Bennett didn’t even bother to glance back. He simply tilted his head ever so slightly, murmuring something to his assistant with an air so relaxed, it was as if the man who’d just dropped five million dollars wasn’t him at all.
Onstage, the seasoned auctioneer—though clearly astounded by the outrageous bid—immediately seized the moment, his voice picking up speed.
“Six million! This gentleman has offered six million! Is there anyone willing to go higher?”
His gaze swept the room, lingering for a beat on Bennett in the front row. But seeing no reaction, he pressed on.
“Six million, going once!”
“Six million, going twice!”
“Six million, gone!”
The gavel came down with a crisp, decisive crack.
“Sold! Congratulations, Mr. Locke! You’ve acquired this remarkable and meaningful piece by Master Nimbus for six million. And thank you for your generous contribution to children’s art education in our mountain communities!”
A spotlight swung instantly to illuminate Julian and Queenie.
Polite applause rippled through the hall, though on more than a few faces, there was a hint of disbelief and subtle bewilderment.
Queenie shot Gwyneth a triumphant look, her expression practically beaming with smug satisfaction.
Gwyneth remained unperturbed, her face as cold as ever, making no move to bid.
Just as she thought—this useless man was only here to gawk at the spectacle. He definitely didn’t have the money.
After a brief pause, the auctioneer returned to center stage, his professional smile unwavering as his voice echoed clearly through the microphone.
“Thank you all for your generosity. Now, let’s bring out our second item for charity.”
Behind him, the large screen displayed the lot’s title: “Girl’s Inner Thoughts.”
“This piece is also personally titled by Master Nimbus, and again, there is no reserve price.”
The curtain drew back once more.
This time, what appeared was a noticeable leap from the previous childlike sketch. The colors were bolder, the composition more deliberate. Though the lines still carried a touch of childish clumsiness, there was an undeniable sense of growth and intention.
The painting depicted a little girl in a tulle dress, her face obscured, sitting on a swing against a blurred, starry sky—a dreamy, secretive atmosphere emanating from the canvas.
“Oh? This one looks like it was done in elementary school,” someone murmured.
“It’s a big improvement from the last one. At least this looks like actual art.”
“Definitely gifted for her age—look at that color sense and imagination…”
“It’s adorable. You can tell Nimbus always had a spark.”
Bids began to emerge, most from people eager to support the charity while also collecting an early piece by Nimbus.
A cold, mocking smile tugged at Julian’s lips.
So, Gwyneth wanted the painting too? Was she eyeing it for its investment value, or simply trying to curry favor with Nimbus?
He smirked inwardly, his gaze never leaving the screen as the price held steady at a million. He made no move to bid. For now, he was the star of the night, having made the highest offer so far. Although this piece was nice enough, it wasn’t worth stepping in just yet. He’d wait—let someone else try to outshine him.
The second piece, “Girl’s Inner Thoughts,” was ultimately claimed by the confident woman for one million. The auctioneer congratulated her with a warm smile as the audience responded with another round of polite applause.
Then the auctioneer’s demeanor shifted, his voice growing solemn, with a touch of theatrical suspense.
“Thank you to this generous lady. Next, we present a truly special item.”
He paused, letting the anticipation build.
“According to Master Nimbus herself, this is a personal favorite, a treasure she has kept close for years. It is only for the sake of charity tonight that she reluctantly parts with it. Its title—‘Shadow’s Trail.’”
The curtain was drawn back.
As the painting was revealed in full, the hall was plunged into total silence before a wave of awed murmurs swept the crowd.
“My God…”
Unlike the previous two works, full of childhood innocence, “Shadow’s Trail” radiated a depth and maturity that left the room breathless.

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