Filed to story: Mia Bowen and Timothy Barrett Novel
Caleb’s frustrated expression lightened Mia’s mood.
Ginger tiptoed and witnessed how Mia taught her irresponsible “father” a lesson.
Nice job, Mommy! This shouldn’t be the end of it. There should be a part two!” she cheered.
“He’s not that stupid to take the bait twice.” Mia had no intention of fooling Caleb again either.
Caleb completely lost his mood. His spirits were low for the rest of the auction. Nothing seemed to pique his interest anymore.
Mia’s spending habit provoked jealousy in Luna. Compared to Mia, who could spend as much as millions so easily, Luna couldn’t even spend 100 thousand dollars at the auction.
Luna spoke to Caleb, who was sitting in front of her, “Caleb, why don’t you clear things up with the lady on the second floor? What if she keeps picking on you? That won’t do.”
“You think I haven’t done that yet? It’ll only work if she believes me!”
“Why does she think that you’re the father of the kid?” She couldn’t figure out the answer to the question.
He sighed, “Who knows? I’ll ask her again after the auction.”
He could never take the blame for anything. If Ginger was really his daughter, he would surely take responsibility.
The official auction ended. Now, it was time for the additional items for the second round auction
From the second floor, Mia scanned the additional items for bidding. Her eyes fixated on the reishi mushrooms. “That’s up for bidding too? No wonder so many people stay after the official auction.”
The second round was generally a private auction, in which the host wouldn’t be responsible for any shams found.
Therefore, fewer people would join the second round.
Mia looked at the two men on the first floor. They hadn’t left.
Were they coming after the reishi mushrooms as well?
Ginger climbed onto a stool to take a view of the first floor. “Mommy, Mister hasn’t gone
“Yup. The auction is ending, Ginger. If you don’t have anything to buy, you’ll waste your apology gift.”
Even if Ginger were to buy shams, Mia wanted Thanner to suffer a huge loss.
“But I haven’t seen anything that I like.”
Mia suggested, “Buy the most expensive one then.”
Then, the second round began.
Not many people competed for the first few items. When the reishi mushrooms were taken onstage, many people began to pay attention.
The auctioneer introduced the item, “These are precious reishi mushrooms. The initial bid price is one million dollars.”
“1.5 million dollars.”
“Two million dollars.”
The bidding soon reached up to a staggering five million dollars.
Right then, Timothy raised his number. “10 million dollars.”
The bid price stunned everyone.
That was two times the previous bid price! It was mind¨Cblowing to see someone bid such a high price.
Mia was amused when he bid that much. “He really came here for the reishi mushrooms.”
“Mommy, is his family sick?”
“I’m sure, but that is possible.” People mostly purchased rreishi mushrooms to treat an illness.
Ginger frowned, “Mommy, this seems to be the most expensive item. But should I compete with Mister?
Mia looked at her daughter. An idea flashed across her mind. “Ginger, do you know how you can leave a deep impression on him?”
The na?ve Ginger shook her head.
Mia smiled. “Steal the thing he wants and he’ll remember you forever.”
“B¨CBut-“
No buts. You’re going to give him the reishi mushrooms as a present anyway. It’s the same. He’ll be able to save ten million dollars too! Isn’t that great?”
Ginger thought that Mia had a point and so she quickly raised her number to be noticed by the auctioneer.
The auctioneer saw the special number and knocked down the hammer. “Sold! Congratulations to the guest on the second floor. The reishi mushrooms are yours.”
A tumult broke out.
Furious, Caleb sprang to his feet. “What’s going on? I thought the bidders have to bid a price and three chances are given to others before the bid ends, no? You knocked down the hammer way too fast. This is not fair!”
People are joining in the protest. “It is indeed unfair.”
Timothy looked at the second floor, his eyes met Mia’s. She was propping her chin while smirking triumphantly.
His expression was gloomy as he began to think about what was she up to.
Luna stood up too. “Can the guest on the second floor pay ten million dollars?” She didn’t believe that Monalize had that much money.
Ten million dollars was an astronomical figure!
The auctioneer mocked, “Miss, the guest on the second floor is our VVIP on Xanier Island. Of course, she can pay that much.”
The mockery made her feel awkward as she sat down stiffly. Her hands clutched onto her dress.
With a wounded pride, she couldn’t suppress the jealousy in her anymore. Was Monalize really that rich?
The reishi mushrooms could treat Laura and wake her up. When that happened, Luna wouldn’t be able to cover the things she did anymore!
The protest was in vain. Caleb looked at Timothy, “What should we do?”
They thought that things were going smoothly, yet Ginger got in their way. How unlucky!
Timothy reciprocated solemnly, “Think of something else.”
“Tim, that woman must be targeting me. I’ll explain to her later. I will help you get the reishi mushrooms back no matter what it takes,” promised Caleb.
He figured that that was the reason behind Monalize’s intervention. Otherwise, why would she suddenly cause them trouble?
Except for the necklace and the reishi mushrooms, she didn’t purchase anything from the auction today.
It was obvious that she was picking on them.
“Let’s go.” Timothy rose from his seat.
Since someone else had purchased the reishi mushrooms, there was no need to stay here anymore.
Caleb quickly said, “Let’s head to the second floor and talk to them.”
Timothy shared the same notion.
Nevertheless, it was fortunate that the winning bidder was Monalize and Ginger. The men still had a chance to get the reishi mushrooms.
Luna watched their backs. Gritting her teeth, she followed them too.
Just what was she plotting? Luna wanted to know.
By the time they reached the second floor, however, the private lounge was empty.
Caleb huffed, “Fuck! They’re gone! They knew that we were coming.”
Timothy overlooked the first floor, his eyes were dark.
Soon enough, the sound of high heels clicking could be heard from the end of the corridor.
Mia, holding Ginger’s hand, came up to them. Mia arched her eyebrow at them. “What a coincidence.”
Mia and Ginger went to Tanner to redeem what he promised in case he would take his word back and trick them.
Timothy’s gaze darted to the box in Ginger’s arms. The reishi mushrooms should be in there.
He offered, “I need the reishi mushrooms. Name a figure.
Ginger grew guilty. When she was going to say that it was a present for him, Mia preempted, “Sorry, but they’re sold to us. It’s not for sale and we don’t need money.”
Unable to contain his emotions anymore, Caleb stepped forward. “If there’s anything, you can just come right at me. Tim needs the reishi mushrooms to treat someone. I hope you can understand our situation. Let’s get along.”
Mia stomped on his foot. “Who wants to get along with you, jerk!”