Frank then turned to Gene. "I present this painting to Mr. Pearce on behalf of Vicky Turnbull and the main Turnbull family. Vicky especially sends her thanks for helping her immediate family establish a foothold in Riverton."


    Gene appeared surprised but soon smiled and shook his head. "Oh, that littledy. Why didn''t shee by herself?"


    "She has taken ill and couldn''t make it, so she asked me to help."


    "Well, I''m most grateful for her present."


    Gene and Frank''s exchange left the guests puzzled-why did it feel like both men were close in private?


    Dennis was watching from a distance.


    He frowned as he remembered what Frank told him before-that he should not set Gene against him, or he would bite off more than he could chew.


    Turning pensive just then, Dennis mused, "Could it be...?"


    Hugh noticed that and could tell what he was thinking, and so quickly said, "Don''t worry about it, Dr. