Chapter 349

The auction hall buzzed with anticipation as Olivia Sinclair scanned the catalog. Among the exquisite items, one particular piece captured her attention - an ancient harp, meticulously restored yet still playable. Lately, Olivia had developed a fascination with musical instruments, and with both time and wealth at her disposal, she decided to indulge this new passion.

The bidding started slow, giving Olivia the perfect opportunity to place her offer. Her substantial bid initially deterred other participants.

Just as victory seemed certain, a counteroffer came from the No. 1 private suite - a mere two hundred thousand above Olivia's last bid.

Olivia's eyebrows knitted together as she sensed something peculiar. She cautiously raised her bid again.

The No. 1 suite immediately responded with another minimal increase of two hundred thousand.

Such predatory bidding tactics would normally be prohibited. However, the staff recognized the occupant of the No. 1 suite as Sebastian Whitmore's fiancée, Victoria Clarke, and no one dared intervene.

Olivia couldn't comprehend why Victoria harbored such hostility toward her.

When Victoria placed another bid, Olivia withdrew. "Let her have it," she murmured under her breath.

Victoria's smug laughter echoed through her private suite. "Already surrendering? How pathetic! I expected more of a challenge. Five million is pocket change - if she can't handle that, she shouldn't be here."

Her butler, Alfred, chimed in, "The woman clearly doesn't know who she's dealing with. But isn't this harp rather expensive for something you don't even want?"

Victoria's crimson lips curled into a sneer. "I don't care about the harp. I won't tolerate that woman flaunting herself around Sebastian. I'll take this harp just to smash it before her eyes. Besides, this is Sebastian's auction house - I get whatever I desire here."

Alfred checked his watch discreetly. "Miss Clarke, it's time."

Victoria reluctantly stood and activated her live stream. In an instant, her petulant expression transformed into a radiant smile for her audience.

"Hello my darlings!" she cooed into the camera. "I'm at the most exclusive auction house tonight. Let me show you all the excitement! Don't worry about photography restrictions - I have special privileges here."

She gestured dramatically around the lavish suite. "This is the premier private room - completely secluded from the common rabble down there."

Taking the cue, Alfred fabricated, "Miss, the occupants of Suite No. 2 are quite upset about losing the harp to you. They're actually cursing your name."

Victoria's face instantly adopted an innocent expression as she raised her voice for her streaming audience. "But this is how auctions work, isn't it? Highest bid wins. I've played completely fairly - why would anyone insult me over that?"

Alfred tsked disapprovingly. "Some people simply can't handle losing when they're outmatched financially."