Chapter 188 Which Power Player
An untimely ringtone suddenly blared from a cell phone.
Adolph didn't even glance as he barked out, "Hang up."
Benjamin glanced at the caller number and kindly reminded, “It's Miss Weaver's call.”
Every shadow of gloom behind Adolph's glasses was swept away in an instant, from brooding to sunny in the span of a second.
He immediately gestured to Benjamin. "Hand it over, quick!"
Benjamin passed him the phone.
Adolph answered with a sickeningly sweet tone, "My dear Luann, to what do I owe the pleasure of your call?”
Ben rolling his eyes, couldn't help but facepalm.
The only person who could make the eldest and the second son drop all defenses and turn into the tenderest brothers in a flash was none other than Luann Weaver.
Figuring out the time, she said, “The auction at RH should be starting soon, right? Have you arrived, big bro?”
Adolph shifted his gaze toward the heavily guarded entrance of the auction house and nodded slightly. “I'm here, just about to go in.”
Luann yawned lazily, “Anything interesting?”
“There's a 60-carat pink diamond.”
Even Luann, who was used to seeing treasures, couldn't help but gasp in surprise.
She sat straight up from the sofa, her face a picture of astonishment. “60 carats? That big?”
Imagining Luann's adorable expression, Adolph’s lips couldn't help but curl into a smile filled with brotherly affection. “Yeah, quite a surprise, huh?”
Luann sighed deeply. “Too bad I don’t have time to go.”
Adolph was puzzled. “Why the regret?”
Luann replied, “If I went, maybe I could give it a shot and win it.”
Adolph's mood soured slightly, “Won't you let your big bro buy it for you?”
Luann chuckled, “Am I supposed to expect you, the tightwad, to buy me a diamond?”
Adolph’s mouth twitched defiantly. “Don't worry, this time I'll be generous. I'll personally place that diamond in your hands!”
“Oh, I’ll be waiting,” Luann said, not really holding out hope.
Adolph slipped his phone into his pocket and got out of the car, fuming. “Let’s go, now! If I don’t win that Pink Star today.”
Benjamin hurriedly followed.
Amidst the bustling crowd inside the auction house, which was spread across three levels, black-suited waitstaff moved to and fro, respectfully ushering guests to their seats and serving tea.
The auction space wasn't particularly large, but those who were present were all notable figures or mysterious ones.
A waitstaff approached briskly and bowed respectfully to Adolph.
With a swift flick of his fingers, Adolph produced a dark gold badge in his hand.
The waiter hurried over, "Right this way, sir. Your private room on the third floor is ready."
The nearby patrons watched curiously, trying to catch a glimpse of the important newcomer.
But they drew blanks.
It wasn't surprising, though. Each year at the auction, numerous mysterious big shots would appear, names unknown.
Adolph quietly sat in the booth facing the central stage, slightly off to the side, glancing at the neighboring space.
The number one booth was the most prestigious in the auction house, situated right in the center.
However, over the years, it remained unoccupied.
Lost in thought, Adolph was startled by the sound of the adjacent door opening.
He exchanged a rapid glance with Benjamin.
"There's someone in booth number one," Benjamin quickly remarked.
Adolph stood up after a moment of silence.
Benjamin pressed against his shoulder, "Easy, junior, let’s not be hasty."
"Did they get wind of the Pink Star?" Adolph's tone was deep and serious.
Benjamin reassured him, "It's unlikely. RH is known for their tight security. If it weren't for our round-the-clock efforts breaking through their defenses, we wouldn't have heard about the pink diamond ourselves."
Comforted by these words, Adolph's anxiety settled.
Soon, everyone attending the auction found their seats.
Their gazes inevitably drifted towards the central booth on the third floor, and they murmured cautiously among themselves.
"Have you seen it? Booth number one is open."
"Wasn't the last time that booth opened like five years ago?"
"Someone's in booth number one? Which mogul could it be?"
"Shh, don't ask too many questions. Some things are better left unknown."
Before long, the stage rose, and the auctioneer took his place to kick off the annual rare collectibles auction.
Benjamin stood outside the booth, seemingly guarding it, but his eyes were fixed on booth number one's every move.
After some time had passed, a man in a tuxedo entered.
"Here is the item you requested."
He placed the box he was carrying onto the table with reverence.
A slender, pale hand with distinct knuckles reached out, opening it.
The diamond inside was a dazzling 60 carats, a pinkish-purple radiance that reflected brilliant light at every angle.
"Not bad," came a cool, unrippled voice.
A hint of satisfaction appeared beneath the cold expression masked by the masquerade.
"Sir," the man addressed, "take care as you leave."
Andrew bent over, "Mr. President, we shouldn't linger here any longer; let's leave now."
Myron Curtis hummed in acknowledgment, stashing the gem in his pocket, and followed Andrew out.
Seeing them depart, Benjamin quickly entered, "They've gone."
"They left?" Adolph frowned, "How come they left so quickly..."
The man entering VIP Room #1 was the owner of the auction house. Adolph had seen his profile while hacking into the computer system.
Adolph glanced at the ongoing auction floor, gritting his teeth.
“I'll stay here; you go check it out.”
Benjamin grabbed his wrist, “Nate, the guy's identity is no joke. Please don’t do anything rash.”
“Yeah, got it.”
Adolph hurried downstairs and ordered his driver to tail Myron Curtis’s car.
At that moment, Myron Curtis was sitting in his car, taking a brief nap.
Andrew's eyes kept darting to the rearview mirror.
The tailing car had been following them for quite some time.
The area was remote, and they hadn’t seen another car for miles.
The car behind obviously came from the auction house.
Their intentions couldn’t be clearer.
“Boss.”
Before Andrew could speak, several black sedans converged from all directions, surrounding them.
Myron Curtis’s eyes remained closed, his voice cold and menacing beneath the mask.
“Ten minutes.”
Andrew and the driver exchanged glances and immediately got out of the car.
The leaves around them rustled loudly.
Without warning, a group of people appeared from behind the trees, silently encircling the sedan.
Adolph swiftly shifted from offense to defense.
However, he was not panicked; everything was under control.
“As expected, got something good.”
Adolph adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose with calloused fingertips.
Benjamin's voice came through the phone's speaker.
“Nate, the auction’s over.”
“The Pink Star… was not among the items.”
