Chapter 68

“I can’t remain silent after what Ms. Cotton said; it's millions of dollars!”

“I honestly can’t tell how good this calligraphy is, but I’m going to bid on it anyway—13 million dollars.”

“Let me be clear. I don’t care about the favor that man suggested, nor do I need it. All I ask is that you apologize to Ms. Cotton. After all, you stepped over the line earlier.”

The latest business owner to bid on Kyle’s calligraphy wore a proud expression. He hoped to curry favor with Belle using this method. He wouldn't have tried if he couldn't win her heart; after all, he could still ask her out to dinner and make himself look good.

What’s more, other business owners followed suit, asking Kyle to apologize to Belle after bidding on his calligraphy. By now, the bidding price had soared to 20 million dollars.

After Belle took a seat, she said confidently, “Do you see? I don’t even have to lift a finger, and countless people are speaking up for me. That’s how charming I am!”

Furthermore, Kyle himself said he would officially owe his calligraphy’s buyer. So, he would have to apologize to me if asked.” Belle threw her head back and laughed.

She didn’t spend any money, yet she could still taunt Kyle. More importantly, it didn't matter if he managed to scrounge up 60 million dollars for her; he would still have to apologize.

No matter what, Belle was guaranteed the best outcome.

Chloe gasped and said, “Will you look at that, Belle? She can barely stay seated. You’ve really screwed Kyle over this time. I bet he's about to faint.”

“I can’t believe he said he would officially owe the buyer. He shot himself in the foot.”

From Chloe and Belle's perspective, Kyle had no choice. Although many business owners bid on his calligraphy, they clearly intended to mock him. Even if one of them purchased it, they would still humiliate him.

Elisa stood to the side, wearing an inscrutable expression. Nothing she said worked, and she felt disrespected. More importantly, she couldn’t let these people offend Kyle.

They might not understand how valuable Kyle's favor was, but she knew better than anyone.

After a moment's thought, Elisa smiled. “How about I join the fun? I don't believe it will bother anyone.”

The people in the auditorium heard her. Needless to say, they wouldn't dare object.

“The Juvas family owns this event tonight, and we're perfectly aware of your generosity and kindness, Ms. Rivas.” They mistakenly believed Elisa was on their side.

However, she shook her head. “I’m bidding because the calligraphy is worthwhile, not for other reasons. I hope there’s no misunderstanding.”

At that moment, someone in the auditorium raised his hand. “If you ask me, you shouldn’t compete with us for the calligraphy, Ms. Rivas. I’m taking it to…”

The auditorium immediately erupted in an uproar. Everyone thought it was worthwhile to pay Kyle over 50 million dollars to gain Ms. Rivas’ attention. After all, they were there to show the Rivas family support.

However, 50 million dollars was a different story. It was too steep a price to pay just for the Rivas family's attention. Business people were adept at maximizing their benefits.

Belle’s expression changed the moment she heard “50 million dollars.” Chloe, who was drinking, almost spat out her drink. She turned and…

Both of them watched…

“…I find it appalling to price something this valuable at just 30 million dollars. I’m willing to pay 50 million dollars for it.” An elderly man at the main table spoke. This amount of money meant nothing to him.

The next moment, an elderly woman raised her hand. “How merry! Besides, I love the calligraphy. Here’s a lucky number for the painter: 66 million dollars!”

Many in the audience felt the same. If this continued, the price would skyrocket.

“You guys are too stingy! The calligraphy would've been a steal at ten or twenty million dollars!”