The Return of the Cannon Fodder Trillion Heiress - Chapter 67

Chapter 67: Chapter 67 Confrontation
Shortly thereafter, the bidding soared to $450 million, with only five individuals remaining engaged in the auction, among them Leo and the gentleman from earlier.

However, it became apparent that none of the five were willing to yield until the bidding reached $500 million, remarked a stout man with a prominent beer belly and standing at a modest 5’4″. “Gentlemen, I am Liam Smith, proud proprietor of the Art Hive Gallery. I earnestly hope for your consideration in granting me this opportunity.”

Though he uttered few words, his demeanor suggested an attempt to intimidate the remaining four competitors in the bidding. Observing two youths in their mid-20s, along with two mere art enthusiasts seated in the 4th and 6th rows, while he himself was in the 3rd row. Implicitly, he hoped that his seniority would earn him respect from the younger participants.

This held true for the two gentlemen seated in the 4th and 6th rows, despite the ache in their hearts at relinquishing the opportunity to others. Continuing to bid would prove futile as the price neared their budget limit. With waning confidence in securing the bid, they resorted to bluffing, hoping the others would withdraw voluntarily.

However, the price continues to soar unabated.

Upon discovering that one of the remaining bidders is Liam Smith, owner of the prestigious Art Hive Gallery, renowned as one of the country’s largest and most esteemed art galleries, they immediately chose to concede to him. They were aware that entrusting the artwork to his gallery ensured it would be exhibited, granting them continued opportunities to admire the painting at their leisure.

“You don’t have to be so modest, Mr. Smith. You should have mentioned it earlier,” they chuckled, eager to ingratiate themselves with him. They viewed this interaction as a chance to cultivate a friendship and pave the way for potential future business collaborations. Both parties were satisfied with this silent agreement.

Mr. Smith assumed that all other remaining bidders had withdrawn and confidently declared his bid. “I offer $501 million,” he stated, wearing a self-assured smile, believing victory was within his grasp.

However, his confidence was shattered by Leo, who calmly countered, “$510 million,” without even sparing Mr. Smith a glance.

“Hey! What’s the meaning of this?!” Mr. Smith roared angrily, his outburst swiftly tempered by the auctioneer, who reminded them that conflicts were strictly prohibited during the auction. Such exchanges were typically discouraged as they disrupted the bidding process. However, given that this auction was hosted by the Lowry family, and the auction house was merely assisting with the proceedings, they permitted the exchange. The auction house would still receive a commission of 15% based on the final hammer price.

Mr. Smith, along with the other seasoned participants, was well aware of this protocol. That’s precisely why he attempted to coerce his competitors into withdrawing using verbal tactics. He knew he couldn’t afford to continue bidding if the price escalated any further.

While such a move might displease the auction house, they wouldn’t intervene if the bidders sought to negotiate differently on this occasion, considering that the painting’s price had already surpassed the expected threshold of $450.3 million.

However, to everyone’s surprise, there was an ignorant individual (called Leo) among them who seemed oblivious to societal norms and rules, much to the irritation of the others. Or should we say ‘irritation of Mr. Smith and his plan.’

Leo remained silent in response to the man’s outburst, leaving the other gentleman to speak instead. “We apologize if we’ve dashed your hopes,” he replied calmly, maintaining a charming smile. “Yet, I’m afraid there was never any agreement on our part.” With a touch of mockery in his tone, he added as he raised his number plate, “I offer $520 million.”

Hera couldn’t stifle a soft chuckle, catching the attention of those nearby who were closely observing her.

Mr. Smith felt his face flush with embarrassment at the realization that the young men, whom he couldn’t even recognize, weren’t taking him seriously. He was seething with anger. “Ha! You insolent brat! Don’t toy with me! How can we be certain that you actually have the funds to back up your bids, and that you’re not just inflating the price?”

He insinuated that they were plants sent by the auction house to artificially inflate the bidding, a tactic commonly associated with smaller or mid-tier auction houses—but not the Lakeside Pavilion- Auction house. The auctioneer took offense at Mr. Smith’s accusation and, in response, made the decision to blacklist him from attending future auctions. ‘Mr. Smith only learned of this the following day, sparking his outrage upon receiving the notice.’

