Chapter 95 - Ninety-five : War Of The Cousins (1/2)

Maya's Pov

”I'm sorry I'm late ” Emily apologized and pulled a chair out at the table and sat down.

The auction was already beginning and many people had settled down. Several large round tables covered with white linen clothes, each surrounded with five carved chairs graced the ballroom.

The tables were decorated with flowers and featured plates, knives, forks and champagne flutes - some empty and some filled.

”What took you so long? ” I asked curiously, it was not like Emily to be late at such an important event.

”I had some private matters to take care of ” She said but I couldn't help but notice the pink stain that crawled up her cheeks, was she blushing?

”You sure did take care of it well ” Niklaus said but I couldn't help but detect a hint of mockery in his voice not to talk of the way he was staring at his sister.

It seemed suspicious so I followed his gaze and it rested on Emily's neck. Why was he so interested - oh.

I scratched my eyebrow awkwardly when I discovered the love bite on her neck .

Seriously Niklaus really has quite a great sight, unless one looked closely there was no way he or she would sight those.

But Niklaus spotted it from a distance! Wow, he must really have

microscope vision.

Perhaps Emily must have sensed the ridicule in her brother's voice cause her hands went to her neck and tugged the high neck dress closer and upward.

The five seats were occupied by me, Niklaus, Isabella, Emily and Governor Ahmed - yeah, you heard right. Thankfully I could now look him in the eyes without blushing like a fool.

Reason being Niklaus was beside me, I knew how easily jealous he could get.

While Eden,Tina and Adam were occupying another table across from ours and I was seriously grateful for that.

It was obvious I would be a whole lot uncomfortable if she was with us. Moreover, ever since she started throwing herself on Niklaus without shame, I couldn't stand the sight of her anymore .

I felt like stabbing out her eyes each time I caught her checking out Niklaus or batting her false long catlike lashes smeared with thick mascara at him.

And trust me, it didn't end there.

My anger was reaching the boiling point each time she pouted her lips, winked at Niklaus, flipped her hair or purposely walked right in front of him making sure I watched the way her hips sashayed.

Tina's contempt for me was obvious, she obviously must be thinking I'm nothing but dirt she could easily dust off her butt or someone she could easily trample on.

But I held it in, I couldn't afford to make a scene nor embarrass Niklaus especially in front of such a huge audience ; I'll have a private talk with her later.

Out of the corner of my eyes, I saw Tina staring at me with such a murderous gaze that if her eyes were bullets , I would be long gone.

I scowled at her and intentionally rested my head on Niklaus's shoulder - She can die from envy as long as I care - and focused on the auction going on.

Niklaus who was making small talks with Ahmed was quite surprised at my sudden clinginess, but smiled anyway and drew me closer to him.

”And here is our first item of the night ”The auctioneer standing on the podium announced through the headset microphone.

A staff helped uncover the linen off a porcelain vase secured in a showcase while the auctioneer began to introduce it.

” As you can see this is a cobalt blue and white porcelain vase from the Ming dynasty. It is a majestic and rare porcelain decorated with dragons circling the sky and from Jingdezhen.

I guarantee you that the item is authentic and as we all know, the highest bidder wins.The starting price would be one thousand dollars”

I was yet to accept the starting price when someone from the back raised her biding card and said,

”Two thousand dollars ”

Followed by,” Four thousand dollars.”

It wasn't even up-to a minute and the price escalated to ten million dollars.

” This is crazy ” I thought outloud

” Why? You don't like it ?” Niklaus, who picked up my words, asked.

”Ye-no..I.. ” I fumbled on my words.

”It's fine?”

How was I going to tell him I was stunned at the scene. I hoped to get at least an item from this auction but the way I see things, I should probably forget about it.

I was totally bewildered when the vase was finally sold at thirty million dollars.

Wow, do these people pluck their money from trees or what? Why would I spend thirty million dollars on a single item? Not only that, but on a vase?

I shook my head, there was no way I would ever understand rich people.

The next item was uncovered almost immediately and the crazy biding began.

”Tell me if there's anything you like?” Niklaus whispered into my ears without warning, startling me in the process.

” Okay - no! ” I refused right away, causing his brows to furrow together.

” No? ” Niklaus asked ” Why? ”

I threw my hands, then brought them down and sighed ” The bids here are crazy, I don't want you to waste your money ”