Chapter 44: Bidding Wars and Billionaire Games
The first few items sold quickly ── a rare bottle of wine, a designer handbag, a limited-edition watch. The bidding kept rising and rising, fueled by rich people wanting to win. It was wild to watch all that money thrown around like it was nothing he bidding just kept going higher, driven by affluent people wanting to win. It was amazing to see all that money being thrown around like it was nothing. It made me a little sick, honestly.
Adrien remained silent, Nothing changed in his expression. He sat quietly, like a silent hunter in a room full of easy prey. Or he was prey too; trapped in the fancy trap.
Suddenly, the auctioneer announced the next item: "Lot number seven: A breathtaking bronze sculpture by Edgar Deg Then the auctioneer introduced the next item: "Lot number seven: a stunning bronze sculpture by Edgar Degas called ’Danseuse au Repos.’ This piece hardly ever shows up in private collections and captures the fleeting beauty of a ballerina at rest."
A light fell upon the sculpture—a delicate rendering of a ballerina seated on a bench, her head bowed, her body eminating a tired grace. It was undeniably beautiful and had a sorrowful loveliness that speaks to me.
The bidding started high and escalated quickly. The paddles waved frantically, the numbers climbing into the millions. I glanced at Adrien, wondering if this was something he was interested in.
He was watching the bidding intently, but his face gave nothing away.
A woman two rows in front of us, adorned in a red dress that barely concealed her assets hesitated, glancing at a gentleman with silver hair. He met her gaze, a silent challenge passing between them.
Finally, she shook her head, a tight smile on her face. The gentleman with silver hair raised his paddle.
"Three million five hundred thousand!" she announced, her voice cutting through the auctioneer’s chant.
The room went silent. That was a hefty bid.
The auctioneer scanned for more bidders. "Going once... going twice...