Chapter 142
After she spoke, Natalie’s gaze fell on a specific spot in the crowd, a beautiful curve playing on her lips.
“Charlie, the royal art advisor to the British monarchy p>
From the right side of the room, a young, blond-haired, blue-eyed man stood up. Dressed impeccably in a suit, he exuded an air of gentlemanly grace with every movement.
“Billy Firth is the exclusive auction partner for the Royal Collection Trust. I can personally attest that this painting hung in a royal residence six years ago p>
Someone in the audience gasped. “Oh my god, I can’t believe Charlie is here! I attended one of his lectures on art appreciation in the UK p>
What a grand auction this was turning out to be. A joint venture between two major firms, and now attended by a royal art advisor from the British monarchy.
Anyone who witnessed or participated in this auction would surely never forget it. The physical evidence and expert testimony were irrefutable.
Before Natalie could even restart the bidding, many in the audience were already signaling their intent to raise their offers.
Upstairs, Sophia Green’s eyes were wide with fury, practically spitting fire.
Her phone was ringing incessantly.
“Ms. Green, your phone is quite loud,” Alexander remarked, glancing at the device in her hand.
Sophia had no choice but to answer it.
“Ms. Green, I’m trapped! Mr. Green’s men have cornered me. You have to get me out of here!” The voice of the man from the audience pleaded through the speaker.
She almost let a curse slip, but with Alexander right there, she had to maintain her elegant facade.
“You should have gotten your facts straight before spouting nonsense. Fine, just wait there. I’ll speak to my father about it later p>
The man felt deeply wronged. It was her people who had told him exactly what to say, and now she was blaming him.
Sophia gave him no chance to argue, hanging up immediately.
“Ms. Green, do you have any other doubts?” Alexander asked. His gaze was fixed on Natalie, warm and gentle, but it turned cold the moment he looked at the so- called royal art advisor.
Wasn’t that man’s stare a little too bold? Thɪs chapter is updated by.net
Sophia shivered under his icy glare but still ventured, “Mr. Ramirez, you had your doubts just now, too p>
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have ordered Aaron Lee to get rid of Natalie.
“Did I ever say I had doubts p>
Alexander’s tone was sharp as he glanced at her.
“Then why did you p>
“All guests at this auction are registered. I was simply having Aaron Lee ask the
royal art advisor to come forward and corroborate the story p>
Sophia was stunned. “So, you were trying to help her all along p>
“What else?” Alexander retorted.
Down on the stage, after Natalie resumed the bidding, the number of participants was significantly higher than for any previous item.
It wasn’t just about the reputation of Nora and the two firms anymore The drama, the suspense, and the confirmation from a royal advisor had all added immense value to the painting.
“Eighty-five million. Any higher bids p>
“Eighty-five million going once p>
Finally, the gavel fell. The oil painting sold for eighty-five million, exceeding its estimated value of fifty million by thirty-five million.
It became the item with the highest proportional increase over its estimate for the entire event.
The audience erupted in applause. Natalie put on a pair of white gloves, a symbolic gesture indicating a perfect auction with no unsold items.
With the auction concluded successfully, Natalie went backstage to change.
“Nora, Charlie’s outside,” Ava Thompson said, coming into the dressing room. “Okay, tell him I’ll be right out p>
A few minutes later, Natalie emerged. She was about to greet Charlie when she saw
he wasn’t alone. Alexander Ramirez was there, too.
“Nora p>
Charlie smiled when he saw her.
Natalie walked over, and the two shared a friendly hug.
She could feel a certain pair of eyes glued to her from the side.
“I just came to observe your auction. I didn’t expect to have to act as a witness for
you. Don’t you think you owe me some compensation?” Charlie joked.
“I heard you were in Cabinda on vacation was going to call and invite you to dinner anyway. How
about some Kaston cuisine? Natalie asked with a smile. fo
“When in Kaston, one must try Kaston food. I never got my fill of your cooking back
in London p>
Their easy rapport made it clear they were good friends, and they spoke as if Alexander Ramirez was completely invisible.
Seeing Natalie’s radiant smile, Alexander’s face darkened several shades.
He couldn’t let them keep talking, and he certainly couldn’t let them have dinner
alone.
“Today was a joint auction between
The Ramirez Group and Billy Firth. It
you
wouldn’t be right for Ms. Watson to treat alone, it would look like was being a poor host. Charlie, if you don’t mind, allow me to make the arrangements p>