Chapter 64 The Auction Officially Begins

Chapter 64 The Auction Officially Begins

"Well, Grandma. Aurelia's got a great personality, and I'm really glad we're friends."

Sophia paused and took the gift from Isla's hands.

"Here's a little something for you. Hope you like it."

Aurelia quickly grabbed it, grinning.

"Grandma, Sophia went through a lot to pick this out for you, worried it might not be your style."

Opal looked at the two antique sandalwood boxes.

Even without knowing what was inside, the boxes alone were enough to win Opal's heart. She had always disliked the flashy, mundane things of the modern world, preferring old items that held history.

"Sophia, you didn't have to bring anything. Just having you here is enough. You shouldn't have spent so much."

Opal opened one of the boxes to reveal a bracelet adorned with jade stones. The design was innovative yet retained a classic charm, making Opal's eyes light up. The other box contained a package of premium tea leaves. Just the aroma told Opal it was no ordinary tea.

She looked at Sophia in disbelief, her face full of surprise.

"Sophia, this must have cost a lot. I heard you're working at a jade store now. These gifts are too expensive..."

Opal wanted to continue, but Sophia interrupted her.

"Grandma, don't worry. This is not just my gesture but also a token of appreciation from my boss."

Understanding dawned on Opal, and she smiled as she closed the box.

"Well, if that's the case, I won't be shy about accepting it. I've seen your auction items beforehand; they're quite good and should fetch a nice price."

Opal's eyes were filled with admiration.

"Someone, make sure Sophia's auction items are well taken care of. No mistakes allowed."

"Yes, ma'am!"

After handing over the items, Sophia still felt uneasy. She kept seeing Chase and his family in her mind. Why weren't they at home? Why did they show up here? Something was definitely off.

She decided to investigate thoroughly once today's events were over.

"Sophia, stay by my side tonight. We'll be heading to the auction soon."

"Okay, Grandma."

Sophia stayed close to Opal for the rest of the time, mostly dealing with auction items. Many people mistook her for staff.

Soon, the auction officially began.

"Welcome, everyone, for taking the time out of your busy evening to attend the Kingsley Family auction. Forty percent of tonight's proceeds will go to charity. Feel free to bid on any items you like."

Opal's passionate speech was met with thunderous applause.

Watching the enthusiastic crowd, Sophia felt a wave of emotion. In today's society, power and money dictated one's status.

"Everyone here tonight is a prominent figure in the industry. Mrs. Kingsley is truly impressive."

"Indeed, I heard she was quite famous in her younger days."

"I think I saw someone from the Brown family today. Maybe I was mistaken."

"What? The Brown family? Didn't they perish in that fire? You must be seeing things."

The mention of the fire made everyone lower their voices, not daring to discuss it loudly. The fire was mysterious, and who knew if it was caused by a feud with the Brown family. If someone behind this was watching, who knew what might happen?

The lights on stage suddenly went out, and small spotlights began to illuminate one by one. The light focused on the entrance, revealing the first auction item.

An attendant pushed the item onto the stage.

"Today's first auction item is a glass lamp, crafted using ancient techniques. There are only ten of these in the world."

"Starting bid: five million dollars!"

As the host's voice fell, the crowd erupted with bids, each higher than the last.

Sophia watched the glass lamp on stage. Though the craftsmanship was excellent, it had its flaws. In the Brown Villa, it was just a regular decoration. Since the Brown family's downfall, all their collections had been seized. She wondered if they could ever reclaim them.

"Twenty million dollars once, twenty million dollars twice, twenty million dollars three times, sold!"

"Congratulations on winning the glass lamp. Please follow me."

The subsequent items were auctioned off smoothly, and finally, it was time for Sophia's item.

"This auction item is an emerald necklace. Its value speaks for itself."

"Starting bid: ten million dollars! If you want it, act fast. The gems on this necklace, including the emerald, make it a valuable collectible."

As soon as the host finished, the bids soared.

Sophia had chosen a top-quality emerald, ensuring the price would be competitive, even surpassing other items.

"Fifteen million dollars!"

"Seventeen million dollars!"

Hearing the rising bids, Sophia was surprised.

The price kept climbing, reaching fifty million dollars, and still rising.

Aurelia nudged her with her elbow.

"The price is still going up. Even though forty percent goes to charity, the remaining sixty percent is substantial."

Sophia nodded and smiled.

"The current price is beyond my expectations. No matter what, my store owes its success to you and Mrs. Kingsley. I need to thank you both properly."

Aurelia waved her hand and patted Sophia's shoulder.

"No need for thanks between us. We're close friends. If you want to thank me, why not bring your husband out for dinner? I'm curious to meet the man who won your heart."

Sophia hesitated, a hint of awkwardness and helplessness in her eyes. She thought of Philip's angry face. Bringing him might ruin the dinner.

"He's busy with work right now. Maybe another time."

"Alright, it's a deal then."

As they finished talking, the auction price was finalized.

"Eighty-eight million dollars three times! Sold!"

"Congratulations, Ms. Fuller, on winning the emerald necklace. Please follow me backstage."

Aurelia grabbed Sophia's hand.

"Let's go, hurry up."