Chapter 839:
A sudden, unpleasant thought crept into Brendon’s mind. Where on earth had Christina gotten that much money?
Meanwhile, Yolanda and Katie—both convinced they already had Feathers of the Divine in the bag—visibly bristled with rage the moment Christina raised her bid.
Katie shot Christina a glare brimming with disbelief and venom. There was no way—absolutely no way—Christina could come up with ten billion.
No one else dared to bid after that, so naturally, the painting landed squarely in Christina’s hands.
“Sold!” The gavel came down with finality, sealing the deal. The painting officially belonged to Christina.
“Alas,” Davina let out a playful sigh. “You bought the necklace yourself, and now the painting too. I don’t even get the chance to give you a proper gift.”
“No worries,” Christina replied with a teasing smile. “You can just send me the money later. I’ll count the necklace as your gift to me.”
“Deal! But don’t you dare return the money to me,” Davina warned, raising an eyebrow.
Christina let out a soft laugh. “I won’t.”
“Then I’m relieved,” Davina said, visibly relaxing.
Just as she was about to ask how they should go about presenting the painting to William, a shrill voice laced with jealousy and outrage pierced the atmosphere.
“I demand immediate proof of funds!” Katie snapped, jabbing a finger in Christina’s direction. “I don’t believe she can pull together ten billion! That’s not exactly pocket change.”
Her outburst prompted the auction staff to call over the manager. Soon enough, the auction manager arrived.
𝖀ρ𝓭α𝗍𝖾𝗌 𝗈𝗇ɩү 𝗈𝗇 ɢ𝖺ⅼ𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․ⅽ𝑜𝗆
“Are you the manager of the auction? Perfect. I demand you verify that woman’s funds immediately. She’s nothing more than a divorcee leeching off my family’s settlement. How the hell could she possibly have ten billion?” Katie’s tone was sharp and accusatory. She jabbed her finger at Christina again, her voice brimming with contempt as she pushed the manager to take action.
The manager’s face turned cold. “Miss Dawson, are you suggesting that our auction house isn’t running a fair operation?”
“I’m not questioning your integrity. I’m just saying I know her. She’s my brother’s ex-wife, and believe me, she’s not someone who can produce ten billion out of thin air,” Katie shot back, unapologetic.
“That’s not my concern. Miss Jones is an invited guest of our auction house. We have no authority to demand she prove her finances on the spot. Please note that all participants in this auction must undergo a capital verification process prior to entry. Otherwise, they wouldn’t be allowed in. Her presence here says it all,” the manager said flatly.
“Why are you shielding her like this? Sounds to me like you’re in cahoots with her—teaming up to snatch all the best stuff!” Katie exploded, completely unfiltered.
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