Chapter 413 The Silhouette Under the Moonlight
Tatiana glanced toward the second floor but did not raise her bid again.
She was wealthy, but she wasn’t a fool. Continuing to chase the price at this point was pointless.
Finished
The embroidery was soon sold for six million to the mystery bidder. Tatiana felt a prick of irritation, but she could accept it; she still had other items on her list.
However, as the night went on and every item she set her sights on was snatched away by higher bids, her expression soured. By the middle of the auction, she was sitting in stony silence.
Rose, sitting beside her, began to look concerned. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Tatiana took a deep breath. “I’m going to the powder room.”
The auction paused for a mid–session break. Guests stood up to stretch, and waiters began circulating with exquisite desserts and drinks. Tatiana took the opportunity to head to the restroom to clear her head.
As she left, several socialites tried to follow her to strike up a conversation. Tatiana’s bold bidding earlier had made it clear she wasn’t from some minor family. But since she had just lost out on several pieces, she was in a foul mood. She met every approach with a cold, low–pressure stare that made the other women keep their distance.
She washed her hands and looked at her reflection in the mirror, letting out a slow, weary breath. Her headache was flaring up again, which only served to darken her mood. She pulled a pill bottle from her clutch, shook out several tablets, hesitated for a moment, then dropped a few back in before swallowing the rest dry.
The painkillers wouldn’t kick in immediately. She had to endure the throbbing as she headed back.
Just as she exited the restroom, she collided with a young waitress. Her clutch fell to the floor.
“Oh! I’m so sorry! Are you alright? I’m so, so sorry! I wasn’t looking where I was going!” The waitress looked quite young and seemed on the verge of tears from panic.
Tatiana didn’t make a scene. She stood up and waved her off. “It’s fine.”
The waitress picked up the clutch and handed it back, apologizing profusely. She seemed genuinely shaken. Tatiana gave a small, tired smile, dismissed the encounter, and walked back to the hall.
The waitress remained bowed until Tatiana was out of sight. Then, she leaned in and whispered into a tiny microphone: “The swap is complete.”
Back at the auction, the second half began the moment Tatiana took her seat. This time, she didn’t hold back. She locked onto the final item–a rare, lifelike statue that was a true masterpiece.
The starting price was high, and the competition was fierce. Within minutes, the bidding soared to eight million, far exceeding any of the previous sales.
Tatiana didn’t hesitate. “Nine million.”
“Nine point one million.”
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18:38 Thu, Jan 8 de j
Chapter 413 The Silhouette Under the Moonlight
“Nine point two million.”
Finished
A few bidders were still holding on, trying to creep up the price. Tatiana didn’t want to waste any more time. “Ten million.”
This time, the floor went silent. Tatiana wasn’t worried about the other guests; she was watching for that mysterious bidder from earlier. Fortunately, they didn’t intervene this time.
The hammer fell. She had won.
Rose beamed at her. “Congratulations on getting your prize.”
Finally, a smile touched Tatiana’s lips.
After the auction concluded, she settled the payment. The statue was secured in a reinforced case and would be delivered to her estate by a professional security team. With her mission accomplished and the painkillers finally taking effect, Tatiana’s mood lightened considerably.
Rose made a suggestion. “Want to go grab a drink? I know a great spot to unwind. After all, even moms need a breather, right?”
Rose gave a knowing wink. Tatiana liked her spirit and nodded in agreement.
The two women went to a private club owned by Rose. It was elegantly decorated, lacking the typical “nightlife” vibe; it felt more like an art gallery, featuring paintings that Rose had done herself.
They sat on the rooftop terrace under the night sky, sipping champagne and enjoying the cool breeze. They talked about everything–except for the men in their lives. It was a silent, mutual understanding.
When Rose stepped away to take a phone call, Tatiana stayed behind to admire the view. She hadn’t changed out of her dress or removed her makeup, but she had let her hair down. It cascaded over her shoulders, rippling in the night wind.
She was watching the scenery, unaware that she was the scenery for someone else. Bathed in the silvery moonlight, she looked like something out of a dream.
Suddenly, a voice spoke behind her in a language that was beautiful yet obscure.
She turned her head. A man in a deep blue suit was standing there. He was handsome and possessed an air of natural authority; for a fleeting moment, his silhouette reminded her of Jasper.
She snapped out of it and replied, “Your words are far too forward.”
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