Chapter 514: Threats Both Hard and Soft
The people present all thought that the Dragon Stone Jadeite cufflinks were already in Rosalind White’s pocket, but suddenly someone emerged upstairs, like Clayton crashing the party—what a surprise.
And this person raised the price by several million at once. Clearly, they’re not short of cash!
To spend so much money for a tiny pair of trinkets about the size of a thumb, is it really worth it?
Everyone was quietly speculating, when they saw Rosalind White grit her teeth and raise her bidding paddle again.
"Twenty-one million! Number 107!"
The blonde lady onstage, responsible for the auction, saw Rosalind White follow the bid and instantly smiled with delight. This lot was originally estimated at only around fifteen million, but now had far surpassed its actual value, which meant the auctioneer’s commission would go up, too.
The wealthier the bidders, the higher they should drive the price!
The blonde lady smiled sweetly at Rosalind White, then very elegantly lifted the auction gavel and gave it a gentle shake.
"Twenty-one million. Is there anyone else who wishes to claim this distinguished pair of Dragon Stone Jadeite cufflinks?"
Rosalind’s face also began to bead with slight sweat. Outwardly, her smile was refined, but beneath the table, her pale hands were clenched tightly together.
The so-called VIP guest upstairs—if they knew what’s best for them, they’d give way!
She didn’t have that much money to throw around!
Although her absolute ceiling was thirty million, that would leave her no funds for other items!
She had come to the auction after all; to walk away just having bought one thing for Adrian Law left her unsatisfied deep down.
...
Just as Rosalind White was stewing, the electronic receiver in front of the blonde auctioneer suddenly lit up.
The blonde’s smile grew even more dazzling; she lifted a hand to cover her red lips, her joy making her appear even more radiant.
"Ah, the VIP guest in the upstairs suite has made another bid! It seems these jadeite cufflinks are quite popular tonight! The new offer is twenty-five million. Miss Number 107, will you continue bidding?"
Rosalind White stared blankly, barely able to believe what she’d just heard!
The other side really was out to snatch things from her, and each raise was a triple jump. Clearly, they’re not only rich but also determined to get them at any cost.
Rosalind was extremely unwilling; she meekly raised her hand.
"Excuse me, Auctioneer—may I have three minutes to speak with the other party by phone?"
This was a special rule of The Lockwood Auction: when a stalemate occurred, buyers could communicate for three minutes, though usually this played out in the main hall.
For someone like Rosalind—sitting in the hall, yet actively requesting contact info to reach the VIP guest upstairs—this was rare.
The blonde auctioneer hesitated for half a second, but an assistant quickly whispered the identities of Rosalind and her companion Miss Fiona Vaughn. Immediately, the auctioneer flashed a forthright smile.
"Very well, we’ll pause for three minutes. Miss Number 107, please step to the adjacent private room and dial number 1 on the electronic receiver. However, whether the other party accepts is up to the VIP guest upstairs—best of luck."
"Thank you. They will absolutely accept."
Rosalind felt relieved. She bit her lip, convinced that once she invoked the Law Family, that so-called cultured guest upstairs wouldn’t dare compete so stubbornly on principle!
Right now, Rosalind was full of fighting spirit. She felt there was nothing wrong with wielding the Law Family’s name like a borrowed tiger’s might—after all, she was bidding for these cufflinks for Adrian Law!
The only thing that bothered Rosalind was—according to the auction rules—the upstairs communicator would never reveal suite number or identity. If she knew who she was up against, her chances would be even greater.
...
Everyone saw Rosalind’s manner and couldn’t help but react oddly.
Some wealthy men unfamiliar with her background mouthed off as she left the stage.
"Who’s Number 107? I don’t think I’ve ever seen her in Stellerton. Does she not know the guest upstairs is a whole level higher? How does she have such a big mouth?"
"Her? Haven’t you heard of the Law Group?"
"Isn’t Law Group supposed to have only one daughter, Nancy Law, and didn’t she pass away young? She can’t be the Law’s daughter-in-law, can she? Doesn’t look it..."
Seeing everyone’s curiosity grow, a businessman with some knowledge of the Law Family started showing off.
"Ah, she’s the Law’s lucky charm and live-in mascot. She even saved the Law family’s eldest son’s life! In the Law Group, she’s possibly more precious than a real daughter! Otherwise, why do you think the Law Family pampered the daughter of a servant so much?"
The crowd marveled at how extravagant the Law Group was—even to a savior from years ago—and after hearing the rumors of Rosalind being declared to have an extraordinary destiny by the abbot of Sage’s Mercy Temple, they suddenly understood.
Things like destiny and fate sound mysterious, but if the Law Family truly believes it, then Rosalind White is not someone to offend.
...
Rosalind vaguely overheard the gasps and envy behind her, and she straightened her spine. She felt not the least guilt for borrowing Sage’s Mercy Temple abbot’s Heavenly Destiny Noble Lady title to elevate her status. Picking up the auction house’s provided electronic communicator, she pressed 1 and began to speak with a smile.
"Hello, I’m Number 107 who’s bidding with you from the main floor. I really love those jadeite cufflinks. Would you please be generous and let me have them?"
...
At this moment, in the VIP suite upstairs.
Seeing the communicator’s light flash, Cecilia Vaughn blinked uncertainly and glanced at Adrian Law. As he looked indifferent and lazy, Cecilia went to inspect, only for a soft, gentle voice to flow from the speaker.
It was Rosalind White’s voice.
Rosalind’s voice was as delicate as a oriole flitting through the valley, so Cecilia instantly recognized it.
Just innocently wanting to bid on something and running into a familiar face—Cecilia was both speechless and amused.
She didn’t want Rosalind to recognize her, so she lowered her voice and responded in an aged, hoarse tone.
"Sorry, I also want to bid these cufflinks for my husband. Since we both want them, let’s compete fairly. Let the auction continue. I’m hanging up—do as you wish."
Just as Cecilia was about to press disconnect, an anxious voice rushed in on the other side.
"Wait! Don’t hang up! Auntie, does your husband know the current executive of the Law Group? I’m from the Law Family—you must have heard of the Law Group!"
"There’s no need for you to offend the Law Family for a moment’s pleasure, is there? If you let go, everyone will be happy, and the Law Group will remember your favor. Why not?"