The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 17

"Boss, why aren't we going in?" Chase asked.

Ellinor stood still, watching Theo alight from his car and enter the auction house. She frowned, "I saw someone I don't fancy. Let's wait a bit before we go in."

Chase followed her gaze, "That looks like Theo from the Blanchet family! Boss, do you know him?"

Ellinor looked displeased, "We're not exactly pals."

The auction house had two levels. The ground floor was for regular customers, and the upper floor was for VIPs who preferred privacy. It was filled with private booths, each with its distinct number.

Theo was in booth number 1, and Ellinor was in booth number 7.

After a few ordinary antiques were auctioned off, several oil paintings, the main attractions of the auction, were brought onto the stage. The auctioneer professionally introduced the era and the value of these paintings, before starting the bidding at a million dollars!

"1.5 million!"

"2 million!"

"3 million!"

Eventually, these paintings were won by a mysterious buyer from booth number 1 for a whopping 1.8 million dollars, causing a stir among the spectators!

Inside booth number 7.

Ellinor lazily leaned back on the couch, yawning. So, the weirdo came for the oil paintings.

He had got the paintings now. There was nothing left worth seeing. He should be leaving soon, right?

"Next up, we have a masterpiece by the famous Impressionist artist Lady Lotus, 'Whispers in the Wind'. The starting bid is half a million dollars!"

Here it was!

“Bidder number 3 bids $600,000!"

"Number 11 bids $700,000!"

"Number 5 bids $750,000!"

Ellinor gave Chase the nod, signaling him to start bidding.

"Number 7 bids a straight one million!"

The audience gasped, this person really knew how to throw money around!

The auctioneer started to count, "One million once! One million twice! One..."

As he was about to finalize, Collin from booth number 1 suddenly raised his paddle.

The auctioneer was taken aback, his tone suddenly filled with excitement, "Bidder number 1 bids two million!"

There was an uproar in the room...

He jumped straight to two million! Was number 1 trying to compete with number 7?

Ellinor frowned, why hadn’t that weirdo left?

Chase wasn't pleased either, "What's Mr. Blanchet's deal? Trying to show off his wealth?"

Ellinor calmly instructed, "Chase, keep going!"

"Yes, boss!"

"Number 7 bids two and a half million, any higher offers?"

"Number 1 bids three million!"

"Number 7 bids four million!"

"Number 1 bids five million!"

"Five million once, five million twice…"

Ellinor's eyes darkened, the trouble now was that she was running out of funds.

Chase suggested, "Boss, this painting is important to you. We could temporarily use the money set aside for the project!"

Ellinor shook her head, "No, we can't compromise the company's financial health because of my personal business. I'll find another way to get the painting. For today, let him have it!"

Chase was helpless.

The auctioneer slammed his hammer, declaring bidder number 1 as the winner of 'Whispers in the Wind' for five million dollars.

Everyone was stunned. Bidder number 1 spent five million on a painting far beyond its worth!

He looked up at Chase, giving a slight nod, "Sorry for the disturbance."

With that, Theo turned to leave, Collin following suit.

Watching Theo's retreating figure, Chase pulled out a VIP shopping card from a well-known brand from his wallet, handing it to the girl called Allison, "You're doing great. Change your name and you'll be Allison from now on."

"Got it, thanks, sir." The female receptionist happily took the shopping card and politely left.

Chase returned to Room 7, "That guy has left! How the hell did you get to know Theo? Why are you hiding from him?"

Ellinor frowned, "No biggie, just that we got hitched a few days ago."

Chase had just picked up his coffee to take a sip, when he spit it out.

"What did you just say?!" He was surprised.

Ellinor calmly explained the situation to Chase.

Chase was first shocked, then laughed, "So, on your wedding night, did you get cozy with Mr. Blanchet?"

Ellinor glowered at him, "You looking for trouble?"

Seeing his boss getting angry, Chase quickly made his escape, "I need to hit the john."

Ellinor also stood up and headed to the restroom.

At the unisex sink, she washed her hands while waiting for Chase to come out. When she looked up at the mirror, Ellinor's expression suddenly froze.

In the mirror, Theo was standing behind her, hands in his pockets.

She had managed to avoid him once, but not this time.

Theo slowly walked up to her, looking down at her, his eyes full of questions about her identity, "What are you doing here?"

Just then, Chase slowly emerged from the men's restroom, "I'm getting more and more pissed off! Theo can have any famous painting he wants, why does he have to snatch Whispers in the Wind from us! He's really..."

His words suddenly stopped, as he saw Theo standing in front of Ellinor.

Theo glanced at Chase, then turned to look at Ellinor again. His eyes seemed meaningful and his tone careful, "Hello?"