"Hey! What’s the meaning of this?!" Mr. Smith roared angrily, his outburst swiftly tempered by the auctioneer, who reminded them that conflicts were strictly prohibited during the auction. Such exchanges were typically discouraged as they disrupted the bidding process. However, given that this auction was hosted by the Lowry family, and the auction house was merely assisting with the proceedings, they permitted the exchange. The auction house would still receive amission of 15% based on the final hammer price.


    Mr. Smith, along with the other seasoned participants, was well aware of this protocol. That’s precisely why he attempted to coerce hispetitors into withdrawing using verbal tactics. He knew he couldn’t afford to continue bidding if the price escted any further.


    While such a move might displease the auction house, they wouldn’t intervene if the bidders sought to negotiate differently on this asion, considering that the painting’s price had already surpassed the expected threshold of $450.3 million.


    However, to everyone’s surprise, there was an ignorant individual (called Leo) among them who seemed oblivious to societal norms and rules, much to the irritation of the others. Or should we say <i>’irritation of Mr. Smith and his n.’</i>


    Leo remained silent in response to the man’s outburst, leaving the other gentleman to speak instead. "We apologize if we’ve dashed your hopes," he replied calmly, maintaining a charming smile. "Yet, I’m afraid there was never any agreement on our part." With a touch of mockery in his tone, he added as he raised his number te, "I offer $520 million."


    Hera couldn’t stifle a soft chuckle, catching the attention of those nearby who were closely observing her.


    Mr. Smith felt his face flush with embarrassment at the realization that the young men, whom he couldn’t even recognize, weren’t taking him seriously. He was seething with anger. "Ha! You insolent brat! Don’t toy with me! How can we be certain that you actually have the funds to back up your bids, and that you’re not just inting the price?"


    He insinuated that they were nts sent by the auction house to artificially inte the bidding, a tacticmonly associated with smaller or mid-tier auction houses—but not the Lakeside Pavilion- Auction house. The auctioneer took offense at Mr. Smith’s usation and, in response, made the decision to cklist him from attending future auctions. <i>’Mr. Smith only learned of this the following day, sparking his outrage upon receiving the notice.’</i>


    Leo’s patience wore thin with the older man’s incessant chatter, prompting him to intervene. "We’re not here to negotiate prices because this is not a marketce; this is an auction house. As the rules clearly state, the highest bidder takes the prize home..." He cast a sneaky nce at the amused Hera beside him before continuing, "So, no need to throw a tantrum if you can’t afford the lollipop."


    He openly ridiculed the man for his apparent inability to afford the item yet still desired to possess it. Leo’s response was sharp and clever, prompting Hera to chuckle uncontrobly. She didn’t mean any disrespect, but she found the situation rather absurd. To her, it seemed likemon sense not to engage in bidding wars for something beyond one’s means, rather than resorting to clever wordy.


    Enraged by Leo’s provocation, he eximed, "$550 million," his chest heaving with anger. He was offering all the money in his hands, confident that these brats wouldn’t be able to match his bid.


    Seeing Leo and the other gentleman fall silent, he breathed a sigh of relief and shed a smug smile at Leo. He was prepared to exhaust all his funds, believing that the painting’s disy in his gallery would generate significant returns in the years toe.


    As the silence persisted, the auctioneer proceeded. "$550 million going once."


    "Going twice..."


    "$560 million..." Leo’s calm deration aimed to give the old man a false sense of victory, heightening his devastation when his prize was ultimately taken from him.


    Following suit, the other gentleman chimed in, "$570 million..."


    Mr. Smith stood in stunned silence, so taken aback that he momentarily forgot to respond, allowing the bid to soar to $700 million in Leo’s favor. Hera nced at Leo with a raised eyebrow, curious if he also had a gallery to exhibit the art. She then shifted her gaze to the other gentleman, who sensed her gaze and met her eyes, offering her a gentle smile in return.


    He ceased bidding against Leo, effectively bringing the auction to a close. Shortly after, the same woman who had approached Hera earlier for payment assistance stepped forward once again, this time to facilitate the transaction with Leo.


    Rafael anticipated Leo’s next move, wondering if he would receive the ck card from Hera. Instead, Leo reached into the inside pocket of his suit, retrieving a simr ck card to the one Hera had used earlier. He tapped it to the card reader, eliciting a confirmation tone indicating sessful payment.


    And with that, the charity auction drew to a close, attendees dispersing one by one, leaving Mr. Smith rooted to his spot. Hera nodded at Leo, satisfied that he was now doing well. However, in the rush of the moment, she momentarily forgot their n to meet with his grandfather, instead heading directly to fetch Athena.


    Watching Hera depart, Leo felt a pang of reluctance, wishing he could spend more time with her. However, he couldn’t find a valid excuse to dy her departure until he remembered their agreement to find Leo’s grandfather and ensure she could assist him until then.


    His body moved faster than his thoughts, and before he knew it, Leo had grabbed Hera’s arm, halting her in her tracks. Surprised by the sudden tug, Hera nearly lost her bnce, but Leo quickly steadied her. She turned to look into his eyes, silently questioning his intentions.


    Leo felt embarrassed and could only rub the tip of his nose with a straight face as he attempted to exin himself. Before he could, however, another hand seized his arm, causing both Hera and Leo to turn their attention to the third person.


    "It’s not gentlemanly to suddenly grab a woman," Rafael scolded Leo with a scowl.


    Sparks seemed to fly as their gazes locked. Zhane approached Hera and inquired, "Are you okay?" His tone implied concern, suggesting that Leo might have been harassing her.


    Leo’s head snapped in Zhane’s direction, his gaze frosty butposed. "We have arrangements to find my grandfather," he stated, subtly reminding Hera, who seemed to have forgotten.


    Just like a lightbulb, Hera’s eyes suddenly lit up as she recalled the conversation they had in the cubicle.


    Rafael interjected once more. "You’re already a grown-up, yet you still need someone else to help you find your grandfather?" His smile was taunting, revealing his teeth.