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.

continued bidding, "Eight

"8.5 million dollars."

"Nine million dollaes."

"9.5 million dollars."

persisted in 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 sensed that something was wrong and messaged Xander. "Don't bid anymore. Let Jake be

message but

had already reached 13

bids 13 million dollars. Does the

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

his paddle. "15 million

"18 million dollars."

were truly insane. Grace's heart

indeed have research value, the price

exceeded

It had turned into

scope

competition between the brothers.

"20 million dollars."

head to inquire. Upon receiving the answer, she took a

the wrangling. He directly increased the bid