"Seven million once! Seven million twice! Seven million three times—sold!"
The auctioneer's gavel fell with finality. "Beloved" was secured by Mr. Cook for a record 7 million RMB.
That Mr. Cook had won didn't surprise the crowd. What did was the woman who dared to bid against him.
By then, several attendees had recognized the bidder downstairs as Madeline Cook—once known as Ms. Jenkins—and murmurs rippled through the hall.
Mr. Cook glanced down. From the second floor, the audience below was a blur of dark figures. He couldn't tell if that silhouette was hers.
The auction was over. Madeline, eager to avoid Grace Cook and her party, slipped her bag over her shoulder and followed the crowd out.
Meanwhile, in a private suite upstairs.
Elena Peterson followed Grace into Mr. Cook's box. "
