Chapter 179: The Bidding War

After ending the call, Maggie didn't dwell on it.

The auction officially commenced. While the host delivered the opening speech, Maggie spotted Leo seated upfront, right on schedule. Beth and Emma were nearby, just behind him.

"Now, let me introduce the first item," the host announced. "It's an original piece by Claude Monet, titled 'San Giorgio Maggiore at Dusk.' This painting is considered one of Monet's best works and is part of a series depicting the breathtaking views of the monastery-island of San Giorgio Maggiore."

Maggie and Mia listened attentively, but their interest was lukewarm. However, with many art enthusiasts present, the bidding was fierce.

As the auction progressed, Maggie bid on items that caught her eye. Each time she raised her paddle, Beth followed suit. Initially, Maggie hadn't planned on competing and backed off after a few bids when the prices soared.

"The fifth item is the manuscript of 'Moonlit Citadel' by the renowned pianist Torvalan. While the original manuscript is lost, this replica, based on surviving pen marks and traces, is considered genuine."

As Maggie suspected, this replica was a faithful representation of the original. The piano manuscript had a limited audience, and few people placed bids. Maggie raised her paddle twice. Predictably, Beth matched each bid, demonstrating her determination to compete.

"Beth is quite persistent, isn't she? What's her point?" Mia chuckled.

Maggie remained casual. "Well, causing trouble for others seems to be her joy."

When Maggie stopped bidding, Beth did too, and Leo smoothly acquired the manuscript at a fair price.

Next was an azure porcelain vase submitted by the Gatlins. The sender's name was undisclosed, making it difficult to trace its origin. Maggie saw an opportunity to counter Beth, given her apparent wealth and lack of sensibility.

"The bidding for this azure porcelain vase starts at 12 million, with increments of at least 150,000. Let the bidding begin!"

"Number 21, 12.7 million!" "Number 30, 13 million!" "Number 6, 13.3 million!"

The bidding war intensified. Porcelain always attracted a crowd, especially foreign collectors, leading to fierce competition from the start.

Finally, after reaching 18 million, bidding slowed. Maggie raised her paddle. "19.5 million."

Immediately, Beth countered. "22.5 million!" Many gasped at the 3-million increase.

"Number 14 is bidding 22.5 million. Any higher bids?" the host echoed eagerly.

Maggie raised her paddle again. "23.5 million."

"Number 26 bids 23.5 million. Any higher bids? 23.5 million going once!"

"Number 14, 25.5 million!" Beth's determination was evident.

Although Beth didn't necessarily want the vase, she knew Maggie's desires. But could the Camerons afford this?

Maggie hesitated, feigning uncertainty. The host called out, "25.5 million going once! 25.5 million going twice… Alright, bidder number 68 bids 27 million!" Beth frowned, glancing at Leo, the long-lost illegitimate child of the Calebs, who now held a significant position.

Maggie seized the moment. "30 million."

She bid with determination. Mia watched eagerly, almost unable to contain her excitement. If Maggie won, the money would eventually line her pockets. She hoped Beth would push harder.

Before the host could call for further bids, Beth countered, "31.5 million!"

Without hesitation, Maggie raised her paddle. "33 million!"

The host was excited. "Number 26 bids 33 million! Any higher bids?"

Emma glanced at Maggie, whispering, "I think she's pretending. Should we bid higher?"

Beth remained indifferent. "Yes."

Emma hesitated. "But can Maggie really afford that much? Maybe we should stop and see if she can come up with the money."

Beth lowered her gaze, suppressing her anger. "Even if she can't, Nathael can. And didn't Ericko give her a black card? Have you forgotten?"

Beth's words caused Emma to freeze. How could she forget? Though she didn't know Maggie and Nathael's relationship, she could guess from Beth's reactions. And she distinctly remembered Ericko's black card.

"I wonder what's gotten into Mr. Harris and Ericko," Emma muttered resentfully, thinking of their embraces. Beth remained silent, raising her bid again.

Emma looked at the price: 37.5 million. That's too expensive. The highest auction price in history for an azure porcelain vase was only 40.5 million, and that vase was of superior quality.

"Beth, your bid is too high. Won't your parents be upset?" Emma protested.

Beth's expression grew colder. "Even if they scold me, I don't care, as long as I can take what Maggie wants."

Emma fell silent. The Brays had many children, and Beth was always favored. But favoritism often correlated with ability and value. If Beth continued harming others without benefiting herself, her parents would inevitably be upset. But it was Maggie on the other side. Emma thought that if she had Beth's background, she might not resist venting her frustrations like this either.

Beth's bottom line was only 4.5 million. If Maggie persisted, Beth would relent. However, even without victory, Beth would find satisfaction in making Maggie spend more money.