Married a Secret Billionaire novel Chapter 437

Janine sighed and looked at the painting quietly.

There were two double-winged fireflies on it, representing Xyla and Rowan. The forest that was the background was where they usually dated.

It would be unnecessary if Xyla were to see it and be reminded of the sad past.

That was why Janine did not plan to buy the painting. She wanted to raise the bidding price to donate more money to charity. It would be the best this painting could do.

“Never mind, Cordelia…” She forced a smile. “Actually… Actually, I asked your mom, and she didn’t want to come.”

“Oh.” Cordelia nodded in a daze and put down her phone.

“This was her creation in youth. She doesn’t like it. Oh yeah, don’t bring this up to her when you go back, lest she overthinks it and thinks of the past.”

Cordelia quickly replied, “Mm, I understand!”

Although she could not share it with her mother, she felt proud to see her mother’s painting being auctioned today.

“Our honorable guests, the auction will start soon!”

The host stood on stage and introduced with a lively voice, “The first auction piece, The Fireflies’ Light!”

There was already someone bidding for it below the stage. Cordelia looked at Janine, and the latter responded with an encouraging smile. “Raise your bid paddle!”

“$300,000!”

The host smiled. “Alright, $300,000 by this lady over here! Any more bids?”

“$450,000!” The voice was shrill.

Cordelia turned over to see Nelly smirking provocatively at her.

“It’s fine.” Janine smirked. “Just keep bidding against her and lose to her in the final round!”

Cordelia understood immediately and raised her paddle again. “$750,000!”

Nelly glared at her and continued to compete.

In the end, the painting’s bid reached $30,000,000. The host was in glee. The higher the price was, the more it showed the success of this auction. It was unexpected that the first piece reached such an astronomical price when they had just hoped for a good opening!

“Ms. Nelly Tanner is bidding for $30,000,000!” The host raised his voice and asked, “Any more bids?”

Cordelia met eyes with Janine and smiled, putting her paddle down.

“$30,000,000 going once!

“$30,000,000 going twice!”

The host scanned the hall and lifted the hammer. “$30,000,000, sold!

“And gone!”

When the hammer slammed down, the guests clamored and got up to applaud.

Nelly went up the stage proudly, not forgetting to give Cordelia a glance as she wore a triumphant smile. She finally got to overshadow Cordelia this time.

“Thank you!” Nelly took the painting from the host.

She did not know what the painting was about or who Xyla was, but the piece of art and its artist must be significant since it could be auctioned.

$30,000,000 was not too much or too little. She was going to take over the Tanner Group soon, so she ought to create some popularity.

A charity was a good place to start. Auctioning the painting would not only make others think that she was graceful and artsy, but it was also a charity and could elevate the company's image.

Nelly flicked her long hair to the back and smiled at everyone. She was going to say something to stay in the limelight when Cordelia walked over to her.