WantNovelChapter 374
The piece finally sold for nine hundred thousand, leaving James with clenched fists.
Mr. Anderson's lack of interest meant their plan for the birthday celebration had failed.
He didn't bid on the next few items either, watching silently as others claimed them.
Then cVivian's contribution.
The attendants brought up a long case containing a painting. Uniquely, it was a portrait of a
religious figure - but with a striking twist: the face bore a clear resemblance to Mr. Anderson. When
the image appeared on the large screen, Mr. Anderson's fingers twitched, unconsciously tapping the
table.
Vivian smiled, knowing this wasn't just any religious portrait. She was sure Mr. Anderson had
noticed its significance immediately.
Sarah watched the painting with grave concern. Vivian had been too bold - creating a religious
portrait with Mr. Anderson's likeness.
Inevitably, no one else would bid on it. Everyone could see this was Vivian's special tribute to Mr. Anderson. No
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtone wanted to cross the Wilson family, nor offend the influential Mr. Anderson.
Sarah glanced at Zachary, who looked as shocked as she felt. Such a bold move was quintessentially Vivian.
But she had miscalculated badly.
The devout consider religious icons sacred and inviolable. Altering a holy figure's appearance was sacrilege - and
using Mr. Anderson's face had inadvertently implicated him in this blasphemy.
When bidding began, not a single paddle was raised. Vivian anxiously looked toward Mr. Anderson. By her
calculations, he should have bid immediately - why wasn't he responding?
The ballroom fell into uncomfortable silence, even the whispered conversations dying away.
In the stillness, Sarah leaned over to whisper something to Melvin.
Just as the attendants were about to remove the painting, Melvin stood up and declared firmly, "One million."
The attendant's relief was visible as she smiled. "Sold!" She rushed through the closing formalities, eager to
move past the awkward moment.
Vivian froze, suddenly understanding as Melvin won the bid. But she was trapped - bidding on one's own item
was strictly forbidden.
Yes, she had made a serious mistake. In focusing on Mr. Anderson's faith, she'd forgotten the most crucial
aspect.
By purchasing the portrait, Melvin had both saved Mr. Anderson from embarrassment and smoothed over the
auction's awkward moment.
Vivian gripped her glass tightly, realizing all her efforts had benefited someone else.
She glanced sideways at Zachary, biting her lip. She'd forgotten - how could she have expected him
to help her?
Charlotte went pale, not having anticipated this turn of events. In that tense moment, Melvin had
shown remarkable quick thinking.
After several more items were auctioned, it was finally Sarah's turn.
"Our next item comes from Miss Sanders’ private collection."
Melvin gave Sarah a meaningful look. Though he hadn't been involved in this, he was curious about
what she'd chosen to present with such a high starting price.
One attendant brought forward an elegant rosewood box, while another opened it as cameras
focused on its contents.
Inside was an exquisite antique rosary of 108 perfectly matched amber beads, each one a deep,
translucent crimson.
The auctioneer nearly stumbled over the description card, reading it several times in disbelief
before announcing, "A pure amber antique rosary. Opening bid: one hundred million dollars."
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