Chapter 140
Natalie only glanced for a moment before refocusing her attention on the next lot.
Alexander looked down at his arm, where a pair of slender hands were now clinging to him. At the same time, a sweet voice purred in his ear.
“Alexander p>
“Let go,” Alexander said, his face cold, his voice devoid of any warmth.
He was strikingly handsome, but when he turned icy, he was utterly terrifying.
Sophia slowly released her grip, her hand falling to her side. Though she was annoyed, she kept a smile on her face. “I just came to see the auction p>
“The guest area is downstairs. This section is not open to the public,” Alexander said, glancing at Aaron Lee.
Aaron immediately stepped forward. “Ms. Green, let me escort you downstairs p>
Sophia ignored him. “But it’s not convenient for me downstairs. What if someone recognizes me? Alexander, just let me stay here, please p>
The last word was drawn out in a coquettish whine that made Aaron’s skin crawl. He stole a glance at Alexander.
Alexander stood tall, his expression like stone, completely unmoved.
“Ms. Green, I don’t know you well. Call me Mr. Ramirez p>
“But we’ve met several times now. And didn’t you say you admire my straightforward personality? I don’t want to call you Mr. Ramirez. It sounds so formal p>
Sophia pouted, feigning hurt.
Just then, the bidding began for the Green family’s oil painting.
As it was more valuable than the other lots, it had been saved for last.
The starting price was high, and few people raised their paddles.
Natalie calmly introduced the painting’s background, the artist’s personal history, and highlighted its potential for future appreciation. TÊœe source of this á´„ontent ɪs
In the second round of bidding, a few more people joined in.
Sophia crossed her arms and sneered. “I thought she was supposed to be so amazing. My father had an expert appraise this painting, and they said it should go for at least fifty million. The highest bid right now is only ten million. Any auctioneer could do that p>
“Since Mr. Green found such a brilliant appraiser, why did he entrust it to The Ramirez Group? Ms. Green, if you’re not satisfied, you can stop the auction right now and take the painting back p>
Alexander’s cold glance and merciless words shut Sophia down instantly.
She had made it all up. Her father didn’t know any appraisers, much less one who had estimated a value of fifty million.
She was just feeling resentful and wanted to undermine Natalie.
If she actually stopped the auction and took the painting back, her father would kill her.
Sophia snapped her mouth shut, glaring down at the stage.
“Are there any further bids?” Natalie asked, her eyes scanning the room, a smile on her face.
The bidding had stalled at fifteen million.
“Although the artist is quite young, this piece was once favored by the British royal family and hung in a royal palace for many years. This speaks to the artist’s skill and potential. His works are certain to become highly sought after by royal family in the future
Natalie’s additional information sparked a murmur of discussion in the crowd.
Sophia was stunned. The painting had such a prestigious history? Why hadn’t her father ever mentioned it?
She was skeptical. “She’s not just making that up to drive up the price, is she? I’ve never heard my dad say the artist was that important. If it turns out she’s lying, we’re not taking the blame for it p>
Alexander had also reviewed the painting’s file and didn’t recall any mention of that information. How did Natalie know so much?
He didn’t believe for a second that she would fabricate commercial value, but how had she acquired this information on such short notice?
When Alexander didn’t respond, Sophia assumed he shared her suspicions.
“Mr. Ramirez, if something goes wrong, it could tarnish The Ramirez Group’s reputation. Natalie Watson is just the Vice President of Billy Firth Asia-Pacific division. The worst that can happen to necis getting fired. But the losses for The Ramirez Group would be immense p>
Sophia’s tone was earnest, as if she were deeply concerned for his well-being.
“You have a point,” Alexander said, glancing at her. “What do you think we should do now p>
Sophia’s eyes glinted with jealousy, and a triumphant smile touched her lips. “Obviously, we should have her removed from the stage immediately. We can’t let her keep spouting nonsense. Then we should issue a public statement that The Ramirez Group was deceived by Billy Firth and that Natalie Watson used. fraudulent means to deceive both the buyers and us p>