Chapter 363



Rumors had been circulating about Courtney’s sudden disappearance. Such events were unheard of in a law-abiding society. Deep down, Melinda was aware that Stan was behind Courtney’s vanishing. Yet, Courtney had stood by him through thick and thin for many years. How ruthless he was!

These thoughts made Melinda’s palms clammy and her heart turn cold. She was resolute about acquiring the painting, the one to Charlene’s liking as the rumor had suggested. She surmised eighty million was more than enough.

When the painting finally appeared as the last item of the auction, Melinda didn’t hesitate.

“Fifty million!” she declared, straightening her posture with confidence.

Melinda assumed her extravagant bid was bound to deter others. She doubted anyone would willingly invest as heavily as she did.

However, her smug smile faded quickly.

A bidding war erupted soon after Melinda bid fifty million. More aggressive bids echoed through the auction house, everyone’s passion in securing this painting evident. It didn’t take long before the bidding reached a staggering eighty-five million.

However, Melinda’s budget capped at eighty million. She watched, her hands shaking, as the numbers climbed beyond her reach. Disbelief clouded her face. How had the bidding spiraled so high?

The painting, with a modest starting price of eight million, was now the subject of a frenzied auction. Were the bidders mad?

Unbeknownst to Melinda, her rival in the auction harbored the same intentions as hers for the painting. At Melinda’s side, the servant spoke up, her voice laced with panic, “Madam, it seems someone has leaked the news about Mrs. Martel’s rumored likeness to the painting. Everyone here today is after this painting.”

“What?” Melinda shot to her feet, a wave of dizziness threatening to topple her.

The servant caught Melinda’s arm, steadying her.

“Maybe someone else bought the news and spread it.”

“Fool!” In a fit of rage, Melinda’s hand flew, striking the servant across the face. “You couldn’t even manage this simple task? Why didn’t you pay some extra money to keep this information to ourselves?”

The servant shielded her face with her hands and explained, “Madam, the money you gave me couldn’t cover that. The money is all saved up for today. How can I possibly afford to pay someone extra money?”

“Where is that good-for-nothing Dean? Didn’t you get any money from him?”

Her eyes wide with fear, the servant stammered, “Madam, please, I can’t face Dean again. How could I dare?”

Melinda, struck dumb for a moment by the audacity, quickly found her rage and slapped the servant once more. She sank back into her chair, massaging her throbbing temples as her chest heaved with frustration.

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