Chapter 36 The Final Auction Price of 5.6 Million Dollars
Grace closed her laptop, planning to wait until tomorrow morning to see the final result!
"Mommy?"
Max stood at the doorway, poking his little head in. After dinner, he'd seen Grace hurry upstairs and thought she was still upset about being humiliated at the boutique. He was just peeking his head in when he heard Grace's laughter.
"Mommy?" Max had never heard Grace laugh like this before.
"Max?" Grace pulled him into a hug. "Have you taken your bath?"
"Already did!"
Grace looked surprised. "Who gave you a bath?"
Max said proudly, "I bathed myself." Alexander was right—he was seven years old now and couldn't let Mommy help him bathe anymore. He was a big boy now.
Grace couldn't quite believe it, sniffing him to confirm. Indeed, it was sweet-smelling Max!
She asked, "Where's Liam?"
Max shook his head. "Haven't seen him."
In the study.
Liam knocked and walked in.
Alexander had just closed his laptop when he noticed Liam walking in holding something in his hands. Curious, he asked, "What's that in your hands?"
Liam approached him and opened his palm, revealing a handmade paper flower he'd crafted himself.
Alexander couldn't help but smile. "What's this?"
Liam's lips curved upward as he gently pinned the little red flower to Alexander's lapel. Then, his soft little hand gently patted Alexander's head. "For protecting Grace. This is my reward."
Alexander understood.
Today's intervention at the Hermès boutique had earned him credit in Liam's eyes. To reward him, Liam had handmade a little flower as recognition.
"Thank you." Alexander touched the little flower—this was the first gift he'd ever received from Liam.
And it was because of Grace.
Somehow, with Grace's companionship, Liam had become more cheerful than before and was speaking more often.
Alexander said, "Do you really like Grace that much?"
Liam nodded.
"Just because she's beautiful?"
"Mm-hmm!"
"But there are so many people more beautiful than her?"
Liam emphasized without hesitation, "She's the most beautiful!"
"Alright, she's the most beautiful." Alexander gently pulled him into his arms and asked ingratiatingly, "So between Daddy and Grace, who do you like more?"
This question stumped Liam.
He actually began to hesitate.
Saying he liked Grace more in front of Daddy seemed hurtful, didn't it?
From what Liam could remember, he'd lived in the orphanage until age four. Because of his mild autism, the teachers there looked down on him, and other children bullied him. At the orphanage, only one nurse had been kind to him.
He'd never felt secure since childhood.
But ever since being brought home from the orphanage to the Hayes family, Alexander had showered him with so much love, treasuring him like a precious gem.
After thinking it over, he seriously gave his answer, "Daddy!"
He made a heart shape with his hands toward Alexander.
Although Alexander knew this wasn't Liam's most heartfelt answer, the fact that he could give this response was enough to satisfy him.
He kissed Liam's cheek. "Daddy loves Liam the most too."
Liam also hugged his neck and kissed him back.
"Want to sleep with Daddy tonight?" Alexander had deliberately finished work early so he could go to bed earlier.
Liam hesitated for a moment but obediently nodded.
The next day.
As soon as Grace woke up, she logged onto the auction website.
With eight hours left until bidding closed, the price had already reached 2.8 million dollars!
Grace couldn't see the bidders' information, but she had a vague feeling that the bidding had taken on a life of its own. To obtain this Himalaya bag, the price had been bid up over three hundred times.
Her jaw nearly dropped. She felt lightheaded, wondering what the final price might be.
If it could break three million dollars... after taxes, she'd net over two million clear.
At one o'clock in the afternoon, Grace suddenly received a phone call from the auction house representative.
"Is this Ms. Grace Foster?"
"Yes."
"Currently, the auction item you've listed with our company—a Hermès Himalaya bag—has achieved its final auction price. A bidder has won your bag with a closing price of 5.6 million dollars. Next, we need to arrange the transaction process with you."
Grace was stunned for a long time.
5.6 million dollars...
Forgive her for being inexperienced, but did people really exist who would spend 5.6 million dollars just to buy a handbag?
When Grace didn't respond, the other party grew nervous. "Ms. Foster? Ms. Foster, do you have any questions? Please rest assured! Our company operates through legitimate channels, and all transactions are secured with deposits."
Grace said, "I have no issues."
The representative explained some requirements regarding authentication certificates and original receipts, then scheduled the afternoon procedure. Initially, they'd planned home pickup service, but Grace asked for the trading center's address, intending to deliver the bag personally.
After hanging up, Grace quickly logged onto the official website to check.
Final auction price, 5.6 million dollars!
Sold after three final calls.
My God!
Grace covered her face, her emotions running high.
5.6 million dollars!
This bag actually sold for 5.6 million dollars!
This was practically overnight wealth.
Although she didn't know who was so extravagantly wealthy as to spend 5.6 million dollars on a handbag, this auction would probably make tomorrow's trending topics.
"5.6 Million Dollar Hermès Bag"—Grace could already imagine the trending hashtag.
Jane must be filled with regret now. Her actions had caused the Hermès boutique to lose this bag, resulting in devastating losses.
The appointment was scheduled for 2,30 PM.
Grace prepared all necessary documentation, took a taxi to the trading center, submitted all relevant certificates, and completed the transaction.
The trading center provided a 1 million dollar security deposit, with the remaining 3.5 million dollars to be transferred within ten days.
Reportedly, the mysterious buyer was eager to receive the bag and had already paid in full, with funds arriving within three business days at the earliest.
As the sun set, Grace looked at her account balance and returned home completely satisfied!
...
Three days later.
The Foster Manor.
Mia finally received the Hermès Himalaya bag she'd been dreaming about.
She returned home gleefully carrying the bag, eager to unwrap it immediately.
Evelyn came downstairs and saw Mia's radiant face. "Mia, did you buy another new bag?"
Mia said, "Jayden bought this for me."
The bag was unopened from the boutique, with all original receipts intact.
This was the Himalaya bag Mia had wanted most but found hardest to obtain!
Evelyn casually asked, "How much was it?"
Just as she spoke, Mia unwrapped the bag. Seeing it was a Himalaya, Evelyn exclaimed in surprise, "Isn't this a Himalaya? This bag is very hard to get."
Mia said, "Yes, I saw it on an auction website and pestered Jayden to buy it for me."
Evelyn was shocked. "How could he bear to buy you such an expensive bag?"
Mia replied, "He said it's my wedding gift."
After returning from the sales office that day, Mia had been deeply aggrieved and had thrown a tantrum with Jayden. To appease her, Jayden had reluctantly agreed to buy her a bag.
When Mia heard from friends that an auction website had listed a Himalaya bag, she pestered Jayden to bid on it.
Unexpectedly, it ultimately cost 5.6 million dollars to win the auction!