And The Daddy Is… The Infertile Guy?!

Chapter 37

Shadows flickered in Bainbridge’s eyes as he spoke with a chilling tone. “You’re getting all worked up over a bracelet? I’m here to snap up a birthday present for Warren.”

Vivien withdrew her hand and chimed in, “Our target today is none other than the painting Serene Harmony. It’s starting at ten million. Do you even have that kind of cash?”

“Very impressive, indeed!” Valor clapped without much sincerity and raised his voice, “Mr. Bainbridge sure knows how to spend big, looking forward to seeing the Serene Harmony at Warren’s birthday.”

“Valor, whose side are you on?” Bainbridge darkened his face.

Valor stuck out his tongue playfully.

Bainbridge,” Howard lifted his voice slightly, “I, too, would love to gift that painting to Warren.

We seem to be on the same wavelength.”

“May the best man win.” Bainbridge was determined.

“Bring it on.” Howard casually unbuttoned his shirt to reveal a tasteful hint of collarbone. His eyelids drooped as he passed his bidding paddle to Gwendolyn, “You bid for me. Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.

“Me? I wouldn’t know how.” Gwendolyn blushed, slightly flustered.

“Just outbid the highest offer by a million, and keep going until I say stop.” He leaned back lazily in his chair, the light gray fabric of his shirt thin enough to draw the eye.

His long, pale index finger traced down her back, sending shivers of tingles through her.

“Gwendolyn, you’re too stiff, relax. This is just a small affair.”

“Okay.” Her throat was dry. “Mr. Chadwick, do we have that much money?”

She remembered him mentioning Roselind’s money was tied up in the stock market, and hist project had been snatched away.

He tapped her lower back reassuringly, “Don’t worry, I still have some savings.”

Gwendolyn felt slightly at ease.

On stage, the auctioneer unveiled the red cloth with excitement, “What we have here is the famed Serene Harmony from the Renaissance in excellent condition. Five senior art appraisers have provided certificates of authenticity.”

“The starting bid is ten million, following the ‘non–fidelity‘ principle.”

A thunderous silence followed the announcement.

Quality items were sought after by all, but few were willing to pay a high price for a painting. especially when the starting bid was an eight–figure sum.

“Fifteen million!”

*Seventeen million!”

“Twenty million!”

The price soared to twenty million, and the number of bidders dwindled down to just Bainbridge and Howard.

Gwendolyn took a deep breath and raised the paddle, calling out, “Twenty–one million.”

“Twenty–two million,” Bainbridge sneered, unwilling to back down.

“Twenty–three million,” she continued.

“Twenty–five million!” Bainbridge mocked, his gold–rimmed glasses reflecting scorn, “My devotion to Warren is something you can’t match.”

Gwendolyn heaved her chest, her heart trembling as she looked to Howard, “Mr. Chadwick… should we go higher?”

Howard’s hand covered hers, their skin touching. “Gwendolyn, you’re doing great.”

Then he raised the paddle.

“Thirty million,” his voice was husky, composed.

“Thirty million going once! Thirty million going twice!”

Her heart pounded, adrenaline surging. He had upped the bid by five million in one go.

“Thirty–five million!”

Bainbridge taunted, “Howard, if you win the bid and can’t pay up, you’ll be bringing shame to the Chadwick family.”

“Bainbridge, you’ve got me beat.” Howard tossed the paddle aside. “I withdraw.”

Bainbridge was pleased!

“If you can’t afford it, don’t pretend to be something you’re not!”

“Thirty–five million for the third time!” The gavel struck, “Congratulations to Mr. Bainbridge once again for acquiring the masterpiece!”

Bainbridge stood up, feigning modesty. “All thanks to your generosity for letting me have this treasure. I couldn’t have won the bid otherwise. Make sure you all come to the groundbreaking ceremony. I’ll be sure to host you well!”