The Devil's Harem

Chapter 190: Mama Claire

Chapter - 190

"Ladies and Gentlemen. I welcome you all to the seventh Eleanor city auction by the Wilson family. And I am your host for the evening, Curtis Williams,"

After the greetings were done following the arrival of Frank Wilson, the main attraction of the evening finally began. Hardly anyone was here to know about the recent collaboration between Theation and a small company like 'AR'.

The main purpose of their visit was this auction. For they can bid on anything. From jewellery, antiques and artefacts to upcoming projects like building a road, bridge or a town. Everything was up for grabs. All you need are heavy pockets.

"Many of you are not new to this auction, but for those attending the auction for the first time, let me brief you all on the rules," the host continued.

"First. Every one of you will receive a pedal to bid. So please, no shouting and arguing."

"Second. Every raise in the bid below one million dollars will be of fifty thousand dollars. Below ten million dollars, it will be a hundred thousand dollars, and more than that, it will be a million dollars. Any exception, we will let you know."

"Third. The Wilson family will only be responsible for the delivery of goods and their protection inside the premise of this building. Once you step outside, the Wilson family won't be responsible for your losses."

"And lastly. You can settle all your accounts at the end of the auction."

"... If you have any other questions, please let me know." The host said and looked around the hall. Only after he saw that no one had anything to say or ask did he gesture for the ladies standing beside him to move.

Getting the cue, the girls started distributing the peddle among the guests and wrote their details. Even Alex's table got a peddle even though he was sitting at the back along with Claire and Annie.

Frank, along with his two granddaughters, was in the front, which was obvious since they were the host. But George and Martha's table surprised him. They were just beside Frank's table. Just one time working together and George was already flying high. Good for him. Meanwhile, Damien was again nowhere to be seen, probably smooth-talking a girl to his bed.

"Now, without any further ado, let's get started," the host said and slammed his hammer, indicating the beginning of the auction.

"... Now, the first item on our list is the sixth-century Buddhist Ghanta and Vajra. Its hollowness represents wisdom and emptiness, while the sound it produces represents the voice of Buddha. In this fast-paced life, everyone needs a moment of peace and tranquillity to connect to the almighty," the host explained.

"... I won't say any further. The bidding starts at two hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

"Three hundred thousand dollars,"

"Three hundred and fifty thousand,"

"Four hundred..."

"Four hundred and fifty..."

"Five hundred..."

"The bid is now at five hundred thousand dollars. Any more bids? This is your last chance to take away something that might belong to the Buddha himself. Anyone?"

"Then, five hundred thousand, one."

"Five hundred thousand, two."

"Five hundred thousand, three."

"And sold. Sold to number 34 for five hundred thousand dollars." The host announced with a slap of his hammer.

"I like the enthusiasm from the first go... Now, the second item on the list is the eighteenth-century sword that belonged to the infamous French emperor, Louis XVI. Louis XVI was executed in public following an uprising."

"The bidding starts at four hundred thousand dollars," the host announced. And as soon as he did, peddles began to raise one after the other. In no time, the bid had gone past the million dollar mark. Finally, the pace slowed down after a while, and the sword was sold for two million dollars.

Following the sword, the price cap began to be broken one after the other. Paintings, vases, bones and whatnot were sold for tens of millions of dollars. Even the digital streaming rights for their new project were sold in this auction. It went for a record hundred and ten million dollars plus a percentage share in the profits.

Both Jessica and Alex earned a substantial amount on their investment even before the tv-series aired.

"Tell me, Annie, is there something that caught your eye? Tell me, and I will buy it for you," Alex asked Annie, who was sitting in his lap. But the latter shook her head. There was nothing that could excite the little girl. And truth to be told, it has been so long since the last time Annie spoke. It wouldn't be a shocker if no one really knew what the little girl liked, maybe not even her mother.

"Then what about mommy? Is there something mommy liked?" Alex gently rubbed Annie's cheeks and joked with Claire.

"Mommy will have to empty her account, sell her house, and even my organs to even think about buying the cheapest thing in this auction," Claire replied, playing along with Alex.

"Maybe not even then," Alex shook his head.

"So, will you buy something for mommy?"

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