The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 17

"Boss, why aren't we going in?" Chase asked.

Ellinor stood still, watching Theo alight from his car and enter the auction house. She frowned, "I saw someone I don't fancy. Let's wait a bit before we go in."

Chase followed her gaze, "That looks like Theo from the Blanchet family! Boss, do you know him?"

Ellinor looked displeased, "We're not exactly pals."

The auction house had two levels. The ground floor was for regular customers, and the upper floor was for VIPs who preferred privacy. It was filled with private booths, each with its distinct number.

Theo was in booth number 1, and Ellinor was in booth number 7.

After a few ordinary antiques were auctioned off, several oil paintings, the main attractions of the auction, were brought onto the stage. The auctioneer professionally introduced the era and the value of these paintings, before starting the bidding at a million dollars!

"1.5 million!"

"2 million!"

"3 million!"

Eventually, these paintings were won by a mysterious buyer from booth number 1 for a whopping 1.8 million dollars, causing a stir among the spectators!

Inside booth number 7.

Ellinor lazily leaned back on the couch, yawning. So, the weirdo came for the oil paintings.

He had got the paintings now. There was nothing left worth seeing. He should be leaving soon, right?

"Next up, we have a masterpiece by the famous Impressionist artist Lady Lotus, 'Whispers in the Wind'. The starting bid is half a million dollars!"

Here it was!

“Bidder number 3 bids $600,000!"

"Number 11 bids $700,000!"

"Number 5 bids $750,000!"

Ellinor gave Chase the nod, signaling him to start bidding.

"Number 7 bids a straight one million!"

The audience gasped, this person really knew how to throw money around!

The auctioneer started to count, "One million once! One million twice! One..."

As he was about to finalize, Collin from booth number 1 suddenly raised his paddle.

The auctioneer was taken aback, his tone suddenly filled with excitement, "Bidder number 1 bids two million!"

There was an uproar in the room...

He jumped straight to two million! Was number 1 trying to compete with number 7?

Ellinor frowned, why hadn’t that weirdo left?

Chase wasn't pleased either, "What's Mr. Blanchet's deal? Trying to show off his wealth?"

Ellinor calmly instructed, "Chase, keep going!"

"Yes, boss!"

"Number 7 bids two and a half million, any higher offers?"

"Number 1 bids three million!"

"Number 7 bids four million!"

"Number 1 bids five million!"

"Five million once, five million twice…"

Ellinor's eyes darkened, the trouble now was that she was running out of funds.

Chase suggested, "Boss, this painting is important to you. We could temporarily use the money set aside for the project!"

Ellinor shook her head, "No, we can't compromise the company's financial health because of my personal business. I'll find another way to get the painting. For today, let him have it!"

Chase was helpless.

The auctioneer slammed his hammer, declaring bidder number 1 as the winner of 'Whispers in the Wind' for five million dollars.

Everyone was stunned. Bidder number 1 spent five million on a painting far beyond its worth!