Chapter 295: Chapter 295

Chapter 295:

Harlee continued, her voice low and steady, “Bear in mind that Karina’s plan to incapacitate Benedict might falter. We should strategize for that contingency. Regarding Rhys… To secure the border swiftly, work with him. We must prevent Claelia from spiraling into chaos and safeguard the well-being of its citizens.” The possibility of the pill’s failure loomed large, and in critical, life-threatening scenarios, they were unwilling to relinquish control over their destiny to anyone else.

“Understood.”

One hour later, the highly anticipated public jadeite bid commenced.

This bidding was conducted in two distinct formats. In the private bidding mode, interested parties discreetly submitted their information and proposed bids. The organizers would later reveal the bids and award the piece to the highest offer. The open bidding mode, on the other hand, operated on traditional bidding principles, where the highest public bid clinched the item, with everyone free to participate and place their bids.

Karina, the evening’s host, gracefully made her way to the center stage of the exhibition hall, her presence commanding attention.

“Good evening to one and all. I am Karina, your host for tonight’s jade auction, proudly presented by the Shakica family. I believe everyone is acquainted with the procedures, so let’s proceed without further ado. It is my pleasure to declare the open bidding officially underway.”

As Karina’s voice filled the room, her announcement was met with a round of applause from the hostesses on stage, setting a vibrant tone. The hall buzzed with excitement.

Once the applause subsided, Karina’s voice, rich and inviting, filled the air again.

Lₐtᴇst chαptɘrs in g𝒶lnovels.𝗰𝓞𝗺

“And now, I have the honor to introduce the head of the Shakica family, who will unveil the first rough stone of the evening.”

Just then, a man with a portly figure and dressed in an ostentatious outfit approached from behind.

“Welcome, everyone. I am Benedict,” he announced with a measured stride.

Upstairs in the secluded private room, Harlee’s eyebrow arched, her lips twisting into a mischievous grin.

Benedict had resorted to using a double.

Clearly, he sensed the danger encircling him.

Rhys peered intently at the figure on stage, his initial confusion melting away.

“That’s not Benedict,” he murmured, a spark of realization in his voice.

Harlee’s eyes flickered with a brief spark of surprise, swiftly concealed. It was hardly a shock that Rhys had seen through the ruse.

“He’s definitely an impostor.”

“The real Benedict is over there.” Harlee’s slender finger moved with purpose, touching the glass and pointing at a small corner.

Her lips curled slightly, a fleeting hint of coldness flashing in her eyes.

Below the room, the auction continued.

“Next, I’ll be auctioning off the first piece of raw jade.”

As soon as “Benedict” finished speaking, the hostess beside him bent down and slowly unveiled the red cloth covering the item.

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