08:52
Chapter 127
Thorne chuckled, “No worries, isn’t it something your grandma adores? Go for it.”
Vesta’s heart melted at Thorne’s smile, lifting her paddle again, “Sixty million,”
Dalton was quick to follow: “Seventy million.”
After his bid, he turned to Thorne and said, “Mr. Henderson, you know how the elderly folks at home love these treasures. Could you do me a solid?”
Thorne glanced over with a polite smile, “Sorry, Mr. Ramirez, but the elders in my family love it too.”
Their exchange was open for all to hear. Naturally, Charlene and Connie overheard. The vase was for Katie.
Yet Thorne referred to her simply as “the elders in my family,” showing he already considered the Hawkins family his own.
This contrasted starkly with how he treated other family members.
Vesta raised her paddle: “Eighty–five million.”
This time, Dalton did not counter.
Ultimately, Vesta secured the antique vase for eighty–five million, drawing envious glances from around the
room.
Yet, even with the deal done, Vesta felt a bit uneasy.
Though the Hawkins were well–off, and her grandmother was indeed an antique enthusiast who’d spend a fair bit on her passion yearly, dropping nearly a hundred million on a single item was beyond their wildest dreams.
If her family found out, it would surely be a shock.
Moreover, Thorne had initially suggested she bid a hundred million.
But she felt that was too steep, opting for eighty–five million instead.
Vesta’s heart warmed at the thought of Thorne’s generosity.
Connie couldn’t help but exclaim, “Damn, that’s almost a hundred million!” Adding both items, the total was indeed nearing a hundred million.
Connie felt more than just a tinge of jealousy; it was overwhelming.
Charlene’s expression turned sour, noticing which, Connie asked, “You okay, Charlene?”
Seeing Thorne treat his mistress so well, especially knowing this mistress was the daughter of her father’s mistress, must have been hard to swallow.
But Charlene’s concern wasn’t about Thorne’s spending.
“It’s his money; he can spend it however he likes. I’m not interested. What bothers me is, if I want something Thorne and Vesta are bidding on, I stand no chance with my budget.”
Connie realized the predicament, “Right… but she’s already won two items. She might not bid again, right?”
One could only hope.
But with Thorne’s wealth, he could easily spend a few hundred million more without batting an eye.
As Charlene pondered this, the tapestry she was interested in was presented on stage.
The starting bid was five million.
Someone quickly offered six million.
Charlene raised her paddle, “Seven million.”
08:52
apter 27
nitially, Vesta hadn’t noticed Charlene. But as soon as Charlene spoke, Vesta recognized her voice.
Tuming around, their eyes met.
Vesta’s expression was unreadable as she swiftly turned away and raised her paddle, declaring, “Ten million.”
Charlene’s heart sank.
Vesta had recognized her voice, and Charlene couldn’t believe Thorne hadn’t.
Yet, he didn’t turn around.
* Connie cursed under her breath, “Damn it! She’s bidding again!”
Dalton also entered the fray, “Fifteen million.”
Charlene bit her lip, raising her paddle, “Eighteen million.”
Without looking back, Vesta countered, “Twenty–five million.”
