Adam looked hesitant, remembering that he had used most of his savings to buy a gift for his grandmother's birthday yesterday. But if he borrowed money from Edwin, it should be enough.
So, he turned to his friend and said, "I want to get this one, please lend me some money." Edwin looked surprised to hear that, and he said anxiously, "Are you serious? That's a lot of money, Adam! Are you sure?" Adam nodded confidently. Suddenly, the old Louis raised his number and bid high, "Two million dollars." Adam felt a bit nervous, but he still couldn't bid any higher. He raised his number and bid, "Two million one hundred thousand." People looked towards him, as did Louis. So far, no one had dared to challenge the old collector, because when he made a bid, it meant he wouldn't let go of the item for anyone, no matter the price he had to pay. Louis bid again, his voice loud, "Two million five hundred thousand." All attendees were surprised, doubting if Adam could bid higher than the elderly senior. A woman spoke in the midst of the intense bidding, looking down on Adam, "The poor McLauren son-in-law, can he come up with such a large sum of money? I highly doubt it." "Mr. Louis, we never lose in bidding for items, let's see. He will only embarrass himself." Ignoring the people around him, Adam raised his number again and bid, "Two million seven hundred thousand." Edwin looked increasingly anxious, thinking Adam had lost his sanity. So, he said to his friend in a panic, "What are you doing? My savings are not enough. Just give in to the old man.” But Adam remained steadfast. He was still determined to acquire the dragon statue. Perhaps, this statue would be the key to winning over his grandmother and his wife's family to accept him into the McLauren family. He looked at Edwin and tried to reassure his worried friend, "It's okay. I still have enough money," he said confidently. Edwin chose to stay silent and became a mere spectator. He knew he couldn't do anything to stop Adam. Louis raised his number again and shouted, "Three million dollars." The crowd cheered, as it was already double the initial offering price. If Adam dared to bid higher, he would surely incur a loss as the price was already exorbitant. However, Adam wasn't focused on the money; he saw a significant opportunity to win over his wife's family. So, with confidence, he raised his number once more and boldly bid, "Four million dollars!" Everyone was stunned. It was a crazy move. Adam not only bid a few hundred thousand higher, but he added a straight million! Louis was also surprised, he grinned with his distinct deep voice and looked towards Adam. With his sharp gaze from his wrinkled eyes, he arrogantly said, "Please don't joke. I know you have an antique shop in town, but four million for that statue? Are you sure you can resell it for a comparable price?" Adam looked at him and smiled confidently, calmly saying, "The price is not the main concern, Mr. Louis. I want the dragon statue to give to my wife's grandmother. She has been eyeing it for a long time.” Hearing that, Louis smirked cunningly, as if he understood something. Then, he spoke somewhat mockingly, "Ah, I see. You could potentially double your money from the McLauren family." Suddenly, he raised his bidding paddle and went crazy, "Five million dollars!" Everyone present couldn't stop being astonished; these two crazy men were betting their entire fortunes just for a statue. As the atmosphere grew increasingly heated and tense, Anna finally intervened with Adam, her beautiful face looking worried and anxious. She pleaded, "Adam, stop. This has gone beyond our means. Let the statue belong to Mr. Louis." Adam looked at his wife with a puzzled expression, asking, "Why? Doesn't Grandma really want it?" Anna sighed, trying to appear calm, then gently explained, "I know you really want to win over Grandma. But, this is too much. I beg you, we can find another way to make her happy. Okay?" Adam fell silent after hearing that, carefully considering her words. And as the bidding ceased, the auctioneer began the countdown. With a loud voice, "Alright, no more bids? For the twelfth-century dragon statue, Five million dollars once. Five million dollars twice. Five million dollars thrice." Bang.. Bang.. Bang.. The gavel struck the table, signaling the successful sale of the auction item. "The golden dragon statue is sold for five million dollars to bidder number ten. For payment procedures, please follow the instructions from our staff. This auction will resume in one hour after the break. Thank you.”Adam sighed wearily. He had just lost a precious hope, which could have been a bridge to winning his grandmother's heart.Gently, Anna embraced her husband and gave him strength, knowing that Adam had tried his best. She spoke softly and attentively, "It's okay, darling. We will find something better than that statue."Adam nodded lightly and began to gather his spirits again. He smiled at his wife and said firmly, "You know I never stop trying. Next time, I will definitely find something better than that statue for grandma."His friend Edwin also offered support, patting Adam on the shoulder and encouraging him, "Come on, there are plenty of good things in this world. Don't be sad just because of one statue."The onlookers rose from their seats and looked towards Adam, some grinned and others chuckled softly as if mocking Adam for losing in the competition.Including Louis, the old man with a sturdy and arrogant physique, stood up and approached Adam with a satisfied expression. He g
Louis shouted angrily, feeling slightly humiliated, "Check your machine, fool! It's impossible that all my cards are not working!"The staff sighed and tried to remain patient, then politely said, "I apologize, Sir. But our machine is working fine. Would you like to proceed with the payment transaction using another method?"Louis rubbed his face roughly, with Adam still watching him in front of him. If this continued, he would surely be embarrassed. So, he protested again to the staff in anger, "Do you think I'm crazy to carry that much cash in my wallet?"Adam tried to offer a solution, he said to Louis, "If you don't mind, I can help you withdraw cash from the nearest bank. But if you prefer not to, you can borrow money from me, Sir."Louis looked at him cynically, seeing Adam's kind offer as an insult. Besides, how could Adam lend him money when he himself couldn't bet earlier. Louis scoffed cynically, then said, "You? Lend me money? Am I hearing wrong? How much do you have, anywa
