hapter 48
Chapter 48
In the center room, Ash was leisurely enjoying the snacks that had been specially prepared. The desserts were beautifully arranged, and she picked a lemon–flavored one with her fork.
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As the tangy sweetness melted on her tongue, she gave a slight nod of approval. It was sweet but not overly so. Satisfied, she reached for another piece.
Just as she took another bite, the curtain at the entrance parted, and a tall figure entered the room.
Seeing Calvert stride in, Ash lowered her fork and raised an eyebrow lazily. “What brings you here?”
“No other rooms left. Guess I’ll share yours,” Calvert replied with a smirk, noticing her unenthused expression. “What’s the matter? Not happy to see me?”
“Got that right.” Ash wasn’t buying the excuse that the heir to the Snider family couldn’t secure his own private room. There had to be another reason behind his visit.
Unfazed, Calvert casually took a seat on the couch. Every inch of him radiated the refinement and effortless grace of someone used to luxury.
Ash glanced at him briefly, then returned to her food. She sipped her coffee and continued enjoying the desserts, deciding there was no harm in letting him stay. After all, he was easy on the eyes.
Calvert watched her quietly, noting how relaxed she seemed as she savored each bite. Her cheeks puffed out slightly as she ate, making her look like an adorable squirrel.
Her bright eyes sparkled with contentment as she took her time enjoying the food. The sight was unexpectedly charming.
Curious about what had her so enthralled, Calvert picked up a fork and decided to try one of the desserts himself. He’d had these before and hadn’t been impressed.
After taking a bite, he set his fork down. It was just as he remembered – not his style. Still, for some reason, watching Ash enjoy them made them seem more tempting.
Calvert didn’t interrupt her, simply waiting patiently.
Soon, the auction officially began.
In the adjacent room, Jade was fuming. Not only had Ash not been kicked out, but Calvert had also joined her in the room. Jade couldn’t help but wonder what the two of them were up to in there.
But the curtain blocked her view, leaving her in anxious frustration with no way to satisfy her curiosity.
On stage, the host, Madeline, stood in a stunning, form–fitting gown that highlighted her elegant figure. Her once loose curls were now pinned up, giving her a refined, professional allure that captured everyone’s attention.
Ash watched her friend with a smile.
Calvert, unaware of their friendship, noticed the smile playing on Ash’s lips. “See something you like?” he asked.
Ash nodded without hesitation. She was proud of her best friend
“Feel free to bid on anything. It’s all on me today,” Calvert said casually. For the next year, Ash was supposed to play the role
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Chapter 48
of his girlfriend. He took care of his people, always.
Ash raised an eyebrow at his offer. She shook her head. “I’ve got my own money.”
“For the next year, you’re by my side. I’ll cover everything. My woman, my treat,” Calvert said firmly.
Ash gave him a thoughtful look, sensing there was more to his words than just a simple offer.
Suddenly, Calvert added, “If you ever need money, come to me.’d prefer you cut ties with other men.”
“Sure, no problem,” Ash agreed easily. She didn’t have other men in her life, so this request wasn’t difficult for her to accept.
Calvert misread her casual agreement, assuming she was referring to cutting ties with that guy from Shadow Ventures. Satisfied, he didn’t press the issue further.
On stage, Madeline reiterated the auction rules before officially kicking off the event.
Beside her, a platform slowly rose, revealing an exquisite porcelain vase. The colors were well–preserved, though there were a few small cracks around the rim.
“This porcelain piece was excavated from an ancient tomb…” Madeline began her introduction.
Ash glanced at it and immediately recognized its authenticity. She believed the auction had some hidden gems, starting with a legitimate antique.
“You like it?” Calvert asked, noticing her interest.
“No.” Ash waved it off. Her master had far better pieces in perfect condition. To her, this was just an ordinary object. Instead of wasting money on something that would sit around, she’d prefer to spend on something practical, like medicinal herbs.
The vase finally sold for 700 thousand dollars.
Next, an ancient painting was unveiled. “This ancient painting has been authenticated as the work of a renowned artist. Experts confirm its genuineness. The starting bid is 2 million dollars,” Madeline announced.
All eyes turned to the painting. The slightly yellowed scroll showed its age, but the vibrant central image was well–preserved. The lifelike expressions of the figures caught everyone’s attention.
Ash considered it for a moment. Brooke, her mother, was a fan of ancient art, and her birthday was coming up. Ash thought this could make the perfect gift.
She waited as the bidding climbed. When it reached 3.5 million dollars, only three bidders remained.
“5 million dollars!” Ash raised her paddle.
Finally hearing that from the center room, Jade watched in disbelief, trying to figure out who was making the bid.
Her eyes darted to the clock on stage, and it suddenly hit her- Brooke’s birthday was in three days. Panic set in. She’d been so focused on competing with Ash that she nearly forgot it.
“5.5 million dollars!” Jade quickly raised her paddle, determined not to let Ash get the upper hand.
Ash frowned slightly but then raised her paddle again. “6 million dollars.”
“6.5 million dollars,” Jade responded instantly, refusing to back down. If she could get this painting for Brooke, it would
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Chapter 48
prove who really cared. But if Ash won, Jade knew she wouldn’t have time to find a better gift.
Ash thought of how much Brooke cared for her. She wasn’t about to let this go easily. “7 million dollars,” she said.
From that point on, every time Ash raised the price, Jade would counter by increasing it by just three thousand dollars.
Ash was starting to get annoyed. This wasn’t fair bidding – it felt personal.
On stage, Madeline noticed what was happening and shot Ash a subtle glance. While the painting was valuable, anything over 10 million dollars would be way overpriced.
Ash caught her friend’s hint, and her lips curled into a smile. She raised her paddle confidently. “15 million dollars.”
