Chapter 331
The audience grew restless, eagerly awaiting the host's announcement of the bidding price. The live stream was equally lively; discussions about the jewelry and its designer, Mi Y, dominated the trending list.
David again detailed the jewelry's history and design. Finally, he announced, "Now, the bidding for Queen's Tears begins, with a starting price of thirty million dollars."
Thirty million dollars already shattered the record for the highest starting price in the jewelry world. However, no one in the audience seemed surprised; the nearly 400-carat, high-clarity sapphire alone was worth more.
"Thirty-six million!" someone immediately bid.
"Forty-six million!"
"Fifty-seven million!"
"Sixty-six million!"
Many wealthy individuals from around the world had come for "Queen's Tears," and the bidding was intense.
Jonathan grasped Cynthia's hand. "Are you sure you don't want it?"
Cynthia, having just told him not to bid on any jewelry, leaned close and whispered something, eliciting an extremely surprised look from Jonathan.
Cynthia found this amusing. She'd never seen such a vivid expression on his face before.
"You you are," Jonathan stammered.
Cynthia raised an eyebrow, gave him a rare playful look, and asked, "Am I awesome?"
Jonathan was stunned for a few seconds before regaining his composure. Internally, however, he remained quite shocked. Seeing her pride amused and silenced him; she'd never mentioned something so important before.
But seeing Cynthia lift her head, like a child seeking praise, Jonathan couldn't help but smile. A feeling of pride swelled within him. With a gentle expression, he playfully tapped her nose. "Yes, my wife is so awesome."
Shirley, her eyes fixed on Cynthia, seethed with jealousy. She viciously spat, "Shameless!"
Soon, the bidding price for Queen's Tears soared to 150 million. Gradually, fewer people raised their paddles. A few minutes later, it jumped to 180 million, then 210 million.
Only five bidders remained, and the price continued to climb. At 240 million dollars, only three were still fiercely competing.
The bidding had already exceeded everyone's expectations, yet Whitney hadn't yet raised her paddle. When it reached 267 million, no one else bid. A young prince had called out that price. David announced, "267 million, going once…"
Chapter 331
Just as David was about to strike the gavel, Whitney suddenly raised her bidding sign. "Three hundred million!"
Immediately, everyone turned to look at Whitney, whose face appeared on the large screen behind the auction stage. Near the end, most bidders were only increasing by several hundred thousand. This jewel had already set a new record; however, Whitney's 300 million bid showed her determination to win.
In the global financial world, her face was instantly recognizable. She was the eldest daughter of Clusia's wealthiest individual and possibly the next heir to Bennett Group. She was also a regular at the world's top auctions.
She acted quickly and decisively. Any jewelry that caught her eye was hers.
After Whitney's bid, no one else participated. David excitedly brought down the gavel. "Congratulations, Ms. Bennett, on successfully winning Queen's Tears for a price of three hundred million dollars."
The live stream erupted.
[Do they live in the same world as us? Why is their currency measured in millions?]
[I have to hustle for a few-dollar discount coupon for coffee every day, and you're telling me a necklace is worth 300 million dollars?]
[Is there any billionaire out there who could give me 300,000 just for no reason? It might only concern you for a second, but it would bring me a lifetime of happiness!]
[No, it wouldn't even concern a billionaire for a second.]
David invited Whitney to the stage. She stood and gracefully walked to the center.
David didn't remove the jewelry from the display case. Instead, he said, "Ms. Bennett is an esteemed guest at QUEEN Jewelry. First, let's congratulate her on acquiring her desired piece today. As far as I know, over the years, Ms. Bennett has collected many works by Miss Y. So today, we have a surprise for her."
The guests were curious.
David continued, "Today, Miss Y is with us, and she will personally hand this piece of jewelry to Ms. Bennett."
His words caused a stir. Miss Y is here?
The guests were nearly in an uproar. Since its debut, QUEEN Jewelry's popularity had soared, largely due to Miss Y's distinctive design style and forward-thinking aesthetics.
Miss Y was almost synonymous with the brand, yet more mysterious than the CEO. She had never appeared publicly. There was no information about her online. If it weren't for her unique, unrepeatable design style, some would suspect Miss Y was a QUEEN creation.
But today, Miss Y was actually present. Everyone was shocked.
Those guests who'd considered leaving early, upon hearing this news, quickly returned. Seeing Miss Y in person would make the visit worthwhile.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch, even livelier than when Queen's Tears was revealed.
Whitney, too, was surprised. Miss Y would personally hand over the jewelry. She felt incredibly honored.
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This would be Miss Y's first public appearance, bound to cause a sensation. Whitney would be making jewelry history alongside her.
Miss Y was a once-in-a-century genius. Rumor had it she was very young, with a promising future. While Whitney had the capital, capital also needed reputational support.
Miss Y was a globally recognized talent. Her mysterious aura would generate worldwide buzz. Whitney felt she could leverage this to boost her investments.
Recently, Betrico Multimedia's stocks hadn't performed well. Today's livestream could definitely boost its fame. Three hundred million dollars in stock value was just the beginning.
This was why, knowing the auction would be globally streamed, Whitney was determined to acquire Queen's Tears without a fixed budget. After all, she was a businesswoman, and profit was her primary concern.
David took the microphone. "Now, let's welcome the most beautiful, outstanding, and dazzling Miss Y to the stage!"