The guard gave her a mask; they called it futuristic or whatever. All she knew was that they hid faces and modulated voices very well.
She reached for her phone as she settled into her seat. Which happened to be right beside him, poised in his suit, a mask, and a blonde woman on his lap, giggling at some stupid joke he told.
The long, polished table was divided by black wooden panels, hiding the lower part of each person. From chest up, they could see each other, sharing the same space, but beneath the surface, hands moved in secret, pressing bidding buttons without revealing a single tell.
She hated that she recognized his cologne. Strong. Overpowering. Asshole-kind. Just like the man wearing it. Why was this man on my freaking guest list? Some people didn't value their work at all. She shook her head and looked away from him. She wasn't about to let him ruin her fun night.
The room was filled with familiar faces, though most were generally hidden behind masks. The kind of faces that belonged at high tables, with deep pockets and even deeper secrets to hide.
The air reeked of selfishness and power. Bidders eyeing each other suspiciously and behind them... were bodyguards on standby. At the end of the day, every single one of them werep there for a reason.
The items being auctioned were of different kinds and calibers. You wouldn't believe what was being sold here. Stolen artifacts—the main reason she was here.
Illegal weapons, drugs, and narcotics were just some of them. Hell, even human trafficking, rare animals, and exotic wildlife were part of the trade.
Fortunately, Enzo wasn't here tonight to buy any of the poor souls up for sale. She was glad. And don't even start with organ trafficking and cybercrime tools.
The place was the very definition of evil. And Chiara wasn't sure what that said about her. However, Xander would love to expose these men, and she was sure as hell going to tip him after this auction.
The lights dimmed in the smoke-filled room, a single spotlight cut through the haze and hit the masked auctioneer.
He stepped forward, a knowing glint in his eyes. And a big screen came to life behind him. Thrill bubbled through her as she crossed her leg over the other.
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests of our beloved shadows. Tonight, we unveil a magnificent piece. So rare, so unattainable, that its very existence is only heard about in hushed circles." He walked to the left of the stage, along with his spotlight.
Another spotlight illuminated the table. A veiled, rectangular-shaped item rested on it. So tempting.
"Before you, veiled in this black velvet display, is Jolene." Gasps erupted, hers not exempted. Her eyes widened in their sockets, and her hands clasped together.
"An epitome of art. A treasure that escaped the grasp of many collectors. Its last known owner vanished without a trace. Good for us." He leaned forward and whispered the last part, making people laugh. All she wanted was for him to get to the damn point.
"Everyone, the origins might be buried sixty-six feet for all we care, yet tonight, it can be yours. Worth? Priceless. But we start the bidding at a modest 80 million dollars. Shall we begin?"
Wasting no time, Chiara scanned her card on the designated table scanner. It quickly displayed on the big screen behind him. "We have 100 million. 100 million dollars for the rare piece, gentlemen!" the auctioneer cheered.
"And... 115 million dollars! We have a second bidder." "130 million! From a third bidder!"
And that's when the bidding got aggressive. After all, with criminals, smugglers, and corrupt officials competing with each other, you couldn't expect anything else.
"150! Uh-oh, things are getting interesting. Looks like we have a battle here."
"200 million dollars! Magnificent!" Gasps intensified, with hushed conversations breaking out here and there like a wildfire.
She clenched my fist, wondering who the heck was playing with her. That ethereal paint was hers! She scanned the card again.
"250! Ladies and gentlemen!" "And... 300! Oh, I love my work!"
Blinded by pure rage, a smile danced on her lips. Instead of using her card this time around... she used Enzo's.
"350! Woo!" The man made a show of wiping his forehead. "And... 400! For the rare item!"
"We have 500 million dollars! 500 Anyone! 500 million going once, twice, and..." The auctioneer hesitated, looking around the room.
Her heart pounded in her chest. What the hell was he doing? She thought with knitted brows.
"Going thrice, and... sold!"
She relaxed back, sighing and grinning as her heart rate slowed. While her phone vibrated with countless texts from Enzo. She shoved it back in her purse.
Fucker wouldn't even know what hit him once she was done with his ATM card tonight. After all, she had the legendary Jolene in her possession. The night was young, and she was just getting started.
"You look sexy under pressure, Marino." The man from a neighbouring table said. She turned to the man just in time for him to wink at her. Chiara cringed.
"Makes me wonder how else I could pressure you... just to see you sexy." He added.
Her smile vanished at his crazy words. She glared at him as another item was being introduced. One of these days, she was going to punch that smug look out of his face.
"Babe, take me with you tonight." The lady in his arms turned his chin toward her, voice so sultry she almost retched. "Sure." He replied with a small, effortless smile.
Was this his way of getting back at me? I should've known. It was this petty asshole, Conti. She thought, glaring daggers at his stupid smug face.