After Palmer finished writing these words, he lifted his bidding paddle.
“Six and a half million.”
Whispers filled the room.
Weren't there rumors about bad blood between Larson and Palmer? Or perhaps, in the end, blood was thicker than water within the Pollack family?
Larson forced a smile that looked more like a grimace. Noella's words still echoed in his ears! Seeing Palmer, Larson couldn't help but feel as if he was there to witness the sale of his family's treasures.
According to the unwritten Pollack family code, only a failed son would resort to selling off the family's valuables!
Larson's cheeks burned with humiliation!
Thankfully, Palmer's bid sparked a flurry of others.
“Seven million.”
“Seven million and ten thousand.”
...
Larson was hosting the auction all by himself, but the process was all managed by a professional auction team to ensure fairness for all parties involved.
Backstage, a team clad in white gloves and masks stood ready for action!
Alkaid couldn't help but sneer, “This piece actually fetched nine million, huh? Some folks really have more money than sense.”
The painting in question, a masterpiece, was actually a fake – a clever reproduction painted by Ivan himself.
Ivan chuckled. “You just don't get it. It proves they appreciate my art.”
Megrez added, “They never suspected they were bidding on forgeries.”
Who would have thought Larson would dare to auction off nothing but fakes!
Standing on stage, Larson was all smiles. “Next up, we have a masterpiece by the renowned sculptor, Sylvie. An exquisite jade carving reminiscent of the iconic Welcome Pine. I spared no expense to acquire this piece. Let's start the bidding at one million.”
A lifelike jade sculpture was unveiled, its craftsmanship so exquisite it immediately drew bids.
“Two million!”
“Two and a half million!”
...
Noella yawned, unimpressed.
Though a fine piece, it wasn't one of her creations. Imitators were indeed plentiful these days.
Noella smirked as several “masterpieces” were successfully auctioned off.
Lucian was about to bid when Helen stopped him. “Fakes.”
With a lifetime of experience in antiques, her judgment was rarely wrong. At her words, Lucian scrutinized the piece more closely.
Noella raised an eyebrow.
Helen's discernment was impressive indeed!
Noella recognized that she had never carved this jade sculpture herself, so she knew it was fake. However, Helen relied solely on her visual judgment to discern authenticity!
Lucian reluctantly put down his paddle. “How did you know?”
“If you had eyes, you'd see it too. But considering your track record, I'm not surprised you didn't notice.”
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