Chapter 181: A Kind Gesture
With a few words, Mia embarrassed Emma and put the Hollands in an awkward position. Emma's face flushed with anger, leaving her speechless. She never expected Mia to disregard the Hollands and openly discuss her feelings for Ericko.
Mia is so frustrating!
Witnessing the tension, the host hesitated to interfere, fearing it would exacerbate the situation.
However, Mia, known for her directness, boldly asked, "So, are you going to increase your bid or not? Let's not waste everyone's time."
"Yes! I'll bid 9 million!" Emma clenched her teeth, knowing she'd face a scolding at home regardless of her decision. Raising the bid meant overpaying for the pen; not raising it would imply the Hollands were in dire financial straits, and if Mia's remarks reached Ericko, it wouldn't reflect well on her.
Mia chuckled sympathetically. "Is that all you're willing to add, Ms. Holland? Are the Hollands facing financial difficulties? Do you need me to lend you some money?" Maggie smirked.
Mia's approach is assertive and forceful, unlike my more cunning and calculating method. Nonetheless, it works. In other words, Mia aims to completely break her opponent's spirit.
Emma's expression darkened. "The Hollands can afford 1.5 million, but we're not idiots either. Why provoke me like this, Ms. Gatlin? If the Gatlins are wealthy, why not just set an exorbitant price and pretend it's charity?"
Mia smirked. "I would set an exorbitant price if I liked the item. Unfortunately, I'm not interested, so it's not worth it."
"Heh, Ms. Gatlin, are you trying to bite off more than you can chew? Why bid if you're not interested?" Emma glared at Mia.
Mia flicked her hair and said softly, "Of course, I'm just trying to defend the Hollands' reputation, so that others don't think your family's broke and can't afford a few million dollars. Oh, and of course, it's also to make you spend more to please me, Ms. Holland."
Before Emma could respond, Mia turned to the host and said, "Since Ms. Holland has decided that her feelings for Mr. Adam are worth 9 million, I'll withdraw my bid." Seeing Emma singled out, the host quickly announced, "9 million going once! 9 million going twice! 9 million going thrice! And sold! Congratulations to Number 15!" Emma slumped back, her earlier joy evaporating due to Mia's taunting.
The pen remained elegant, but at 9 million, it lost its appeal to Emma. Watching Emma's discomfort, Mia felt satisfied.
Maggie's eyes twinkled. "You really cornered her, Mia. Emma's probably going to hate you for this."
"I have plenty of enemies; one more won't make a difference," Mia shrugged. Even if she caused trouble, making a fortune from the azure porcelain vase today meant her father wouldn't be too upset. At most, he'd lecture her.
Maggie wasn't interested in the next few items, so she joined in the fun and waited for the auction to end.
After the event, the staff led the buyers to a special room for inspection and payment. Despite Maggie and Mia's active participation, they had nothing to pay for.
"Let's grab something to eat at the banquet and wait for Leo," Maggie suggested.
After spending some time at the banquet, Leo arrived with the items. "Got the stuff. They're all here."
He presented the items, placing the vintage fan and the music score in a long, narrow box.
Maggie was thrilled. They found a secluded spot to open the box. She carefully unfolded the fan. "It's well-preserved and elegant yet simple. The painting is stunning. I'm sure Mr. Dunphy will love it."
Mia examined the music score, finding the messy notes and smudges unappealing. "I didn't expect a handwritten manuscript to be so expensive. Art truly knows no bounds." She handed the manuscript to Maggie, knowing Maggie's piano proficiency was superior. The piano piece, "Moonlit Citadel," had circulated but remained relatively unknown, appealing to niche audiences. Nevertheless, Kevin had always cherished this piece, and obtaining the manuscript fulfilled a long-standing wish.
At that moment, Beth and Emma arrived at the banquet hall after paying for their purchases. Although they were far away, Beth spotted Leo, Maggie, and Mia. Maggie was holding the music score.
Beth felt uneasy. How come that illegitimate child of the Calebs is standing alongside Maggie and Mia? Is he just showing the manuscript to Maggie? And that vintage fan!
"Why are they together?" Emma asked, echoing Beth's thoughts.
Beth and Emma approached.
"Ms. Adam, thanks for letting me win the bid," Beth said softly, with a polite but subtly superior smile.
Maggie and the others turned. Maggie grinned. "Oh, it's nothing, Ms. Bray. We should thank you instead."
Emma asked, "What do you mean, Maggie?"
Mia added, "That azure porcelain vase was my contribution to the auction. I didn't expect you to bid for it, at such a high price. You've done me a big favor."
Beth's expression changed, realizing she'd been manipulated. The origins of auction items were never disclosed; sellers sometimes bid to inflate prices, a practice that was unregulated. However, Beth didn't expect that Maggie didn't want the vase and was driving up the price for Mia's sake!
"Ms. Bray, we're not related, so I feel bad gaining that extra 30 million from you. But don't worry, Ms. Bray. Maggie and I will spend it wisely so that your kindness isn't wasted," Mia smiled.