Chapter199
As she thought this, the auction began, and the room fell silent. Ashley had already reviewed the catalog and had her eye on an emerald jewelry set and a renowned embroidery. Which one she’d bid on would depend on the situation.
The bidding started quickly. Ashley was focused, only raising her paddle for items she wanted. Chase and Tanya hadn’t bid
yet.
After some time, Ashley and Cindy noticed Tanya raise her paddle for a diamond bracelet, a designer piece clearly meant for a younger woman. It was undoubtedly for Tanya. The starting bid was $150,000. Tanya bid $300,000, then another bid took it to $400,000. Tanya and Chase conferred, and she bid again, clearly audible in the hall: $800,000.” The room buzzed. The bracelet was nice, but not worth $800,000;$400,000 was already high. But Tanya seemed to love it, and Chase, clearly not wanting anyone to outbid her, had just offered $800,000. Everyone was shocked by his extravagance and his affection for Tanya. As expected, no one else bid. Tanya got the bracelet.
Cindy was envious.“My teeth hurt.”
Before Ashley could speak, the next item was presented–an antique vase. Tanya bid again. The starting price was $500,000. Others were bidding in increments of $50,000 or $100,000 Tanya, however, opened with $1 million. The number of bidders dwindled, but there were plenty of wealthy people present. A man called out, “$1.5 million.”
