Chapter 166 If you encounter difficulties, seek help from the 13th Bureau.
It was an instinctual reaction, much like how a mouse feels upon seeing a cat. How could he dare to approach now?
Before, Bella had wondered how William would deal with Lucas if he approached, but now it seemed that there was no need.
Once the auction began, the affluent businessmen in attendance started fiercely bidding, bringing the atmosphere to its peak.
William watched the spectacle with keen interest.
Alice turned to William and said, "Most of the proceeds from this auction will be used to fund children's education in impoverished areas of the United States. The painting we discussed with the staff earlier is expected to bring in $10,000 for us, and any amount beyond that will be donated."
William nodded in acknowledgment without commenting.
He might not be an overwhelmingly compassionate soul, but he certainly supported the cause of funding education for children in impoverished areas.
Many years ago, education was often seen as a means for impoverished families to change their fate.
In modern times, while education might not be the sole way to alter one's destiny, it at least ensures that children from these families aren't marginalized by society. For many in contemporary society, pursuing education is not just for employment but more for personal growth and broadening horizons.
Soon, it was time to auction William's piece, "The Fledgling Hawk."
As the artwork was presented, there was an immediate buzz among the attendees.
"The starting bid is $10,000? What kind of piece is this?"
"Alice? Who is that? I've never heard of her. Is she a recently emerged artist?"
"That name, Alice, sounds so familiar."
"I remember now! The world's top medical expert, Charles Turner's granddaughter is named Alice."
Some didn't know who Alice was and couldn't appreciate the seemingly simple artwork. They couldn't sense the spiritual power within it, pondering how such a painting could possibly be worth $10,000.
"I bid $200,000!" Travis, sitting in the front row, was the first to shout his bid.
With this bid, many snapped back to reality. Travis was the club's owner. The mysterious appearance of this artwork at the auction—wasn't it a clear indication of his intentions toward Alice?
This seemed to suggest to everyone that Travis's pursuit of Alice was unmistakably overt. Who would want to offend Travis over this?
Moreover, there were few in the room willing to challenge Travis's bid.
If you cross him, it'll be tough to get by in New York City.
"$300,000!"
From a certain corner, a voice rang out.
William didn't even glance that way. He already knew Bryant had made his way in.
Travis narrowed his eyes, locking eyes with Bryant and called out, "$400,000!"
Bryant sneered, "Half a million dollars!"
He had noticed the name 'Alice' associated with the painting. But what led him to bid this high was the particular spiritual energy he felt emanating from the artwork. Glancing from afar, he could sense it.
Bryant was sure the painting wasn't created by Alice. The signature at the bottom clearly didn't match the painting's style.
"$2 million!" Travis primarily enhanced his power by absorbing the life force of the opposite gender to rejuvenate himself. He had a limited understanding of spiritual energy. To him, the painting just looked good, and he couldn't sense any spiritual energy from it.
Initially, he bid merely to win Alice's favor. But now, it had become a contest with Bryant.
How dare someone outbid him?
Wasn't this a direct challenge to his prestige?
On his own turf, someone was contending with him for something he wanted?
Bryant gritted his teeth and shot back with his final bid, "Five million dollars!"
Travis scoffed, "Eight million dollars!"
He had also recognized that Bryant was a Soulmancer. But so what?
Was this now a competition of who had more money?
Bryant frowned deeply. Though he had been living secluded in the mountains for many years, and even if he possessed considerable power, he wasn't particularly wealthy. Was he really going to borrow money from Charles Turner for this?
Alice was also stunned. In just a short span, the bid had reached eight million dollars?
"I also want to bid," Alice said, giving William a pleading look.
William was truly at a loss for words. He had previously entrusted the money from his cup sale to Alice, never intending to use it himself.
Was he now going to spend his own money to buy his painting?
But, did Alice intend to venture into the education sector?
"If you want to bid, then do it," William said nonchalantly about money. He didn't need much—just $10,000 to repay Lila. And he didn't feel like asking Alice for it.
Upon hearing William's words, Alice immediately raised her hand and shouted, "$9 million!"
Travis slightly frowned. But when he saw Alice, he decided to bow out of the bidding war.
For Alice to buy her own painting, if he continued to bid, wouldn't that be causing trouble for Alice?
Bryant had intended to continue bidding too, but when he followed the voice, he saw William.
This sparked a new thought in his mind.
It seems that the girl buying the painting knows William. Once she purchases it, it wouldn't be a problem to take a closer look at it, right?
Isn't it better to not spend any money and get something for free?
So, Bryant refrained from placing another bid.
Having the opportunity to get something for free is always the happiest thing for him.
Under the astonished gazes of the crowd, a painting that the majority found unappealing was sold for a staggering $9 million.
Alice quickly made the payment. However, the organizers said they would transfer the $10,000 to her only after the auction concluded.
William had also finished eating. He glanced at the auction list and found nothing of interest. He turned to Bella and suggested, "Can we leave now?"
"Sure!" Bella had wanted to leave for a while. Her father had promised not to force her into any more arranged dates, so there was no need for her to remain.
We've eaten and the auction is over, we can definitely leave now.
Today had been quite a pleasant day.
However, she was a bit concerned about William's safety. Would Travis take any action against him?
As the group stood up, preparing to leave, both Travis and Bryant also rose.
Bella whispered in William's ear, "William, be careful of that Travis."
William laughed and said, "I know." He then pulled out his phone and made a call.
"Hello?"
"Deputy Director Wenzel, hello. We met at the bookstore today. You mentioned I could reach out if I needed help?"
"I remember…" Wes Wenzel replied, "What's the trouble?"
"That man from this morning is still following me."
William didn't mention Travis. After all, with Bryant also being present and Wes Wenzel having his eye on Bryant, he simply mentioned his name.
"Where are you now?" Wes Wenzel, clearly a responsible individual, became more attentive when he heard that Bryant was still tailing William.
"I'm at the York Brimstone art exhibition."
"Why did you go there?" Upon hearing about York Brimstone's art show, Wes Wenzel couldn't help but frown. This is Travis's club, and Travis is already a key monitoring target of the 13th Bureau. Why on earth would William go there? Is he courting trouble?
"To see the art exhibition," William replied, as if it was the most natural thing to do.
"Stay there, I'll be with you in ten minutes!"
"Alright." William ended the call.
Bella, puzzled, asked, "Who did you call?"
"The Manhattan Community Board Deputy Director."
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