The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 128

That meant they never knew what the next lot would be.

Also, every item was physically brought on stage—everyone could see it with their own eyes. If they liked it, they bid.

That was why the security here was so tight. If just anyone could wander in, and some valuable piece was put on display, someone might rush the stage and grab it. The losses would be huge.

"Nine million dollars!"

"Ten million dollars!"

"Twelve million dollars!"

"Fifteen million dollars!"

Bidding was fierce. Paintings like this didn't come along often. For wealthy art and antique collectors, this was a must-have.

In the end, an elderly man in the third row won the painting. The hammer price was eighteen million dollars. With commission, it topped twenty million dollars.

"Next up, our second lot tonight—a 14th-century hand-painted porcelain vase."

The moment Hazel finished speaking, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

Staff brought out the vase and placed it on a display stand. The screen behind showed close-up details.

Hazel smiled as she introduced it. "As many of you know, 14th-century hand-painted porcelain vases are extremely rare—fewer than a dozen are known to exist worldwide. This piece comes with complete, detailed provenance and documentation for your review. For serious collectors of fine porcelain, this is a once-in-a-lifetime treasure."

Then the bidding began.

"One hundred million dollars!"

"One hundred fifty million dollars!"

"Two hundred million dollars!"

The bidding war was intense. Wealthy collectors went head-to-head.

A complete 14th-century hand-painted porcelain vase really was that rare. Years ago, a similar piece sold for 240 million dollars, setting a record for porcelain.

So when this piece appeared, it was instantly swarmed with bids.

"Two hundred seventy million dollars—going once, going twice... sold!"

Hazel brought down the gavel. The vase sold for 270 million dollars.

As the auction continued, lot after lot was unveiled. There were pearls, diamonds, fine imperial jade—all kinds of treasures.

At one point, Megan spotted an imperial jade bangle she liked and snapped it up for ninety million dollars.

Hazel smiled, sweeping her gaze across the audience.

"Three million one hundred thousand dollars. Highest bid from the gentleman in the room. Any further offers?"

For a small, poorly preserved 11th-century BC bronze burner, three million dollars was already a solid price. No one else seemed interested.

Just as Hazel was about to begin the countdown, a calm voice cut through the silence.

"Four million dollars!"

Everyone turned to look. It was Stefan holding up his paddle. Smirks spread across many faces.

Someone murmured, "That ex-con just got out. Rich and clueless, with no eye for value."

The bidders here all had sharp instincts and professional antique consultants advising them. They all knew that little burner wasn't worth that kind of money.

Marcus sneered quietly, "What an idiot. Prison must've fried his brain. Three million dollars was already pushing it, and he jumps straight to four million? Pathetic."

Zoey nodded in agreement. Then a thought struck her—where on earth had Stefan gotten that kind of money?

Four million dollars wasn't pocket change, not even for her.

And wasn't Stefan supposed to have nothing when he got out?