Each bid significantly increased the price, a game far beyond the reach of ordinary wealthy individuals; a single bid could easily bankrupt them. The legendary map seemed destined for a particular buyer.
Felicia watched idly. Expecting the auction to conclude, she was surprised by another bid from a second-floor VIP room. The crowd gasped in astonishment. Their surprise deepened when the VIP room on the left immediately doubled the price, demonstrating their unwavering determination. At this rate, the final price would be astronomical.
A fierce bidding war erupted between the two VIP rooms. Each bid was instantly countered, sending the price soaring. Tension filled the hall, a palpable sense of anticipation hanging in the air.
Felicia clicked her tongue, satisfied with having witnessed the legendary item. Before the auction, the map's image had been displayed on the big screen; it appeared worn and tattered, its origin unclear. Her purpose fulfilled, she quietly left, unnoticed amidst the focused attention on the upstairs VIP rooms.
Unbeknownst to Felicia, the situation shifted after her departure. While the crowd anticipated a prolonged bidding war, one VIP room abruptly withdrew. The intense bidding ceased instantly. Despite the crowd's expectations, the auctioneer's gavel fell, declaring the map sold for a jaw-dropping price – several hundred million. The map was delivered to the winning bidder's VIP room.
The box was opened, revealing a silk manuscript. "It's a fake," the recipient declared after a cursory glance.
The revelation that the map was counterfeit sent shockwaves through the auction. The auction organizer was near despair, vehemently asserting the map had been sealed and under constant surveillance since its arrival.
"Our auction house has a long-standing, impeccable reputation. We would never engage in fraud!"
Many found his statement believable; the auction house's reputation for authenticity was renowned. Counterfeiting would have destroyed their business long ago. Only one conclusion remained: the item was already fake when delivered to the auction house.
"The Fuller family! The Fuller family delivered it to us!"
Chaos erupted. Many attendees had been there specifically for the map, some even plotting to steal it post-auction. The Fuller family was suddenly thrust into the limelight.
"Let's go demand an explanation from the Fuller family!"
The individual in the second-floor VIP room remained motionless, offering no further comment beyond declaring the map a fake. In contrast, those with ulterior motives below were far more vocal in their demands.
Meanwhile, the Fuller couple was preparing for bed when violent banging shattered the tranquility of their villa. Moments later, a furious crowd forced their way through their expensive front door.