Chapter 6
Under the intense stares of the crowd, Yancey had no intention of backing down. He quickly raised his bidding card, declaring, “13 million dollars.”
“18 million dollars!” The auctioneer echoed, his excitement palpable.
Daphne raised an eyebrow, momentarily surprised. Increasing the bid by 2.5 million dollars in one shot? It seems that Yancey’s patience is wearing thin
But she relished the torment; she wouldn’t let him off the hook until he hit his emotional breaking point. With a determined glint in her eyes, she raised her paddle again.
*13.1 million dollars? The auctioneer was practically trembling with excitement as he looked toward Yancey.
“15 million!”
“13.1 million dollars!”
No matter what Yancey bid, Daphne would always add an extra 100 thousand dollars–just enough to humiliate him without being excessive.
18.1 million dollars.” She raised her paddle again, confident and unyielding.
*18.1 million dollars, going once!” The auctioneer brought down the first gavel. He glanced toward Yancey, seemingly waiting for him to place
another bid.
But this time, Yancey’s paddle stayed firmly in his hands–he seemed ready to back down.
“Oh no, is he going to give up on this painting” The auctioneer shot a worried glance at Daphne, only to find her calm and composed, even a faint smile playing on her lips.
The second gavel fell. “18.1 million dollars twice”
The tension in the room thickened, and everyone held their breath, waiting for Yancey to make his move.
As the seconds dragged on, the auctioneer started to sweat. 18.1 million dollars, last call–any takers?”
Silence enveloped the room, so profound that the anxious beating of countless hearts could be heard.
A full ten seconds ticked by without Yancey raising his paddle, and the crowd exchanged knowing looks, convinced that the auction had concluded The auctioneer was thinking the same thing, and he was about to close the auction. Raising the gavel for the third time, he began, “18.1 million-” Just, a cold voice swept through the air like ice. “20 million dollars”
The audience gasped in shock, their eyes widening as they turned to Yancey, who was confidently holding up his bidding sign in the corner. No one had predicted that a painting initially appraised at just around 8 million dollars would skyrocket to such an astounding price.
20 million dollars, once the auctioneer called out, his excitement unmistakable.
20 million dollars twice he continued, his voice ringing in the heightened air.
Chester leaned in closer to Daphne, gently tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. With a soft smile, he asked, “Not bidding anymore!”
Daphne propped her chin on her hand and replied lazily, “It’s no longer interesting. I’m done.
“Alright, we won’t play. Amused and somewhat resigned, Chester affectionately patted her head. But when he turned around, he caught a cold glare shooting his way from across the room.
Over there, Yancey’s expression was grim, his icy stare locked our Chester’s hand resting on Daphne’s shoulder.
Chester quickly wiped the smile off his face, glancing at Yancey with an air of superiority before looking away. ‘So what if he’s the heir to the Goodman Group! We Sheppards don’t start trouble, but we sure don’t back down from it either.
“20 million dollars for the third time!‘ The auctioneer’s gavel fell, signaling the end of the bidding–the painting was officially sold for an astounding 20 million dollars.
Now, it was clear to everyone that Yancey wasn’t really interested in the painting. Instead, his focus was entirely on the person bidding against him. Whispers started to ripple through the crowd.
“Aren’t those two about to get divorced?”
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10:51 AM
Chapter 6
“Yeah, they don’t seem like a couple at all–there’s no love there.
“Did you see the look in Mr. Goodman’s eyes? He was clearly furious because she’s been cheating on him.”
“Don’t get me started, that woman is definitely just trying to cause trouble for Yancey.
To them, Daphne and Yancey seemed less like a married couple and more like sworn enemies.
Daphne was utterly indifferent to the speculations about her and Yancey. Instead, she engaged animatedly in conversation with Chester, even leaning her head lightly against his shoulder when the discussion grew lively
Chester maintained a gentle smile throughout, his eyes almost brimming with affection.
Their intimate display left the audience in stunned silence, especially Yancey. Although he had secured the painting, his heart felt heavy with unresolved emotions.
As he averted his gaze, he spotted Hannah discreetly raising her phone to snap a picture of Daphne. “What are you doing?” he asked, frowning
Caught off guard, Hannah quickly scrambled for an excuse. “I just wanted to take a picture.”
Yancey shot a serious look at the photo on Hannah’s phone, where Daphne and Chester appeared cozy. His eyes narrowed as he asked, “Why did you take pictures of thein?
Nervously, Hannah stammered, “L… I just can’t stand it. How can Daphne behave like that? You two aren’t divorced yet, and right in front of you and so many others, she’s cozying up with another man. Isn’t that just publicly humiliating you?”
Yancey studied her for a moment, then turned his gaze back to the front, his tone calm but carrying a weight of warning. “Don’t do anything foolish
Hannah clenched her phone tightly. “Okay”
After the auction concluded, Daphne and Chester left for a nearby fancy restaurant. As they emerged from the parking lot and headed toward the entrance, they inadvertently crossed paths with Yancey and Hannah, who were also there to dine.
385 2
Upon spotting Daphne, Hannah called out, “Daphnet”
Daphne tossed a glance in her direction. “Do you need something?” Her tone was curt, as distant as if they were mere acquaintances.
Seemingly oblivious to the palpable tension, Hannah reached out to grab Daphne’s arm. Daphne smoothly sidestepped her, but Hannah was undeterred. “I know you’re angry with me, but you shouldn’t act like this, Daphne.”
“What did I do?” Daphne queried, genuinely amused.
Hannah’s gaze shifted to the painting. “That painting wasn’t worth that much,” she remarked. It was shocking that a piece valued at only three million had sold for almost ten times that amount at the auction–it felt like burning money for charity.
Daphne chuckled. “Whether it’s worth that much or not, didn’t Mr. Goodman place the bid himself?”
Hannah appeared visibly indignant on Yancey’s behalf. “If it weren’t for your bidding…
Daphne shrugged, her indifference evident. “I bid because I wanted to,”
“Then why did you stop bidding at the end?” Hannah asked, her frustration bubbling over. ‘She pushed the price up so high and then just walked away–this was blatant price manipulation.
Daphne smirked, a hint of mockery lacing her smile. “I just didn’t want it anymore. Is that a problem?”
“You” Hannabavclaimed her cheeks flushing with anger her sinu rag‘ fun afford
Since
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