Leo’s patience wore thin with the older man’s incessant chatter, prompting him to intervene. “We’re not here to negotiate prices because this is not a marketplace; this is an auction house. As the rules clearly state, the highest bidder takes the prize home…” He cast a sneaky glance at the amused Hera beside him before continuing, “So, no need to throw a tantrum if you can’t afford the lollipop.”

He openly ridiculed the man for his apparent inability to afford the item yet still desired to possess it. Leo’s response was sharp and clever, prompting Hera to chuckle uncontrollably. She didn’t mean any disrespect, but she found the situation rather absurd. To her, it seemed like common sense not to engage in bidding wars for something beyond one’s means, rather than resorting to clever wordplay.

Enraged by Leo’s provocation, he exclaimed, “$550 million,” his chest heaving with anger. He was offering all the money in his hands, confident that these brats wouldn’t be able to match his bid.

Seeing Leo and the other gentleman fall silent, he breathed a sigh of relief and flashed a smug smile at Leo. He was prepared to exhaust all his funds, believing that the painting’s display in his gallery would generate significant returns in the years to come.

As the silence persisted, the auctioneer proceeded. “$550 million going once.”

“Going twice…”

“$560 million…” Leo’s calm declaration aimed to give the old man a false sense of victory, heightening his devastation when his prize was ultimately taken from him.

Following suit, the other gentleman chimed in, “$570 million…”

Mr. Smith stood in stunned silence, so taken aback that he momentarily forgot to respond, allowing the bid to soar to $700 million in Leo’s favor. Hera glanced at Leo with a raised eyebrow, curious if he also had a gallery to exhibit the art. She then shifted her gaze to the other gentleman, who sensed her gaze and met her eyes, offering her a gentle smile in return.

He ceased bidding against Leo, effectively bringing the auction to a close. Shortly after, the same woman who had approached Hera earlier for payment assistance stepped forward once again, this time to facilitate the transaction with Leo.

Rafael anticipated Leo’s next move, wondering if he would receive the black card from Hera. Instead, Leo reached into the inside pocket of his suit, retrieving a similar black card to the one Hera had used earlier. He tapped it to the card reader, eliciting a confirmation tone indicating successful payment.

And with that, the charity auction drew to a close, attendees dispersing one by one, leaving Mr. Smith rooted to his spot. Hera nodded at Leo, satisfied that he was now doing well. However, in the rush of the moment, she momentarily forgot their plan to meet with his grandfather, instead heading directly to fetch Athena.

Watching Hera depart, Leo felt a pang of reluctance, wishing he could spend more time with her. However, he couldn’t find a valid excuse to delay her departure until he remembered their agreement to find Leo’s grandfather and ensure she could assist him until then.

His body moved faster than his thoughts, and before he knew it, Leo had grabbed Hera’s arm, halting her in her tracks. Surprised by the sudden tug, Hera nearly lost her balance, but Leo quickly steadied her. She turned to look into his eyes, silently questioning his intentions.

Leo felt embarrassed and could only rub the tip of his nose with a straight face as he attempted to explain himself. Before he could, however, another hand seized his arm, causing both Hera and Leo to turn their attention to the third person.

“It’s not gentlemanly to suddenly grab a woman,” Rafael scolded Leo with a scowl.

Sparks seemed to fly as their gazes locked. Zhane approached Hera and inquired, “Are you okay?” His tone implied concern, suggesting that Leo might have been harassing her.

Leo’s head snapped in Zhane’s direction, his gaze frosty but composed. “We have arrangements to find my grandfather,” he stated, subtly reminding Hera, who seemed to have forgotten.

Just like a lightbulb, Hera’s eyes suddenly lit up as she recalled the conversation they had in the cubicle.

Rafael interjected once more. “You’re already a grown-up, yet you still need someone else to help you find your grandfather?” His smile was taunting, revealing his teeth.