CHAPTER HUNDRED AND FIFTY-SEVEN

RICHARD’S POV

The evening of the bidding event arrived, and as I drove up to the venue, I couldn’t help but notice the sea of luxury cars lined up outside. Ferraris, Lamborghinis, you name it. It was like a parade of wealth, and it was clear that this was not your average event.

I parked my car and made my way inside, feeling the buzz of excitement in the air. The place was abuzz with chatter and the clinking of glasses. I was weaving through the crowd when I bumped into someone unexpectedly—Cathy.

“Richard! Fancy seeing you here,” she said, flashing a bright smile.

“Cathy,” I replied, smiling back. “I didn’t expect to run into you.”

“Well, my father is the chairman of this event,” she said, almost with a hint of pride. “He sent me to supervise things and make sure everything runs smoothly.”

“That’s a big responsibility,” I said. “So, are you enjoying the role?”

“Absolutely,” she said, her eyes scanning the crowd. “And are you here to bid on the painting?”

“Yep, that’s the plan,” I sa