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Novel Catalog
Chapter_66
The auction hall was filled with murmurs of approval as the auctioneer praised the exquisite craftsmanship of the Georgian Sky-Blue Porcelain Chalices. The bidding had already started, and Alyssa, despite her earlier composure, couldn’t hide the slight anxiety creeping into her expression. The appearance of Mandy, and the reminder of her powerful ties to the Taylor family, unsettled her. Alyssa had always been careful to keep her connections with Winston Taylor under wraps, and now with Mandy in the spotlight, she felt exposed.
Jasper’s interest, however, seemed genuine as he leaned forward, his eyes focused on the chalices. He had been quiet for a while, his thoughts seemingly drifting between the auction items and the dynamics unfolding around him. But the introduction of Mandy’s donation had shifted the atmosphere, and Alyssa could tell that Jasper wasn’t just focused on the Antique Rosewood Chair anymore. He was genuinely intrigued by these pieces, possibly because of their connection to the Taylor family. Mandy’s reputation, after all, was hard to ignore.
Liana, still basking in the afterglow of her victory over the painting, was now watching with a mix of interest and envy. Her eyes flicked between the chalices and Alyssa, calculating how she might get one of them, perhaps as a way to show off. But the price was climbing steadily, and she hesitated, unsure whether it would be worth it.
“The bidding is now at five million! Do I hear six?” the auctioneer’s voice rang out, creating a hush among the crowd.
Alyssa’s gaze met Mandy’s across the room. The older woman’s understanding smile and subtle gesture reassured her that Mandy was well aware of the situation. Alyssa had always respected her, but now, in this moment, she felt a deeper sense of gratitude. Mandy was playing her role perfectly, making sure no one connected her to the Taylor family through Alyssa. If anyone could navigate the dangerous waters of family politics and public perception, it was Mandy.
Meanwhile, Jasper’s expression was unreadable as he leaned forward, his fingers brushing the paddle. He had already made up his mind. He wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by, especially since it was linked to the Taylor name, something that had always been part of his past, though long buried. As much as he might dislike the ties that bound him to the Taylors, he knew that buying these chalices might send a signal. Not only to Alyssa, but to anyone who was paying attention.
The bidding continued, the price escalating quickly. Alyssa’s hand twitched, but she resisted the urge to raise her paddle. She couldn’t afford to be swept up in the frenzy. Liana, on the other hand, had already made her move.
“Six million!” Liana called out, her voice confident as she raised her paddle high, determination gleaming in her eyes.
Jasper’s gaze flicked over to Liana briefly, then back to the porcelain chalices, his eyes narrowing. He wasn’t entirely sure whether he should bid on these items at all. But one thing was certain: Liana’s eagerness to win them only made him more curious.
The tension in the room was palpable. The audience, including Sophia, watched with bated breath as the auctioneer scanned the crowd, waiting for the next move. Mandy’s figure stood out even more now, her presence seemingly larger than life, a stark contrast to Sophia’s shrinking demeanor.
Jasper’s thoughts briefly drifted to the past, to the history he shared with Alyssa, to the complex web of emotions, power, and the secrets they had buried. Every moment felt like it was drawing him closer to a confrontation, but he wasn’t sure if he was ready for it.
“Six and a half million!” Alyssa’s voice was like a soft wind, but it cut through the tension, as calm and confident as always. She had made her move.
The auctioneer’s eyes widened. This was unexpected. The pace of the bidding had suddenly intensified, and the room was on edge, waiting to see who would claim the beautiful pieces as their own.
Jasper’s expression remained impassive, but inside, something stirred. He knew this game all too well, and he had no intention of losing. The question was no longer about the chalices. It was about who would dominate the evening.