Chapter 412
Naomi looked nervous as the emcee announced, “The current highest bid is five hundred eighty thousand dollars. Anyone willing to go higher?”
Tyler didn’t raise his bidder card this time. Sensing the bidding might be over, the emcee continued, “It seems we have no higher bids than five hundred eighty thousand dollars.”
Even Olivia thought the auction was finished. But then, Tyler casually lifted his card and declared, “Six hundred fifty thousand dollars.”
Determined not to give Claude another chance to bid, Tyler raised the price significantly.
Gasps rippled through the crowd at the unexpected jump. Whispers spread about the Harrises living up to their prestigious reputation.
Claude, wearing a slight smile, calmly raised his own card. “Six hundred eighty thousand dollars.”
The emcee’s excitement grew, her cheeks flushed as she called out, “Six hundred eighty thousand dollars going once! The price has reached six hundred eighty thousand dollars! Will it go higher? I can’t wait to see!”
Naomi quickly turned to Linda, who was watching the bidding closely. “Forget it. Tell Tyler to stop bidding.”
Linda replied calmly, “Don’t worry. Let’s see what he does next.”
Naomi’s anxiety deepened, afraid Tyler might push the bid even further.
The emcee continued, “Six hundred eighty thousand dollars going once, six hundred eighty thousand dollars going twice. Any more bids, Mr. Harris?”
Tyler remained silent, his card lowered.
After a pause, the emcee finalized, “Alright, six hundred eighty thousand dollars for the third time! Congratulations to Mr. Pearce!”
Her voice brimmed with enthusiasm.
The audience rose to their feet, applauding Claude warmly. He smiled, accepting their praise gracefully.
Meanwhile, Tyler’s expression grew stern. Olivia, surprised, had expected him to continue bidding.
The soaring price was unheard of, especially for a charity auction where proceeds would fund schools in remote mountain villages. The high bid was, in essence, a generous donation.
The emcee thanked Claude repeatedly before inviting him to speak. Standing under a gentle spotlight, Claude took the microphone.
“Firstly, I bid on this locket for the children in the mountain village,” he began. “Secondly, I really like this locket, and I’m giving it as a gift to a friend.”
He scanned the crowd briefly, casting a fleeting glance at Olivia before quickly looking away.
Olivia felt a sudden chill. Her palms grew sweaty as she caught the subtle gesture.