Jessica came to the event only because of the bet. She wasn't interested in anything at the auction.
Terry remained quite silent as well. It seemed that nothing had caught his attention, either.
Yet Terry kept gazing at Jessica. His Terry was impossible to ignore and thus made Jessica quite uneasy. She then turned around and asked, "Anything you fancy?"
"Sure."
Terry narrowed his deep eyes. He picked up the bottled water, slowly unscrewed the cap, and took a sip. With a sly smile, Terry turned to Jessica. "But the one I fancy cannot be bought."
Jessica could tell the suggestive meaning behind Terry's words, yet she pretended not. "That's a pity."
"What about Miss Hall?"
Terry asked as he fiddled with the bidder card in his hand.
Jessica was about to say no when a painting on the wall caught her attention.
"That Frida Kahlo's artwork looks nice," said Jessica.
Morgan had a collection of Frida Kahlo's paintings. Jessica knew that Morgan would love the painting when she saw it.
Morgan would come to LA in a few days. It would be a lovely gift for him.
Jessica was such a thoughtful daughter.
Terry raised his eyebrows. He got interested, too. "You like it?"
Jessica glanced at Terry and said, "My father does."
"I see."
Terry nodded and glanced at Jessica. He didn't say anything else.
It was a self-portrait of Frida Kahlo. The opening bid was half a million dollars.
However, not many people were interested. Thus, the bid only rose to 700 thousand dollars after a few rounds.
A few seconds later, Jessica raised her bidder card. The auctioneer glanced at Jessica and said, "The lady offers 800 thousand dollars. Calling once..."
As soon as the auctioneer said that, Lucas raised his bidder card. The auctioneer stopped his hammer again. "900 thousand dollars. Calling once..."
Terry narrowed his eyes and looked at Jessica. "Do you need help?"
Jessica shook her head with a smile. "Nope."
Jessica knew the value of the painting. It should be no more than 1 million dollars.
But Morgan didn't have the painting. Jessica thought for a while and then raised her bid by 100 thousand.
"One million dollars! One million dollars calling once!"
"1. 2 million dollars! The gentleman offers 1. 2 million dollars!"
Jessica and Lucas competed for several rounds. In the end, the bid rose to 2 million dollars.
With a snort, Jessica put down the sign. She quit the competition.
It was such a waste of money. Since Lucas was willing, Jessica decided to leave the chance to him.
Terry smiled and said, "Let me help you get it."
With that, Jessica hurried to stop Terry. "Let him be the sucker."
Hearing that, Terry couldn't help but laugh. He then put down his sign and said, "You are the boss."
The venue fell silent. In the end, the hammer price was 2 million dollars.
Hari frowned and said, "This painting is not worth that much money."
Lucas glanced at Jessica, who was not far away. She was tilting her head, saying something to Terry. Then, the two of them raised their heads and smiled at each other.
Lucas was annoyed by the scene. When he heard what Hari said, he snorted. "Money is no biggie to me."
Hari clicked his tongue and said, "As you wish."
Lucas and Hari did not come for this painting. Their target was another one.
Jessica never expected the final painting to be so impressive. It was a portrait of Picasso. The opening bid was 10 million dollars. Terry bade for 20 million dollars. It seemed that Terry was determined to have the painting.
Yet Terry was not the only bidder. Lucas and Terry both silently raised their signs, and in the end, the bid came to 35 million dollars.
It was Lucas' offer. Jessica thought Terry would go on bidding, yet Terry stopped.
Jessica paused for a moment and couldn't help but look at Terry. "Mr. Davison?"
Terry looked at Jessica. His smiling eyes were so attractive. "I think you made a good point. I'll let him be the sucker."
Jessica chuckled. "Mr. Davison, you are a fast learner."
Terry looked at Jessica. With his eyes smiling, Terry said, "My future girlfriend should take the credit."
Terry's smile looked really attractive. It could easily eclipse everything around them, like the brightest star in the sky.
Jessica always thought she had good self-control. Yet under Terry's gaze, Jessica blushed and her heart pounded faster.
Jessica lowered her head and looked away.