Arthur cleared his throat, forcing a strained smile. "The Ghost Doctor certainly has a sense of humor."
"Although he humbly calls this his childhood notes, it remains his authentic handwriting."
"Even if the formulas are outdated... our pharmaceutical research team can still use modern compounding methods to adjust them."
"Furthermore, in the eyes of the Doyle family, the genuine handwriting of the Ghost Doctor holds immense collectible and sentimental value."
"Consider it our ultimate tribute to him."
"It is the Doyle family's greatest honor to preserve his work."
He spoke with grandiose righteousness.
Acting as if he truly were the Ghost Doctor's most devout follower.
The guests exchanged glances.
Though they were all internally mocking the Doyles for their stubborn pride, they tacitly agreed not to call out the bluff, given the family's rising power.
Still, the looks they shot Arthur were laced with unmistakable amusement.
Arthur didn't dare linger on the topic, terrified someone else would shout out another insult.
He quickly shot a look at the auctioneer.
The auctioneer, a seasoned professional with excellent crowd control, took the hint.
He seamlessly picked up the pace. "Thank you, Mr. Doyle, for those inspiring words! Now, let us turn our attention to the upcoming lots!"
The lights shifted.
In the brief moment the venue plunged into dimness,
The smile vanished from Arthur's face, replaced by venomous rage.
He stumbled slightly as he stepped off the stage.
To wash away the recent humiliation, the Doyles deliberately accelerated the auction's pace.
Precious items were rolled out and sold off like water.
Though the atmosphere heated up again, the vibe had shifted.
The guests, who had previously focused entirely on the items, now cast frequent side-eyes toward the Doyle family's VIP section.
Those stares made Arthur squirm in his seat.
Sebastian patted her shoulder gently, his voice smooth and his touch soft.
But to Bianca, this was even more terrifying.
She trembled violently.
Her heart was filled with equal parts terror and overwhelming hatred.
She turned her head, her venomous gaze piercing through the crowd to lock onto Serena in her white gown.
It was all that bitch's fault!
If she hadn't been so arrogant and shot her mouth off,
The Doyle family wouldn't have suffered such a massive humiliation.
She wouldn't have enraged her father and brother.
It was all her fault!
Sebastian naturally noticed his sister's volatile mix of fear and hatred.
A flicker of mockery flashed in his eyes.

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