Chapter 345
This painting was quite a departure from Malcolm’s usual style.
In the past, Malcolm’s work focused on the portrayal of ambiance, using light strokes to outline figures
and muted colors. The characters in his paintings were slender, giving off a cold and detached feel.
But this painting was quite the opposite, full of rich colors and intricate details. The girl’s beautiful face,
her long eyshes, her moist red lips, everything was crystal clear.
The girl in the painting was looking sideways, her expressive eyes bright and clear, staring at
something off canvas.
And what she was looking at was a blurry and dim silhouette of a rough-looking man.
This painting wasmissioned by Seraphina, using a photo of Sandra Smith as a reference.
Sandra, as depicted in the painting, has clearly defined facial features and her emotions were vividly
portrayed. Anyone who knew her would easily recognize her.
Yet, Seraphina did not go into detail about the painting. She simply said, “This painting just arrived
today, so it’s not included in our auction catalog. Please enjoy it, and we’ll start the biddingter.”
High-definition cameras in the auction room captured the painting from different angles, projecting
every detail onto arge screen.
As this was Malcolm’s first new work in a long time, many people in the room took out their phones to
take pictures.
Tania, sitting in the audience, stared at the painting for a while before turning to Bowen, “Is that… your
sister?”
She had only met Sandra once, so she wasn’t entirely sure. But as she turned to Bowen for
confirmation, he didn’t respond.
He was just staring at the painting, at Sandra who seemed so close yet so far.
It must have been from her 18th birthday party that he threw for her because the dress she was
wearing was a gift from him.
“Who’s that man?” Tania asked again, “Is your sister in a rtionship?”
Bowen’s gaze finallynded on the blurry silhouette of the man, then back to Sandra’s face.
Back then, she used to look at him with such joy, excitement, and a touch of shyness.
But when did that expression disappear from her face?
Tania kept talking but got no response. She was getting a little annoyed and gave Bowen a light shove,
“I’m talking to you! Are you listening?”
Bowen suddenly turned to look at her, his eyes as cold as ice.
Tania was taken aback, about to lose her temper, but then she remembered the time when Sandra had
an ident, and how Bowen was like a different person.
Since then, she knew how important Sandra, his sister, was to him.
And it took him a long time to get over the pain of losing her, and now, out of nowhere, these emotions
have been stirred up again-
Tania suddenly looked up at Seraphina on the stage, directing all her resentment and frustration
towards her.
Out of all the paintings in the world, why did Seraphina have to auction this one?
On the stage, Seraphina, who had been closely examining a painting, suddenly looked their way.
Tania didn’t expect her to look over so suddenly, and she didn’t have time to hide her expression, so
she quickly looked down.
But Seraphina only nced at her, then looked at Bowen.
Bowen was watching her too, his face void of any smile, only coldness remained.
Yet, Seraphina kept her smile and even nodded at him.
Bowen held her gaze for a moment, then suddenly scoffed.
Seraphina didn’t look at him again, instead, she turned to Leandro.
Leandro, who had been listening to Victor, looked at her when she looked his way.
Seraphina casually pointed to the painting next to her and raised her eyebrows at him.
Many people had been watching Leandro and Seraphina, and even though her gesture was subtle,
many people still noticed it.
This meant that Seraphina wanted Leandro to buy the painting,
Even though the painting was created by Malcolm, Seraphina was the one auctioning it off, clearly, she
had ownership. Her intention for Leandro to purchase the painting was quite obvious.
Firstly, the painting could fetch a high price, which would be an honor for Seraphina.
Secondly, Leandro-buying the painting at a high price could be seen as a good deed and a way to
please his wife.
Lastly, the amount of donations raised from this charity auction should be quite substantial, which
would earn him a good name.
Everyone understood how the auction would proceed.
Tania also saw through their intentions, carefully tugged at Bowen’s sleeve, and whispered, “Seraphina
wants to buy the painting herself. You can bid, but don’t fight with them.”
Bowen didn’t respond, just lit another cigarette.
Sure enough, as soon as the bidding started, everyone started cing their bids. In no time, the price
of the painting had risen to 2 million.
“3 million.” Leandro made his first bid.
Seraphina stood on the stage, a blissful smile on her face.
“3.05 million!”
“3.1 million!”
“3.15 million!”
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The bidding continued. Most people knew that Leandro was determined to buy the painting and
wouldn’t mind the price. The higher the price, the more honor Leandro would gain.
Leandro raised his bid to 4 million.
Tania had also ced a bid earlier, but seeing the price had risen to this level, she stopped.
Bowen, however, hadn’t said anything. Just as Tania was about to go over and say something to
Bowen, Bowen suddenly raised his hand, “4.1 million.”
The room fell into stunned silence at his bid.
In such a charity auction, it was rare for the goods to fetch over a million, let alone three million for that
ruby ring just now. But the guy who just forked out three million for the ring, now bid over four million for
this next item. It was a real jaw-dropper.
Equally surprising one was Tania, but no matter how hard she tried, Bowen just brushed her off.
Leandro didn’t n on backing down, if there was a bid, he was to win.
Bowen, too, stood his ground, looking like he was gonna go head-to-head with Leandro.
Just as the price skyrocketed to five million, about to pass the mind-blowing six million, Seraphina
stepped in.
“Excuse me for a sec,” Seraphina said with a smile, “I can see you both really dig this painting and
want it. Even though Ma’s work is worth the price, we’re here for charity, not a pissing contest.
Why don’t you both share the reasons you’re so into this painting?”
A staff member quickly handed Leandro a mic. Leandro just looked at Seraphina on the stage and said
nonchntly, “My wife digs it.”
The crowd burst into cheers and whistles. Seraphina, grinning, turned to Bowen.
When the room got quiet down, a staff member gave Bowen the mic.
Bowen was indifferent, his gaze on the painting, but his eyes were intense.
“The woman in the painting is myte sister,” he said.”
The room fell silent.
“I see,” Seraphina sighed softly, and then added, “So this painting must be very important to you,
right?”
Bowen didn’t dodge Seraphina’s question, he just said, “Yes, it’s very important.”
“In that case, we should stop fighting with Mr. Smith over this painting,” said Seraphina, “So, I dere
Mr. Smith the winner of ‘Romance in Bloom’ with hisst bid Additionally, Mr. Reynolds will also donate
the same amount of his final bid as a charitable contribution. Thanks to both of you for your generous
contributions!”
The crowd broke into apuse again, and all cameras were on Leandro and Bowen.
As the “loser” of the contest, Leandro raised his ss, smiling at Seraphina on the stage.
As the “winner”, Bowen’s expression was cold, his gaze deep, not a hint of joy on his face.