CHAPTER 4: Bidding
Eleanor laughed bitterly and walked past Sebastian toward Alexander. Sebastian watched her, a smug smile on his face.
Eleanor said, “Mr. Prescott, I apologize for disturbing the gallery’s peace. Regarding the theft accusation, I trust Core Gallery’s fairness and impartiality. I am willing to cooperate with any investigation.”
Alexander nodded. “Your name is on the painting, but that doesn’t definitively prove it is yours. I will arrange for an investigation. However, if the results show that Claudia did not steal it, you will have to pay the appropriate price.”
Eleanor nodded. “I understand. Thank you.” She ignored the furious Sebastian and headed to Daphne’s office.
The moment she arrived, Daphne embraced her tightly. “Darling, I’m so happy you’ve picked up the brush again! You can’t imagine how excited I was when I saw the painting you sent me!”
Eleanor hadn’t seen Daphne in a long time. They talked extensively, mostly lamenting Eleanor’s decision to give up painting years ago. Eleanor could only smile wryly.
The auction soon began. Daphne led Eleanor into the hall. As she sat down, she saw Sebastian sitting opposite, next to Alexander, with an obsequious smile. Alexander noticed Eleanor but only gave her a brief glance.
The auction started with several lots passing uneventfully, causing an awkward silence. Then Eleanor’s painting, Facing the Sun, was brought onto the stage. Everyone held their breath.
“Oh my God, I haven’t seen a painting this lively in ages! It feels like the scene is right in front of me!”
“I remember only that genius painter from years ago had this level of skill, but it’s a shame she stopped painting.”
Alexander looked deeply at the artwork on the stage, his admiration undisguised.
Seeing this, Sebastian immediately said, “Mr. Prescott, you seem to like this painting. Why don’t I buy it for you as a welcome gift?”
Alexander averted his gaze. “It is a fine painting.” Sebastian was thrilled.
As the auctioneer called the starting price of five million, Sebastian immediately raised his paddle. “Eight million!” He wanted to show determination with a big jump. He thought he had secured the painting, but others continued to bid.
The price climbed to thirteen million before the bidding paused. Sebastian quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
Before he could relax, a familiar voice shouted, “Fourteen million.”
Eleanor raised her paddle and looked directly at Sebastian.
“Sebastian, what is she doing? She clearly knows you want this painting. She’s deliberately opposing you to ruin your partnership with Mr. Prescott!” Claudia’s instigation fueled Sebastian’s rage. He raised his paddle. “Sixteen million!”
Eleanor, unhurried, raised her paddle again. “Seventeen million.”
“Eighteen million!”
“Nineteen million.”
…The bidding continued until the price reached twenty-one million. Only then did Eleanor stop.
Sebastian smiled triumphantly at Eleanor, until Claudia gasped, “Are you crazy? You just spent twenty-one million on a single painting!”
Sebastian finally realized Eleanor had played him.
Eleanor whispered something to Daphne. The auctioneer, receiving the message, smiled. “To thank Mr. Sebastian for his enthusiasm, the artist of Facing the Sun will personally come on stage to express gratitude. Mr. Sebastian, please join her.”
Sebastian’s face twitched. Spending that much on a single painting—his heart felt like it was bleeding.
“Congratulations,” Alexander said, a faint curl on his lips.
Sebastian forced a smile. “This is all for you, Mr. Prescott. I’m happy to spend any amount if it makes you happy.”
Sebastian stood and walked to the stage. He frowned when he saw Eleanor also get up to join him. “What are you doing up here? Get down! Don’t embarrass yourself!”
Eleanor ignored him.
“Didn’t you hear me? Get off…”
“Please allow me to introduce the artist of Facing the Sun, Miss Clark! She is the one hailed as the artistic genius, Sia, from years ago!”
The hall erupted in gasps.
“She’s Sia! My God, she’s painting again! I was so disappointed when she quit after marriage!”
“No wonder Facing the Sun looked so familiar! Sia painted it!”
“Good heavens! If I had known it was Sia, I would have paid anything to get Facing the Sun!”
Sebastian was stunned. “You painted this?!”
After the shock, Sebastian quickly concluded: Eleanor hadn’t touched a paintbrush in years. She only started again because they were fighting and getting a divorce. This must be her way of winning him back. She tracked his auction and deliberately bid up the price to get his attention.
If she offered to refund the money, he might forgive her this once. Sebastian was thrilled at the thought of securing an alliance with Alexander for a small price.
But the next second, Eleanor’s words poured cold water on him.
“Thank you all for your love and support for my work. I look forward to sharing more paintings with you in the future.” Eleanor turned to the girl in the painting, her eyes filled with infinite love and sorrow. “The girl in this painting is my daughter, who tragically passed away. I hope all the children in the world can Face the Sun and live their lives fully in her place. Therefore, I have decided to donate all proceeds from this auction to a children’s charity fund.”
The hall burst into applause.
“No!” Sebastian’s sudden shout silenced the room. All eyes focused on him.
Sebastian turned his back and hissed, “Eleanor, are you insane? That’s my money! What right do you have to donate it without my permission!”
“I must also thank Mr. Sebastian for his appreciation and support for my work. I speak for the children of the world when I say thank you,” Eleanor said, her eyes locked on Sebastian.
Sebastian only cared about the money. He hadn’t noticed her mention of their daughter. Eleanor’s eyes were full of disappointment and resentment.
A staff member brought the donation agreement. Eleanor reached for the pen, but Sebastian snatched it away. “I am your husband! Your money is our shared property. I do not consent to this donation!”
The audience murmured.
“He’s Sia’s husband—the one who made her stop painting after marriage!”
“Sia is doing a good deed! Why is he stopping her? Does he want her to pay him back?”
“What? He’s Sia’s husband? I just saw him with another woman at the gallery!”
“Did Sia start painting again because he cheated on her?”
Hearing the whispers, Sebastian panicked. He grabbed Eleanor’s arm and snarled, “Explain to everyone that this donation was just a joke, or we’re filing for divorce immediately. You won’t reconcile with me, even if you beg!”
Eleanor pushed his hand away. “Mr. Sebastian, I should remind you that our divorce hearing is at two p.m. today. Don’t be late.”
“Well done, Sia! We support you getting rid of that jerk!” Daphne raised her wine glass to Eleanor from the audience. Eleanor smiled back.
Sebastian was completely enraged. He pointed at Eleanor. “You haven’t touched a brush in years! How could you paint this so well? You must have stolen this from your sister, Claudia!”
“You claimed it as your own to scam money at the auction! When I accidentally bought it, I decided to donate the money to get back at you!”
Claudia, sitting in the audience, immediately burst into fake tears. “Sister, I thought the painting looked familiar! I didn’t want to expose you, but Sebastian said it. How could you steal my work to sell it? I didn’t even blame you for tearing up my famous Breaking the Cocoon…” Claudia’s act was pitiful.
The crowd buzzed with speculation. Sebastian looked triumphantly at Eleanor, as if saying, This is what happens when you cross me.
