Chapter 424 The Auction, Jasmine's Scheme Against Annabelle
At the auction, Jasmine was sandwiched between Cordelia and Evelina, her hands gripped tightly by each, making her feel like a hostage, too afraid to move even an inch.
"Jasmine, if you see something you like, just tell me," Cordelia said with a smile.
Jasmine shook her head and whispered, "Mom, there's nothing I like, no need."
Cordelia held Jasmine's hand with a pained expression.
On the other side, Evelina also held Jasmine's hand. "Jasmine, do you like that set of jewelry? I'll get it for you; it suits our darling so well."
Jasmine, feeling torn, secretly glanced at Ethan for help.
Ethan winked at her and just smiled.
Jasmine could only lower her head silently, not saying a word.
Therefore, the million-dollar jewelry set was bought by Evelina and given to Jasmine.
"Next up is a donation from Mr. Sanders, a Victorian Era Rose Pattern Silver Teapot," the auctioneer announced with a smile.
Those who wanted to curry favor with Arnold naturally joined the bidding.
Especially Annabelle, who had been sitting quietly not far away.
Such an event was humiliating for Annabelle, as she had been publicly exposed as an impostor and would be ridiculed by everyone at the event.
But she had to come; she needed to win Arnold over for the Douglas Group.
"The starting bid is two million dollars."
Annabelle was the first to raise her paddle.
Immediately, others followed, but Annabelle always raised her paddle first.
Jasmine glanced back at Annabelle but said nothing.
She knew Annabelle was trying to win over Arnold.
If Arnold collaborated with Howard, it would be a problem for Ethan.
Jasmine bit her lip and carefully reached for her paddle.
Seeing Jasmine wanting to bid, Cordelia grabbed her wrist and raised it for her.
"Three million dollars."
Annabelle saw Jasmine bidding and continued to raise her paddle.
Jasmine raised her paddle again.
"Five million dollars."
In reality, the silver teapot wasn't worth that much. Charity auctions were a playground for the wealthy, a display of financial power.
Their aim was to curry favor with Arnold, inflate his worth, and please him, which explained their deliberate escalation of the bidding price.
Seeing Jasmine still bidding, Arnold whispered, "That silver teapot isn't worth this much. If Jasmine likes it, I have better ones."
Cordelia glared at him. "What do you know? My daughter can bid whatever she wants."
Arnold quickly nodded, smiled, and said no more.
"Eight million dollars." Jasmine raised the bid to eight million dollars.
Annabelle's face turned dark.
She knew Jasmine was competing with her for Arnold's cooperation. If Jasmine won, she would be unwilling to accept it.
Gritting her teeth, Annabelle raised her paddle again.
"Ten million dollars! Ten million dollars once, ten million dollars twice, ten million dollars three times!" The auctioneer excitedly brought down the hammer.
Jasmine turned to look at Annabelle.
Annabelle looked at Jasmine with a provocative gaze.
Jasmine, however, smirked meaningfully, looking at Annabelle as if she were a fool.
Annabelle had just spent ten million dollars on a silver teapot worth a little over a hundred thousand dollars, using the Douglas family's money. Claire, a shrewd woman, would never let Annabelle off the hook.
Tonight, the Douglas family would be lively again.
Only then did Annabelle realize that Jasmine wasn't competing with her for the silver teapot but was deliberately raising the price, knowing she would follow!
Annabelle clenched her fists tightly. She cursed inwardly, 'Jasmine! You bitch!'
Jasmine turned back and smiled at Cordelia. "Mom, I suddenly think that silver piece suits Annabelle better."
Cordelia also smiled and patted Jasmine's hand.
Evelina smiled, too. Jasmine was never a pushover; she knew how to fight back.
Over there, Willian had a dark expression the entire time, always watching Cordelia.
Sophia's face was even darker, not paying any attention to the auction.
She was solely focused on getting rid of Guadalupe as soon as possible.
She still had some confidence that Willian would believe her, but if Guadalupe insisted on revealing their marriage, it would be a hidden danger.
"Willian, I'm not feeling well. I'll head back first," Sophia said softly.
Willian nodded. "You go ahead. Have the driver come to pick you up."
He didn't dare to leave, fearing that if he did, Cordelia might depart with Guadalupe. He felt compelled to keep them in his sight.
Sophia looked at Willian angrily, thinking he would be worried about her and leave with her.
Gritting her teeth, Sophia reluctantly got up and left.
As soon as she stepped out of the banquet hall, Sophia made a call. "Tonight, help me kidnap someone. The target is quite skilled, so plan accordingly."
"Sophia, don't worry," a man on the other end of the line said nonchalantly.
"Make sure it's clean, no evidence left behind," Sophia said with a cold laugh, then hung up.
'Guadalupe, Cordelia, just you waited,' Sophia thought.
The auction ended, and Annabelle, with a dark expression, bought Arnold's silver piece to curry favor with him.
"Mr. Sanders, can we talk privately?" Annabelle proactively invited Arnold.
Arnold, distracted and wanting to leave with Cordelia, asked perfunctorily, "How is your father?"
"Much better. He'll be discharged after a few days of rest," Annabelle replied with a smile.
As Arnold cast a glance back, Cordelia, ignoring him, held Jasmine's hand, ready to leave.
"Mr. Sanders, my father said if you have time tomorrow, you should come over. We should properly host you," Annabelle said ingratiatingly.
Arnold looked back at Cordelia, who was talking to a group of people with Jasmine.
"Alright, I'll come by when I have time." Arnold nodded perfunctorily, turning to find Cordelia.
"Mr. Sanders, our driver, had to leave unexpectedly. Would you mind if I got a ride with you?" Annabelle said cunningly, clearly trying to seduce Arnold.
She didn't believe a man like Arnold could resist the temptation of a young woman like her.
"Sorry, the car is already full." Arnold frowned and turned to leave.
Annabelle was stunned, not expecting him to reject her outright.
Seeing Arnold close to Cordelia again, Annabelle stomped her foot in anger.
The two of them didn't seem like competitors.
Narrowing her eyes, Annabelle's lips curled into a smile.
Suppose Arnold chose to cooperate with the Douglas Group, fine. But if he chose Cordelia, she wouldn't let it go easily.
At the hotel entrance.
Cordelia, Jasmine, and Evelina were about to get into the car when Arnold followed them.
"I'll take you," Arnold said, grabbing Cordelia's wrist, clearly wanting to talk.
"She doesn't need you to take her!" Willian, who had been watching, suddenly appeared and got into Cordelia's car. "I'm staying home tonight!"
Jasmine, already in the car, looked embarrassed.
"Mr. Cunningham, there's no room for you in the car," Jasmine said apologetically.
Willian was displeased with being called this by Jasmine. "I'm your father."
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