Chapter 8 288 ( Vouchers Soon , the final item of today's auction was displayed - an Enchanted Gem Statue . Claudine gave a detailed explanation of its specifications in a perfect Zutraican accent , her unique , enthralling rhythm holding everyone's attention . She scanned the room before pointing at the VIP section . " The bidding starts with an opening price of 1.6 million dollars . I currently have a written commission bid of 4 mil- lion dollars . Do we have any offers from the floor ? " Some began raising their paddles . Claudine closely monitored the audience's reactions as well as phone and online bids . Seamlessly switching between English and Zutraican , she led the auction with practiced ease . Soon , the price soared to 8 million dollars . " 10 million dollars ! " Lindsay raised the paddle . Damian had specifically asked her to secure the statue . The entire venue immediately fell silent . The auction hit a lull , and no one raised their paddle . 10 million dollars far surpassed the client's ideal range , but Claudine wasn't satisfied . That was when her preparation paid off . Before the auction , she had done her homework . She had searched massive archival documents and comparable sale records , trying to present collectors with comprehensive , objective insights . In this way , they could fully grasp the lot- s ' scarcity and significance . She adjusted her posture from slightly leaning forward to standing upright before giving a detailed introduction of the sculpture's rarity and investment value . Then she said , " Ms. Powell has placed a bid of 10 million dollars . It seems she's determined to go home with the statue . " With that , she looked over at the VIP section . " Do we have any further challengers for Ms. Powell ? " Soon , someone offered 12 million dollars . Claudine immediately said , " 12 million dollars from the gentleman in the front ! Can we reach 13 million dollars ? " Though she still seemed elegant , she deliberately spoke faster , adding a touch of urgency to her poised demeanor . Soon , an invisible tension filled the air . 0.0 % 03:50 Chapter 8 " 13 million dollars from an online bidder ! " Can I hear higher ? " 16 million dollars ! It seems congratulations are in order to the gentleman in the front . " Looking at Lindsay , she smiled , " Ms. Powell , would you like to make a phone call for instructions ? " 288 ( Vouchers It wasn't the first time Lindsay had attended an auction for Damian . Claudine's performance had proven her capabili- ties beyond question , which totally impressed Lindsay . She called Damian and came back with an offer of 21 million dollars . " 21 million dollars going once … Twice … Sold to Ms. Powell ! Congratulations , Ms. Powell ! " The price established a new benchmark for the statue . What was more , it put Claudine back on the map in the auction world . Surrounded by a crowd , Claudine smiled graciously at everyone's compliments . All traces of her earlier grievance around Damian were gone , replaced by a new confidence that even made her eyes sparkle . Staring at her , Lindsay couldn't help but wonder - had Damian ever seen this side of her ? It was late after the celebratory banquet ended . Claudine drank a lot . She couldn't remember the last time she was this happy . Roberto insisted on giving her a lift , and she found it rude to reject him . Outside her penthouse , she pushed open the door and stepped out of the car . " Thanks for tonight , " she smiled gracefully . Roberto smiled , too . " Go on up . You don't wanna get cold . " After waving at him , she walked toward the elevator . Holding an umbrella , she walked through the winter rain . Under the dim yellow streetlight , a halo seemed to envelop her , rendering her beauty almost ethereal . As Roberto stared at her retreating figure , his heart skipped a beat . He couldn't help but feel a bit regretful . He should have come back sooner … It was already very late after Damian put Darlene to sleep . Claudine hadn't been around for the past few days . Though there were maids at home , Darlene refused to be alone with them . After all , Claudine had been taking care of her since her childhood . 50.2 %