I Became the Billionaire's Fake Lover to Get My Revenge
Chapter 42: The Winner

Chapter 42: The Winner

The auction hall buzzed with a low hum as guests slowly filled their seats. One by one, people gathered, settling into the luxurious space, their murmurs and rustling anticipation growing as they prepared for the results of the silent auction.

"Don’t you just love the suspense of a silent auction?" Anaїs asked, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she glanced at the man seated next to her.

"It’s fascinating how everyone tries to bid big while keeping their composure. I wonder which painting will fetch the highest bid tonight. With the summer international art exhibition just around the corner, the artist is bound to be incredibly lucky!"

Before the man could offer a reply, Amelie Bennett stepped onto the stage. Her presence immediately commanded attention, her gaze sweeping across the room with a quiet authority that left everyone captivated.

"Good evening, everyone, and welcome to this year’s Art Silent Auction," she began, her voice smooth and poised. The crowd responded with a polite round of applause.

Amelie continued, her voice warm yet professional, "For those of you who are new to this event, each year, the World Association of Art and Culture organizes a series of charity events aimed at helping struggling yet promising artists gain the recognition they deserve and promote their extraordinary works."

She paused for a moment, letting the significance of her words sink in, before carrying on with ease.

"As is customary, all the works submitted to this auction are done so anonymously. We’ve gone through a meticulous selection process to ensure that the pieces meet the high standards befitting such an extraordinary opportunity."

Her eyes scanned the crowd, and she smiled as if sharing in their excitement.

"Tonight, you were all invited to place your bids on the pieces that caught your eye, the ones you deemed worthy of your support. And, of course, every contribution counts. As you know, your bids will be pooled together, and the proceeds will be distributed to the registered art facilities, supporting the next generation of artists."

"Before we gathered here tonight, my assistants tallied up all the bids, setting aside those who made the highest donations. These individuals will have the exclusive opportunity to take the artwork home after it’s been displayed at the galleries during the Summer International Art Exhibition in Zurich this year," Amelie announced, her voice smooth and confident.

She paused, turning slightly to her right to gesture toward a small stand holding a beautiful wooden plaque. "Of course, the highest bidder will also receive the prestigious Plaque of Gratitude from the Bennett Charity Organization. We deeply appreciate your generosity in helping make the world a better place."

A wave of applause rippled through the crowd in response to her words. Once the noise settled, Amelie signaled for her assistants, who wheeled in the first easel with a colorful painting on it.

"Without further ado, let’s see who the lucky person is who will take home this stunning splash of color!" Amelie’s voice sparkled with excitement.

One by one, the paintings were brought onto the stage, each followed by Amelie announcing the artist’s name and the highest bidder who had claimed the piece. Throughout it all, Anna kept her eyes on Susanne, whose pale face and constant nail-biting betrayed the intense anxiety gripping her. It was clear Susanne was on the edge of a breakdown, her nerves stretched thin by the pressure.

They’ve already presented thirteen paintings, Anna thought, her gaze flicking back to the stage. That means my painting still has a chance to win.

Three more paintings left. Anna turned to Susanne again, noticing the nervous tapping of her foot beneath the chair, her tension palpable in the stillness of the room.

Two more paintings. Susanne’s hairline was now dotted with tiny beads of sweat, betraying her mounting anxiety.

The last one.

"Pomegranate Necklace," Amelie announced, her voice filled with awe as she turned to the artwork now positioned in the center of the stage.

"What a remarkable piece! And of course, such an extraordinary painting deserves an equally impressive bid." Her eyes flickered with excitement as she glanced at the bid card. "Ladies and gentlemen," she continued. "The winner of this silent auction is Mr. William Stark, with a staggering bid of one hundred thousand dollars!"

The crowd gasped in astonishment, but it was Anna who felt the full force of shock. She turned to face William, her eyes widening. He simply smiled, his voice barely a whisper as he leaned closer. "Just so you know, I was ready to pay a million."

Amelie’s voice rose again, smooth and poised. "Now, let’s meet the incredible artist who will have the honor of displaying his work at the prestigious International Art Exhibition this year––Mr. Oscar Pierce."

A loud round of applause echoed through the hall, the guests’ curiosity piqued as they watched the young artist make his way to the center of the stage.

William lightly tapped Anna on the back, his gaze still fixed on Oscar. "It’s time."

Anna nodded, her heart pounding in her chest as she sprang to her feet, the sound of her rapid pulse ringing in her ears. She pushed through the murmurs of the crowd, her voice trembling but resolute. "Excuse me, Mrs. Bennett!"

Dozens of eyes locked onto Anna, and her face turned pale under the weight of their gaze. Her breath hitched, but there was no turning back now—she was too close to crossing the first name off her list.

"Is something the matter, Ms. Dumas?"

"Yes," Anna responded immediately, her voice steady as she carefully made her way to the stage. "As I’ve been observing the painting, I’ve noticed something odd about it. Some parts of it seem... off. Almost as if they’ve been altered or retouched."

"Oh?" Amelie raised an intrigued eyebrow, her gaze shifting to the painting once more, as if to confirm Anna’s claim. She then turned back to the guests, offering them a small, welcoming smile.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me to introduce Miss Chloe Dumas. She’s an experienced art consultant and a talented artist in her own right, so her eye for detail is truly exceptional."

Anna smiled too, though it was more a fleeting flicker of forced politeness than a genuine expression. Amelie then moved closer to the painting, gesturing for Anna to approach. "So, Miss Dumas," she said, "what exactly seems to be the issue with this painting?"

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