Side Chick Era Over (Sharon and Carter) novel Chapter 603

Chapter 603

Such bidding… Were they burning money just for the thrill of it?

Seeing the situation escalate, Sharon leaned in and whispered, “John, stop. I only sold this painting for 20 thousand back then. If they’re willing to pay eight million for it, let them have it.”

“This time,” John replied, eyes fixed on her, “I won’t give up so easily. Sharon, don’t worry about the money. I can borrow from my father.”

“John,” Sharon said firmly, “this painting simply isn’t worth that much.”

The auctioneer began the final call.

“Eight million. Any further bids? Eight million going once-

Xavier, who had been quietly observing, suddenly raised his paddle. “Nine million.”

Sharon and Wendy both started, turning toward him in surprise.

“Xavier,” Sharon said quickly, “there’s no need to waste your money on this. It’s nowhere near worth that price.”

“Who says it’s not worth it?” Xavier’s lips curved into a faint smile. “If you like it, it’s worth it.”

Cole, seeing the bid jump to nine million, began to hesitate.

Yes, he had money, but he wasn’t a fool. The price had already far exceeded the painting’s intrinsic value.

Johanna, unable to comprehend the frenzy, murmured, “Maybe we should just let it go?”

Cole clenched his fists. “No. I can’t let Victoria’s portrait end up in someone else’s hands.”

Johanna turned to him sharply. “That is Victoria’s portrait?”

“Don’t you think the woman’s back in the painting looks just like hers?” Cole asked. 01

Johanna studied the artwork for several seconds. “I didn’t notice before, but now that you say it… It does resemble her. But how did Victoria’s portrait end up here?”

“Who knows? Maybe MK saw Victoria practicing the violin by chance. Or maybe… he’s secretly in love with her.”

Johanna frowned. “Painting Victoria without permission-wouldn’t that violate her portrait rights? Can’t we contact the seller and have it withdrawn from auction?”

“We thought of that when we first saw it,” Cole said. “But the artist is cunning. He clearly anticipated the issue. He uses only the pseudonym ‘MK’ and then disappears. Even the original buyers of his work can’t reach him. And besides, he only painted her back. We tried contacting the auction house, but they refused to acknowledge that the figure is Victoria.”

This was the same painting Cole and Victoria had stumbled upon years ago—a work Victoria had wanted ever since.

Back then, it was nowhere near this price-barely one million.

But they had been students. He lived paycheck to paycheck, with no savings. Victoria, refusing to rely on her family, had no such money herself.

All they could do was watch helplessly as the painting was taken by another bidder.

“I have to admit,” Victoria said now with a smile, “I’ve always really liked it. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity. The simpler the composition, the more it tests an artist’s skill. The painter’s fundamentals are rock solid. I’d say he has at least ten years of experience.

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Chapter 603

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“I’ve followed MK’s work. His technique improves with every piece. His progress is astonishing. I suspect he went through some advanced training to reach this level.”

With that, Victoria raised her paddle, smiling.

“Ten million.”