Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 131 Are They Purposely Raising the Price? The bangle was stored away.

The auction continued.

A few more bracelets were showcased, but none appealed to Zelena.

She couldn't stop thinking about that violet jade bangle from earlier. Jade bangles are natural and non- renewable. Without placing a higher bid, she wouldn't cacross another identical one anywhere. After a while, a white glassy jade bracelet with floating flower patterns was presented.

White glassy jade isn't exactly rare, but its price lies in the unique floating colour on it. It's so clear and transparent that it looks just like glass! It was so beautiful, it looked like glass.

This was the ultimate compliment for jade! Zelena's eyes sparkled. "Mom, Dad, I want this bracelet. It's stunning!" Feeling guilty for not getting the previous bangle for her, Mrs. Blake was determined to win this one. She nodded to Zelena and said, "Lena, I'll ensure you get this bracelet." Bracelets aren't as perfect as bangles in craftsmanship, quality, or aesthetic value, so they tend to be cheaper. However, "glassy jade" means it won't be much cheaper.

Irene also liked the bracelet. "Honey, this one's pretty too. Let's get it for our daughter." Anton said, "These beads aren't as nice as that bangle from earlier." Irene replied, "What do you know about style? It's shiny and beautiful. Our daughter will love it." Anton nodded in approval and said, "Sure, let's place our bid." Following the auctioneer's presentation, the initial price stood at a hefty 450 thousand.

Soon enough, people were eagerly bidding one after another.

"Four hundred eighty thousand!" "Five hundred twenty-five thousand!" "Five hundred fifty-five thousand!" The price slowly increased, and soon it reached 690 thousand.

Mr. Blake raised his paddle.

"Seven hundred fifty thousand." The value and colour of the bracelet were incomparable to the previous bangle.

Seven hundred fifty thousand was already the highest point, and increasing the price further would exceed its value, and the price was not appropriate.

So quite a few folks bowed out of the bidding.

Observing the price reaching a steady point, the auctioneer seated at the forefront jotted down a figure.

"Seven hundred eighty thousand." Mr. Blake assumed that once he had shouted out 780 thousand, no further bids would cin.

To his surprise, another participant entered the fray. Glancing forward, he spotted the stwo individuals who had previously bid on the bangle, which left him feeling slightly irritated.

Not them again! Are they seriously trying to jack up the price on that bracelet? "Eight hundred fourty thousand!" The auctioneer's face showed no emotion as he stated, "Nine hundred thousand." Mr. Blake increased his offer, and the auctioneer stood firm without yielding.

Mrs. Blake also sensed the unreasonableness of the front-row bidders. Initially, it seemed the bracelet could have been secured for just a bit over 600 thousand, but now the price had soared to 900 thousand. Is the auction house possibly manipulating the bidding process? If it weren't for their desire to purchase it for Zelena, they wouldn't have considered spending such an exorbitant amount! Nevertheless, with the previous bangle already sold, they were resolute in securing the bracelet this time.

Mr. Blake raised his bidder's sign, "Nine hundred thirty thousand." The auctioneer said, "Nine hundred seventy-five thousand." "One million and twenty thousand." "One million and fifty thousand." Seated at the forefront, Irene recognised the bidding voices, finding them oddly familiar, reminiscent of those who had contested them for the bangle earlier.

Thus, Irene subtly turned her head to glance behind, spotting Mr. and Mrs. Blake immediately.

Irene recalled them from the tthey had probed Violeta's foster parents' residence upon her return.

"Honey, it's Vio's foster parents bidding against us," Irene remarked to her partner.

Anton caught Irene's words and looked back in disbelief. "Seriously? How come?"

Irene gently grasped Anton's hand.

"Honey, they raised until she was eighteen, and they never treated her e badly. They were the ones who competed with us for the bangle previously, so why don't we let them have it this time?" Anton narrowed his eyes, as generosity wasn't his strong suit.

Yet, Irene's words struck a chord with him.

Violeta had been part of the Blake family for eighteen years. Before discovering she wasn't their m biological daughter, Man& Mrs. Blake had treated her with love and care as if she were their own. Considering the years they had spent raising her, Anton acknowledged that he should feel appreciative towards them. "Alright, let's let them have the bracelet." "Yup." Anton signalled the auctioneer to stop the bidding and let go of his paddle.

The auctioneer, following his lead, halted the price increase.

Even so, the bracelet's price had already skyrocketed to one million and fifty thousand.

More than one million for a jade bracelet? This price is ridiculous, especially since the jade is good in texture and clarity but lacks colour.

It's not worth it at all! Mrs. Blake whispered, "Do you think the people in front are raising the price on purpose?" Mr. Blake felt a bit annoyed too. "I think so."

Mrs. Blake suggested, "If they're driving up the price on purpose, let's push it higher if they keep up, we'll back out and let them take the loss!" Mr. Blake nodded and shared the sidea as Mrs. Blake.