Richest Mogul

Vera’s friend, Bianca Roffe, didn’t catch her comment. “What did you say? I didn’t hear you.”

Vera’s face darkened, and her mood visibly soured. “Mr. Gardner Senior has always been respectable. How is it that, at his age, he can’t control himself anymore?”

She spoke in a low voice, cautious of the people around them. The auction was crowded today, and some attendees knew Alexander. It wouldn’t do for them to overhear.

“What’s he not controlling?” Bianca asked, confused as she followed Vera’s gaze.

She spotted Alexander chatting amiably with a young woman beside him. Although she couldn’t hear their conversation, it was clear Alexander was being very friendly.

Bianca’s eyes widened as she realized what was happening–this was some juicy gossip.

“That young woman is quite something,” Bianca said, her voice tinged with disbelief. “I’ve never heard of anyone close to Mr. Gardner Senior before, and his grandson must be nearly 20 by now. She looks like she’s still in college. For someone so young to put up with this just for money, it’s impressive.”

Vera’s face twisted with disgust. “I’ve seen her before. She’s tangled up with Aiken and Rowan. She’ll endure anything to marry into a wealthy family.”

“What?” Bianca exclaimed, surprised and then laughing. “That’s actually quite common. Women from modest backgrounds like hers often need to put in extra effort to improve their circumstances. Otherwise, they might find themselves trapped in their current social class.

“There are countless women like her. In the entertainment industry, many aspiring actresses are vying for success. My father and brother have oven !

supported a few up–and–coming stars

Vera frowned and said, “Enough. Stop talking about this. It’s ruining what should be a pleasant auction.”

Alright.”

The auction began shortly after.

Vera tried to focus on the items being auctioned. She’d been influenced from a young age by her grandfather, Denton Ruell, and her father, Buck Ruell, both avid collectors of antiques.

She’d heard many rare items from abroad were up for auction that day. With Denton and Buck’s birthdays coming up, she hoped to purchase a few pieces for them.

Despite her efforts to concentrate, she couldn’t help but glance at Skylar.

Vera admired Skylar. In the three times they’d crossed paths, Skylar had always remained composed, unaffected by what others thought of her.

“Look at that 206 BC to 220 AD double–handled porcelain jar. It’s quite rare. I frequent auctions, and I’ve hardly ever seen one,” Bianca’s exclamation pulled Vera back to the present.

Vera immediately looked over. After a quick glance, she raised her bidding paddle. “Eight million.”

Others began bidding in response.

Skylar and Alexander both turned to look at Vera. At that point, Vera had already pushed the bid to 12 million. Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.

Seeing Skylar watching her, Vera raised an eyebrow. It seemed Skylar was interested, so perhaps Alexander intended to bid on it for her. She sighed quietly at the thought of the once sharp and intelligent Alexander had grown old and indulgent.

Unfortunately, Vera needed to secure this item.

After meeting Vera’s determined and somewhat superior gaze, Skylar turned to Alexander and said, “There might be some issues.”

Alexander frowned. “The Items at the auction have been verified. I can’t disclose any issues with the antiques to others.”

Auctions were complex affairs. Despite his prominence in Jipsburg and the respect he commanded, such vague concerns would only be taken seriously by those who genuinely trusted him. Others would undoubtedly be skeptical.

“I’ll bid on it,” Alexander decided. He intended to acquire all problematic items tonight to prevent them from causing harm.

Alexander proceeded to place his bid.

However, Vera was determined to win; she continued to raise her paddle.