clenched his hands into fists. His lips were pursed into a thin line, and his face was dark as an impending storm.
âLia, donât follow Alice into whatever she bids! Ten million is too much!â Rosaline held Lianaâs hand. Her palms were sweating as she advised her.
Alyssa smiled mockingly. It seemed like she was about to raise the paddle, but she refrained.
âTen million! Sold! Congratulations to Miss Liana from the Gardner Group for acquiring the famous painting!â
Lianaâs face was flushed with joy, feeling triumphant. She thought she had outshined that despicable woman.
However, Rosaline felt her heart sink. Her face froze into a frown.
At that moment, Sean watched the situation unfold through his phone from outside the bidding hall