In the Lap of Luxury by Unsweetened Chestnuts

The last item up for auction was an ancient poetry book, with a starting bid of two million dollars.

Grace jokingly messaged Xander. "This item has great research value. I was originally reluctant to bring it out. Are you interested in it, Mr. Fulton?" Xander's slender fingers glided across his phone. "Let's end this year on a high note."

Upon receiving this message, Grace heard Hazel's bid from behind. "Three million dollars."

Since Xander was supporting his girlfriend, most bidders didn't dare compete with him. At most, they only raised the price slightly.

Matthew was among them, bidding up to six million dollars before backing down.

The auctioneer announced, "Mr. Fulton bids 6.5 million dollars, going once, going twice—"

"7.5 million."

A crisp, young voice that hadn't been heard all evening rang out from the corner. At once, all eyes turned to look.

A man sat in an inconspicuous spot. His profile cast a slight shadow under the light, exuding a debonair charm.

Hazel whispered, "It's Jake."

Naturally, Xander had noticed too. Jake was focused on the stage and the front row.

Grace's heart was in turmoil. She hadn't expected Jake to stir up trouble like this. She immediately looked toward Xander and shook her head.

Xander understood what she meant.

order, Hazel continued

"8.5 million dollars."

"Nine million dollaes."

"9.5 million dollars."

bidding, incrementing the bid by 500 thousand dollars with

the only other voices in the entire venue belonged to Hazel and Jakes, who were bidding against each other, making the atmosphere particularly tense. Grace

the message

had already

now excited. "Mr. Fulton bids 13 million

wonder she didn't know Jake's name; it

his paddle. "15

"18 million dollars."

truly insane. Grace's heart

item did indeed have

and exceeded

It had turned

scope

competition between the brothers.

"20 million dollars."

she took

Xander was tired of the wrangling. He directly increased the bid by 10