The next morning dawned bright and early, setting the stage for Larson''s meticulously nned
auction.
The auction hall at the Pock Hotel was bustling with guests, as an entire floor had been cleared to
amodate the event.
Beckett made his entrance with Noe and ra in tow.
Noe was a vision in a white sundress, its back cut out to reveal her graceful figure, a blend of
innocence and allure. Her look waspleted with understated jewelry, effortlessly drawing gazes
her way.
ra opted for a sharp ck dress suit, her short hair cascading over her shoulders, pinned back
casually with a diamond clip, adding a touch ofid-back elegance to her aura.
The sisters, one on each side, clung to Beckett''s arm as they entered, immediately greeted by
Larson himself.
"Where''s Palmer? Thed''s cking off, not apanying Noe to the auction," Larson''s voice
boomed across the room, his intent clear to stir up spection about Palmer''smitment to his
engagement with the Schnabel family.
Noe brushed it off with a dignified, yet indifferent smile.
"Palmer''s on his way, just running a bitte. Unlike some, he''s had a bit of a leisurely schedule
lately," she retorted, not missing a beat.
The dig at Larson, who had inherited Palmer’s CEO position at the Pock Group more by default
than merit, was not lost on the crowd. Larson''s auction was widely regarded as a desperate bid to
fill the financial gaps he''d found himself in.
Beckett interjected with a cool tone, "Be polite, Noe. Larson''s not one to cross lightly; I worry
about your safety around him."
ra added, her brow furrowed in mock concern, "Yeah, let''s keep it down. I’m so scared. Larson
isn’t thinking of hitting me, is he?"
Larson was momentarily regretful for engaging with the Schnabels, having previously experienced
their sharp wit.
"Let''s head this way," he said, quickly changing the subject.
Noe continued, undeterred, "It''s quite the spectacle, selling off family treasures so publicly. Makes
one wonder if bankruptcy is just around the corner."
The remark elicited snickers among the guests, especially those familiar with the internal dynamics
of the Pock family.
As the Schnabel siblings took their seats, Larson felt a headacheing on, his temples throbbing
with irritation.
Seated in front of them were Helen and Lucian Richardson.
Material ? of N?velDrama.Org.
Helen was chatting with an elderlydy beside her.
"I envy you. Your husband passed away at such a young age. Mine is still alive, but he doesn''t
seem to have much time left," Helen remarked.
The silver-haireddy consoled her, saying, "Your good days wille soon."
Helen let out a coldugh. "I don''t have much time left either. Who knows which one of us will go
first, me or the old man."
Helen''s style of speaking was not epted by most people, but fortunately, this elderlydy had
seen a lot in life. Sheughed heartily and nced around. "Oh dear, is your husband not here
today?"
"He''s ying chess with Marcel Schnabel. He wouldn''t understand this type of gathering if he were
here. He''d just be in the way." Helen was blunt in her speech, never avoiding anyone.
If Sexton, the former head of the Pock Group, showed up at this auction, she wouldn''t have a
moment''s peace today.
"I don''t see much point in this auction. You''re not interested in antiques either, so why bother
coming?"
"I''m here for a rumored collection of Sylvie''s jade sculptures."
Noe, overhearing, was skeptical. Her collection,rgely managed by Pris Star, had detailed
records, and she didn''t recall any transactions with Larson. She also didn’t remember seeing any
jade sculpture in Larson’s storeroom either.
The elderlydy beside Helen looked at the bracelet on her wrist and eximed admiringly, "Isn''t
this bracelet from that auction many years ago? I remember there were two bracelets back then,
and you bought this one!"
"My husband bought it for me as a gift. It''s not valuable," Helen replied nonchntly.
Taking the bracelet off, Helen handed it to Noe behind her.
"Noe, my dear, this is for you. Wait a moment for ra''s. Larson has a particrly exquisite
bracelet, and I will have it reserved for you."
Noe looked at the bracelet handed to her by Helen. The wless emerald was clearly a priceless
treasure worth millions.
"Take it, or I''ll toss it." Seeing Noe hesitate to take it, Helen became impatient and said, "This was
acquired at the same auction as your grandmother’s bracelet. Do you want it?"
With a bracelet gifted by Harriet adorning her wrist, Noe swiftly caught the bracelet offered by
Helen upon learning of its connection to her grandmother''s.
“This is way too precious, Grandma Helen. You should keep it for yourself.”
Helen frowned in displeasure, rolling her eyes in a rather sharp manner, her voice dripping with
impatience.
“At my age, what use do I have for all this sparkle and shine? nging around all day, you’d think I
was practicing for my own funeral. Take it, and enough with the chatter!”
Helen gave a nudge to Lucian standing by her side.
“Larson has a ssy Type bracelet. You better buy it for ra. If you don’t, I’d look down on you.”
Lucian replied coolly, “Just a bracelet? There’s nothing I wouldn’t buy for ra if she wants it!”
The elders bickered at the front, leaving the younger ones too timid to intervene.
Soon, the auction began.
The lights dimmed, and a spotlight fell on the stage. Larson stood there, smiling warmly at the
audience.
“Thank you all for taking the time to join us at the Pock Group auction. Without further ado, our
first item is a painting from the 18th century, ‘The Lady with a Fan’. Starting bid, six million!”
Noe suddenly felt someone sit beside her.
The distinct, cool scent of absinthe wafted over from him, unmistakable even without looking – it
had to be Palmer!
Boldly taking the seat next to Noe in such a setting could only be Palmer’s style! He gently took
Noe’s hand, tracing words in her palm with earnest precision. The cool touch of his fingertips
against the warmth of her palm sent a tingling sensation throughout her body.
Noe forced herself to calm down, ignoring the increasingly loud thumping of her heart in the
darkness as she deciphered the words Palmer wrote.
[All set, let’s enjoy the show!]