Chapter 122

The spotlight found Paisley as she bid twenty million dollars, instantly capturing everyone's attention. Whispers rippled through the room.

"Never seen her before," one woman murmured. "Who is she, vying with those poor kids? Doesn't she have her own seat?"

"Whoever she is, she sure has guts," another chimed in. "Ms. Vanderbilt obviously wants this painting. Even Mrs. Beaumont isn't bidding against her, and yet she dares?"

"Is she crazy?"

Paisley smiled serenely, ignoring the murmurs.

"Ms. Sutton?" Lacy asked, bewildered. "Why are you bidding, too?"

"I have my reasons," Paisley replied, winking at Lacy before turning back to Kayla and Marissa.

Kayla believed her bid was insurmountable. She hadn't anticipated such audacious competition. Spinning around, fury blazing, she saw Paisley's calm face bathed in the spotlight.

"Paisley! How dare you bid against me?" Kayla shrieked.

Paisley raised an eyebrow. "Ms. Vanderbilt, this is an auction. We're all bidding fairly."

In the shadows, Marissa’s face darkened. Paisley, she thought, why do you always haunt me? Her fists clenched under the table.

Kayla, certain victory was hers, countered with, "Twenty-seven million dollars!"

Twenty-seven million, she thought. Even international masters rarely fetch this much.

She was sure Paisley wouldn't dare bid again. All she needed were the auctioneer’s final calls.

"Twenty-seven million dollars… once… twice…"

Just as the gavel seemed poised to fall, Paisley’s cool voice cut through the air. "Thirty-three million."

The auctioneer’s voice crackled with excitement. "Thirty-three million dollars from Ms. Sutton!"

Kayla’s smile froze. She glared at Paisley, panting, teeth gritted. The provocation on Paisley’s face almost sent her lunging across the room, but she hesitated. Damn you, Paisley, she thought. You want a fight?

Marissa’s skeptical voice cut through Kayla’s rage. "Does Ms. Sutton really have that kind of money? Thirty-three million? She wouldn't be faking a bid, would she?"

Kayla's eyes lit up. She pointed at Paisley. "She's faking! Stop her! How could she have that much money?"