Alex laughed upon hearing that.So, Adam foolishly offered help with Anna's money? That's ridiculous! But, it's good because I don't have to help that old man. Adam, you've given me a brilliant idea!Anna, who was not pleased with her husband's kind offer being insulted like that, finally spoke firmly, "Mr. Louis, it's okay if you don't accept our help. But, don't insult my husband. He sincerely offered to help you."Alex interrupted Anna's words and spoke as if siding with Adam. In reality, he just didn't want Louis to ask him for help, so he said, "My sister is right, Mr. Louis. Adam has been kind. Why don't you just accept it?"Adam and Anna, hearing Alex's words, were shocked and confused. Why was Alex suddenly speaking in their favor?Not only that, Louis was also surprised, not understanding why Alex seemed to be siding with Adam when he knew that accepting help from Adam would lower his self-worth. Flustered and nervous, Louis said to Alex, "Mr. Bown, what do you mean? The mone
Adam took out his card and handed it to the administrative staff, even though he wasn't sure if his account balance would be enough to cover the payment. But, he tried to remain confident.The woman staff in front of him said, "Sir, you will be paying five million dollars for the dragon statue and eight thousand dollars for the service fee."That's very expensive!Adam could only force a wry smile and nod. And if his balance turned out to be insufficient for the payment, he planned to quickly escape with Anna.The PIN was entered, and soon the sound of the payment transaction was heard. Adam gaped and stared in disbelief.Was his money enough?The woman staff spoke again while returning Adam's card, "Payment successful, Sir. We will arrange for the delivery procedures to your location to ensure safe transit. And please fill out some forms first."Adam didn't even hear the woman staff's voice, still lost in disbelief. Then, the ringing of his phone snapped him back to reality.He looke
The next day, Adam met Lucy at a luxurious restaurant in the heart of Reed city. Despite feeling a bit awkward, Adam still smiled warmly and greeted her.Lucy Anderson, a beautiful woman of forty-five, looked stunning and captivating in her expensive blue dress and beautiful makeup. Her short haircut gave off a strong and bold impression.Adam sat in front of her, and his aunt started the conversation. She seemed pleased to see Adam grown into a young man and said, "You look very handsome, Adam. When was the last time we met? Was it fifteen years ago?"Adam smiled and replied, "Actually, it's been more than sixteen years."Lucy pursed her lips and looked slightly sad. With a less cheerful expression, she said, "It's been such a long time. Back then, I used to carry you around. Do you remember?"Memories of the past made Lucy feel heartbroken. She imagined the beautiful face of her sister-in-law who looked happy when with young Adam.Adam was the child of conflicted parents. His father
After meeting Lucy, Adam returned to his small house on the outskirts of Reed near the Barbaros River. The housing where he lived could be considered remote and far from luxurious. Most of the residents there were retired war veterans and teachers with low pension funds.Adam chose to live here since he was expelled from the McLauren family a month after his marriage. Fortunately, Anna had a little money saved from her late grandfather. So, they could open a store and pay off this house in installments.The cost of living in this city is not cheap, sometimes when the store is quiet, Adam cannot pay the house installments. They were almost evicted some time ago, but fortunately, someone was willing to lend them money.Now Adam doesn't have to worry about the house installments and his and Anna's livelihood. He can easily pay off the house with the money given by his aunt. Or maybe, he can buy more than that. Why not? He has a lot of money now.As Adam entered, he saw his wife cooking l
The glittering decorative lights beautify the luxurious residence of the McLauren family, resembling a royal palace. The spacious yard is transformed into a party venue with a luxurious and classy atmosphere.All elite circles are present in their luxurious attire and expensive jewelry, showcasing themselves among the hundreds of guests in attendance.One of the wealthy family's grandchildren is seen among the crowd of guests with her husband.Adam Anderson, a tall man with an ideal physique and a handsome face, looks very dashing in the suit chosen by his beautiful wife, Anna.Anna McLauren is the youngest granddaughter of the famous family, known for her beauty and charm. She has a tall and slender body with white skin and long reddish-brown hair that captivates the hundreds of pairs of eyes unable to look away, especially the men.As they enter through the main door, they immediately become the center of attention for everyone. But not just because of Anna's beauty, but also becaus
The woman with a sharp and intimidating gaze spoke in a condescending tone to Adam, "Are you serious? Our grandmother is too precious to receive something that has fallen to the ground. Isn't that right?" She asked her husband and other brother.The second son-in-law nodded in agreement and said, "That's right. Adam, buy a new gift. Something equivalent to what we bought for Grandma. That's what it means to be an McLauren family son-in-law!"Marry chimed in again, speaking in a demeaning tone, "Moreover, a cheap vase as a birthday gift is too simple. Are you intentionally insulting Grandma in front of so many people?"Insulting? The price of that vase was actually very expensive! I almost used up all my savings!Seeing her husband cornered, Anna stepped forward and spoke firmly, "Enough! Are you insulting my husband just because of a gift? Isn't sincerity the most important thing? Just so you know, Adam bought that vase with all the money he had. He really wanted to give the best gift