Chapter 14

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the annual charity auction!" the auctioneer began as he took his place at the podium.

"I hope you are all ready to open your hearts and, more importantly, your wallets. Tonight, we have some truly exquisite items for you, and all proceeds will go directly to charity," the auctioneer said with a wide smile.

The guests began to applaud and cheer, excited for the auction to begin.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen, we are starting this auction with this one-of-a-kind diamond necklace. Shall we open the bidding at $5,000?" the auctioneer said loudly into the microphone.

Several hands shot up immediately, and the auctioneer nodded quickly.

"Five thousand! Do I hear six thousand?"

A woman in a red dress raised her paddle. "Six thousand."

"Six thousand to the lady in red," the auctioneer acknowledged her.

"Do I hear seven thousand?" the auctioneer continued, glancing at the guests.

A man in a tailored suit on the other side of the room lifted