Chapter 126
After all, the last times Stewart took her to galas and that tech expo, Thorne had completely ignored her.
As she was mulling over this, the auction was about to begin. The auctioneer took the stage and the room fell silent.
Charlene had already carefully reviewed the auction catalog earlier that evening.
She had her eye on a set of emerald jewelry and a renowned artist’s tapestry.
“Which one to bid on would depend on how the evening unfolded.
The auction kicked off promptly.
Charlene, with clear objectives, didn’t raise her paddle unless she was interested in an item. Thorne and Vesta hadn’t made any moves either.
After a while, Charlene and Connie noticed Vesta starting to bid.
Vesta was after a diamond bracelet, a piece clearly designed by a renowned international designer, perfect for the younger crowd. Undoubtedly, Thorne was bidding on this bracelet for Vesta.
The opening bid for the bracelet was $150,000.
Vesta raised it to $300,000.
Others pushed it to $400,000.
At this point, Charlene noticed Vesta and Thorne conferring briefly before Vesta, with a clear voice that resonated through the hall, bid: “$800,000.” Her bid caused a stir.
While the bracelet was stylish, its intrinsic value didn’t justify $800,000. Even $400,000 was a stretch. But Vesta seemed to adore the bracelet. Thorne, who had deep pockets, seemed determined to ensure that no one outbid Vesta, hence the staggering bid of $800,000.
This move by Thorne, his disregard for the cost and his indulgence towards Vesta, shocked and sparked conversations among the crowd.
As expected, after the $800,000 bid, no one else bid.
Vesta successfully acquired the bracelet.
Connie, green with envy, muttered through clenched teeth, “Makes my teeth hurt.”
Before Charlene could respond, the next round of bidding began.
Some time later, an antique vase was presented.
Vesta bid again.
The vase’s starting bid was $500,000.
While others were raising by $50,000 or $100,000, Vesta’s opening bid was $1,000,000.
Immediately, the number of bidders dropped.
However, the room was not short of wealthy individuals.
Seon, a male voice chimed in: “$1,500,000.”,
Charlene looked over.
He was a young man, remarkably handsome.
That’s Dalton Ramirez,” Connie informed Charlene.
Charlene nodded.
Vesta seemed hesitant now, looking towards Thorne.
From this, Charlene and Connie could tell, Vesta personally wanted the vase.
Just then, Charlene remembered Vesta’s grandmother, Katie Hawkins, was also an avid antique collector.
It was clear, Vesta was bidding on the vase for Katie.
Thorne nodded, and Vesta raised her paddle again: “$2,500,000.”
Dalton smiled and said, “$3,000,000.”
Vesta hesitated even more, consulting with Thorne, seemingly ready to give up.
But Thorne shook his head.
Vesta bid again: “$4,000,000.”
Dalton’s voice rang out once more: “$5,000,000.”
He smiled, looking over at Thorne’s direction.
Vesta frowned, turning to Thorne, “Maybe… we should let it go?”
$5,000,000 was just too much.