Chapter 8
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Soon, the final item of today’s auction was displayed–an Enchanted Gem Statue.
Claudine gave a detailed explanation of its specifications in a perfect Zutraican accent, her unique, enthralling rhythm holding everyone’s attention.
She scanned the room before pointing at the VIP section.
“The bidding starts with an opening price of 1.6 million dollars. I currently have a written commission bid of 4 mil- lion dollars. Do we have any offers from the floor?”
Some began raising their paddles.
Claudine closely monitored the audience’s reactions as well as phone and online bids. Seamlessly switching between English and Zutraican, she led the auction with practiced ease. Soon, the price soared to 8 million dollars.
“10 million dollars!”
Lindsay raised the paddle.
Damian had specifically asked her to secure the statue.
The entire venue immediately fell silent. The auction hit a lull, and no one raised their paddle.
10 million dollars far surpassed the client’s ideal range, but Claudine wasn’t satisfied.
That was when her preparation paid off.
Before the auction, she had done her homework. She had searched massive archival documents and comparable sale records, trying to present collectors with comprehensive, objective insights. In this way, they could fully grasp the lot- s‘ scarcity and significance.
She adjusted her posture from slightly leaning forward to standing upright before giving a detailed introduction of the sculpture’s rarity and investment value. Then she said, “Ms. Powell has placed a bid of 10 million dollars. It seems she’s determined to go home with the statue.”
With that, she looked over at the VIP section.
“Do we have any further challengers for Ms. Powell?”
Soon, someone offered 12 million dollars.
Claudine immediately said, “12 million dollars from the gentleman in the front! Can we reach 13 million dollars?”
Though she still seemed elegant, she deliberately spoke faster, adding a touch of urgency to her poised demeanor. Soon, an invisible tension filled the air.
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Chapter 8
“13 million dollars from an online bidder!
“Can I hear higher?
“16 million dollars! It seems congratulations are in order to the gentleman in the front.”
Looking at Lindsay, she smiled, “Ms. Powell, would you like to make a phone call for instructions?”
288 (Vouchers
It wasn’t the first time Lindsay had attended an auction for Damian. Claudine’s performance had proven her capabili- ties beyond question, which totally impressed Lindsay.
She called Damian and came back with an offer of 21 million dollars.
“21 million dollars going once… Twice… Sold to Ms. Powell! Congratulations, Ms. Powell!”
The price established a new benchmark for the statue. What was more, it put Claudine back on the map in the auction world.
Surrounded by a crowd, Claudine smiled graciously at everyone’s compliments. All traces of her earlier grievance around Damian were gone, replaced by a new confidence that even made her eyes sparkle.
Staring at her, Lindsay couldn’t help but wonder–had Damian ever seen this side of her?
It was late after the celebratory banquet ended.
Claudine drank a lot. She couldn’t remember the last time she was this happy.
Roberto insisted on giving her a lift, and she found it rude to reject him.
Outside her penthouse, she pushed open the door and stepped out of the car.
“Thanks for tonight,” she smiled gracefully.
Roberto smiled, too. “Go on up. You don’t wanna get cold.”
After waving at him, she walked toward the elevator.
Holding an umbrella, she walked through the winter rain. Under the dim yellow streetlight, a halo seemed to envelop her, rendering her beauty almost ethereal.
As Roberto stared at her retreating figure, his heart skipped a beat.
He couldn’t help but feel a bit regretful. He should have come back sooner…
It was already very late after Damian put Darlene to sleep.
Claudine hadn’t been around for the past few days. Though there were maids at home, Darlene refused to be alone with them. After all, Claudine had been taking care of her since her childhood.
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