chapter59
As soon as the thought crossed her mind, she moved forward without hesitation.
The system's voice echoed through the hall. "Box 1 bids two million!"
Sandy, sitting in Box 9, stared at the screen in disbelief.
She honestly hadn't seen this coming. All the other items had started at a hundred thousand, maybe three or five hundred thousand tops. But for the one thing she wanted, Box 3 had jumped straight to a million. And that wasn't even the craziest part. Box 1 immediately bumped it to two million, like it was nothing.
That was literally all the money Sandy had in her account.
Did these people just have cash lying around with nowhere to spend it?
Soren was just as stunned. He glanced over at the position of Box 1 and lowered his voice. "Sandy, only the big shots get to sit in Boxes 1, 2, and 3. I don't think we stand a chance with the Golden Antler."
Sandy's cheeks burned with embarrassment, but she tried to sound confident. Let's just see how it goes, Soren."
"Alright."
But before he could even finish the word, Box 3 upped the bid to five million.
Sandy's heart felt like it was being torn in half. These people were just on a whole other level. The amount of money flying around was unreal.
Lydia simply raised an eyebrow and entered eight million.
When Lucinda saw that number on the screen, she frowned, scoffed, and immediately punched in a bid of ten million.
She meant what she said. Golden Antler was hers, no matter what.
The other boxes watched the showdown between Box 1 and Box 3 and hesitated about getting involved. After all, anyone sitting up front had to have some serious connections.
Once the price hit ten million, Sandy knew there was no way she could compete.
Soren looked at her, trying to be gentle. "Sandy, maybe we should let it go. There are plenty of ways to show Mrs. Smith how much you care. We could always buy some regular antler. It's pretty much the same thing."
Sandy felt humiliated but managed a small nod. "You're right, Soren. I don't have the means to earn money yet. When I do, I'll make it up to Grandma."
"Sandy, you really have a good heart."
While they were talking, the price had already shot up to fifteen million.
Sandy stared at the screen, realizing this auction was totally changing the way she thought about money.
Lydia frowned and raised the bid to twenty million.
The Golden Antler was everything to her right now. Her grandmother needed it, or her leg might never heal. Without it, she could end up bedridden forever.
Lucinda couldn't believe it. Her very first time at an auction and someone was actually challenging her. But when Lucinda Norwood wanted something, she never lost.
She pressed the one million button ten times in a row, bumping the price up to thirty million.
The entire auction hall erupted in shock. Sure, Golden Antler was rare, but it was still just a medicinal herb. It couldn't save lives, just help heal injuries. Thirty million was way over the top.
Paige couldn't help herself. She leaned in, trying to talk some sense into Lucinda. Lucinda, is the Golden Antler really worth that much? Thirty million is insane."
Paige was a rich kid too. She had grown up surrounded by luxury, but even she thought thirty million was a lot.
Lucinda felt the sting too, but she had already said she'd get it. This was for Connor. She couldn't give up now.
Besides, she had brought a card with a fifty million limit just for tonight.
"I'd spend every penny for Connor, Paige. No matter what."
Paige felt her heart soften again. "If Connor knew all you've done for him, he'd love you even more."
Lucinda thought so too. She nodded, blushing. "That's why I have to win this. I can't lose."
But before she could even catch her breath, Box 1 added another ten million.
Lucinda's face darkened. If this kept up, how was she supposed to pay? The auction house didn't do credit. You paid, or you walked away empty handed.
Paige noticed Lucinda's anxiety and whispered, Maybe we can look for something else? There might be other rare herbs."
Lucinda clenched her jaw. "No. I want this one!"