Chapter 164 The Auction (Part Two)
With an icy demeanor, Madam Hopkins approached. "Geoffrey, the auction is about to commence. We should take our seats," she instructed. Madam Hopkins was a vision in a pale green gown, a white mink coat draped over her shoulders. Her makeup was impeccable, and she clutched a vintage handbag in her perfectly manicured hands. Eula acknowledged her with a slight nod, "Madam Hopkins." Returning the curt nod, Madam Hopkins began to lead Geoffrey away. However, Geoffrey was not ready to leave, "Mom, I'm in the middle of a conversation with Eula. Please proceed without me." It had been some time since he had last seen Eula, and he had the distinct impression that she was intentionally avoiding him. Now that he had finally managed to catch up with her, he was not willing to let her go so easily. Madam Hopkins responded sharply, "Geoffrey, don't forget the reason for your presence here today." Just then, Judson approached, calling out to Eula. "Miss Lowe, don't stray too far," he said, reaching for her hand and guiding her towards the second floor. Geoffrey watched as Eula was led away by Judson. As a man, he understood Judson's intentions towards Eula. But wasn't Judson due to be engaged the following Saturday? Madam Hopkins tugged at Geoffrey's arm, "Observe, Geoffrey. She’s ascending the social ladder.” Eula followed Judson to a private room on the second floor, where Hugo and Elbert Hicks were already seated, two vacant spots beside them. Judson gestured to the adjacent seat, "Sit here and observe. If something catches your eye, let me know." Eula had been standing in the back with Tazz, but upon hearing this, she decided to take a seat on the available eight-immortals chair. From this position, she had a clear view of the auction stage. There were large screens as well, but there was something more authentic about witnessing the event firsthand. The auction officially began at half-past three, with the first item up for bid being the beauty painting that had previously caught Hugo's attention. There were numerous bidders, but ultimately, Hugo emerged victorious, a slight furrow on Eula's face betraying a hint of envy. The privileges of the wealthy were indeed enviable. With a nonchalant bid of half a million, Hugo secured the painting, his joy evident. Eula couldn't comprehend the allure of the painting, nor could she appreciate its value. Reflecting on her past five years, she had labored relentlessly each day to barely provide for her three children. And now, here she was, essentially working, accompanying her boss to an auction. The next few items, all porcelain, failed to pique the interest of the three gentlemen, so they refrained from bidding. Then came a Qin dynasty antique agate bracelet, with a starting bid of a hundred thousand. Eula merely observed. She had considered asking Judson to purchase something for her if she took a liking to it, but the six-figure starting bids dissuaded her. It was a favor she couldn't afford to repay, so it was best not to accept it. Judson sat there sipping his tea, seemingly uninterested in the items on stage. Feeling a bit parched herself, Eula picked up her cup of tea and took a sip. The green tea was refreshing, its delightful taste lingering in her mouth after each sip. Suddenly, Elbert Hicks placed a bid, prompting the auctioneer to call out. "$600,000 from bidder number 15. Are there any higher bids?" Both Judson and Hugo turned to look at him. Hugo inquired, "Yue, that's a woman's piece. Do you intend to gift it to someone?" Elbert Hicks responded with a faint smile and a cryptic, "A secret." The auctioneer waited for a moment, but when no further bids were made, he announced, "Congratulations to bidder number 15 for securing the item."
