Chapter 364



“Now, go out and tell those bidders that I am a member of the Reeves family. Ask them to cease the bidding. They should back off for the sake of the Reeves family’s reputation. I want to see who has the nerve to challenge the Reeves family.”

The servant bit her lip and hesitated. Yet, under Melinda’s gaze, she walked out of the private room.

This tactic seemed to work. Most backed down from the bidding upon hearing the Reeves family’s determination to secure the painting. Though the Reeves dynasty was fading, it was still formidable. The Reeves family hadn’t collapsed yet.

Just as Melinda was convinced of her imminent victory, a crisp, assertive female voice cut through the tension.

“The Reeves family? So? What if I refuse to back down?”

Melinda turned toward the mocking voice, spotting the No. 1 private room. So, the occupants of the No. 1 private room were also eager to purchase the painting. Melinda cursed under her breath. It seemed Charlee’s rumored likeness for this painting had somehow become known to many.

Melinda had frequented this auction house and knew well about the privileges the No. 1 private room held. Even though Melinda was a member of the Reeves family, the director of this auction house, Errol, would never allow her access to the No. 1 private room.

The reason was quite simple. The Reeves family was lacking, not qualified enough to take that room. Despite the Reeves family’s discontent, they knew the owner of this auction house, along with Errol, had formidable connections that no one dared to challenge.

𝔤𝓪𝓵𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵𝓼.𝓬𝓸𝓶 – more stories here The servant, filled with indignation, immediately said to Melinda, “How could that woman say such words? Was that a challenge to the Reeves family? Madam, let’s go and confront that arrogant woman.”

“Enough!” Melinda’s frustration was evident, yet she felt powerless. “We can’t afford to offend the occupants of the No. 1 private room. Yet, no matter what, people should at least show some respect to the Reeves family, given we’re all in Avalon.”

As soon as Melinda stepped out of the No. 4 private room, her demeanor changed instantly. Melinda approached the No. 1 private room and said politely, “Hello there, I’m Melinda from the Reeves family. May I know your name? I have no intention of competing for anything with you. It’s just that the painting holds some significance to me. I hope you can allow me to have it. Once I have this painting, I’ll personally visit your home to express my gratitude. Although the Reeves family isn’t in the best shape right now, name your terms, and I’ll manage to fulfill them.”

Only silence in the No. 1 private room answered Melinda. Onlookers began to murmur among themselves. “Seriously? The Reeves family was this courteous to someone?”

“Could the occupants in the No. 1 private room be from the Hayes family? Or maybe the Simpson family?”

“Are you kidding? Even if the Simpson and Hayes families joined forces, they wouldn’t command this kind of respect from the Reeves family. These must be people with even more power.”

The No. 1 private room remained silent as if the previous comments hadn’t been uttered. Yet, the bidding was still on.

Melinda’s palms grew sweaty, her irritation intensifying. The servant hesitantly asked, “Madam, it seems they aren’t backing off. Should we continue to raise the price?”

“What are you even suggesting?” Melinda snapped, her frustration spilling over. “How on earth could I get that much money? If I spend too much on this painting, it might cause me trouble.”

As soon as Melinda finished speaking, a bid echoed from the No. 1 private room, “One hundred million!”

Melinda’s knees weakened, and she nearly collapsed. “Nuts! It’s just a painting, and it’s being sold for nearly one hundred million!” she commented inwardly.

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