Chapter 49
Chapter 49
–
88%1
+23
Calvert frowned slightly. While the item was rare, it wasn’t worth that much. He was about to say something, but then he noticed Ash’s playful smirk and immediately understood what she was up to.
In the next room, Jade’s heart raced when she heard the bid. 15 million dollars was nearly her entire fortune. If she went through with it, she’d be completely broke.
But if she let Ash win and cozy up to Brooke, she’d lose her influence with the Turner family. She was caught in a dilemma.
On stage, Madeline gave Ash a disappointed look, but Ash just winked mischievously back at her.
“15 million dollars. Do I hear any higher bids?” Madeline’s voice shapped Jade back to reality.
Clenching her jaw, Jade raised the bid by three thousand dollars, the minimum increment. If Ash wanted this painting so badly, Jade wasn’t going to make it easy for her.
But Ash didn’t respond. Instead, she smiled slyly, her plan falling into place.
“You did that on purpose, didn’t you?” Calvert asked.
“I’m not stupid enough to pay double for something I don’t really want,” Ash replied coolly, her eyes twinkling. “They’re targeting me with those tiny raises. So, if they want it, let them pay for it.”
Calvert’s expression softened as he realized the strategy. He almost forgot – the higher the items sold for, the more money he made. With just a few clever moves, Ash had boosted his earnings.
The auction continued, offering items like emerald jewelry, diamonds, and antiques.
Ash found herself intrigued. The quality of the items was extraordinary, some even from foreign museums. She believed whoever was behind Prime Oasis had serious connections.
With the huge turnout that day, the bidding for most items far exceeded expectations, and Ash estimated the boss would make well over 30 million dollars.
She glanced at Calvert, who hadn’t placed a single bid all night. ‘Is he just here to cover my expenses?‘ she wondered.
Then Madeline grabbed the crowd’s attention. “Our final three items relate to everyday health. First up is miracle doctor Prunella’s nourishing pill. It has a two–year shelf life and is a must–have for heart patients.
“In emergencies like heart failure, this pill can extend a patient’s life by at least ten days. For those with chronic heart conditions, it eases symptoms and can even cure mild cases. This isn’t just medicine – it’s a potential lifesaver. The starting bid is 3.5 million dollars.”
Immediately, the bidding war began. “5 million dollars!”
“7 million dollars!” another one chimed in.
The price skyrocketed to 20 million dollars in no time.
Watching from her private room, Jade was filled with regret. She thought she should never have blown 15 million dollars on that painting.
Brooke had always had a weak heart, and this nourishing pill would’ve been the perfect gift. But now, Jade was out of funds.
1/3
Exclusive Profile
08:49 Tue, Feb 18
Chapter 49
Suddenly, an idea flashed through her mind, and Jade raised her paddle. “25 million dollars!”
242.88%
The room fell silent. For those in need, the nourishing pill was invaluable, but for everyone else, it had a limited shelf life and would be useless in two years.
As the bidding slowed, Jade started to panic. She didn’t actually have that kind of money,
Just then, Madeline’s voice rang out again. “30 million dollars! Any higher bids?”
From the stage, she saw it was Calvert who had raised his paddle Looks like most of Mr. Snider’s earnings tonight are heading straight into Ash’s pocket, Madeline thought with a wry smile. She brought down the gavel, sneaking a quick glance at Ash.
Meanwhile, Jade exhaled in relief. She had only been pretending to bid, trying to make it seem like she had fought hard but lost. She never intended to actually pay up.
Now that someone else had won, that suited her perfectly. It was too bad she couldn’t see who placed the final bid.
In their private room, Ash shot Calvert a meaningful look, as if he were an idiot. ‘Is he out of his mind? Dropping 30 million dollars on a single pill, huh? Then mine must be worth billions of dollars compared to that, she thought.
Sensing Ash’s doubt, Calvert explained calmly, “It’s for my grandmother. Her heart is in poor condition.”
Ash already knew that. Thinking about the gift she had planned in return, she smiled to herself.
Just then, her attention was diverted by the next item on stage. A medicinal herb was raised into view as Madeline announced, “This herb was discovered by our boss in a remote area abroad. As a special treat, there’s no starting price. Interested parties can make their offers directly.”
Ash’s eyes sparkled with recognition. It was the nerve–regenerating grass she’d been searching for forever. She quickly understood why Madeline had been so insistent about her attending the auction today.
Without hesitation, Ash raised her paddle. “30 million dollars!”
There weren’t many doctors in the crowd, and the few who had hoped for a bargain quickly backed off at that price.
“30 million dollars for that herb? That’s insane,” someone muttered.
“What does it even do?” another one questioned.
“Whatever it is, it can’t be more valuable than the nourishing pill someone else added.
The crowd buzzed, but no one dared to bid against her.
Calvert gave Ash a long, thoughtful look.
“What? Did I bid too low?” Ash asked, genuinely puzzled. “Should I go higher?”
“No need. No one’s challenging you for it. It’s yours,” Calvert replied smoothly.
Ash’s face lit up with a genuine smile, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “What a pleasant surprise. Not bad at all.”
Calvert’s gaze lingered on her before he asked, “Do you know about that herb?”
“Of course I do. That’s the supposedly extinct nerve–regenerating grass. How could I not recognize it?” Ash replied, sounding
08:49 Tue, Feb 18
B
Chapter 49
a bit offended that her knowledge was being questioned.
“Prunella?” Calvert asked, his voice low.
Ash quickly caught herself. “Prunella and I are friends. I’ve learned quite a bit about medicine from her.”
“Is that so?” Calvert sounded skeptical. If Marsh hadn’t filled him in, even he wouldn’t have known about the nerve- regenerating grass.
He had planned to use the herb to draw Prunella out today, but Ash had unexpectedly claimed it instead.
Calvert pulled out the silver needle Ash had left earlier. His expression turned cold. “Mind explaining what this is?”
AD
Comment
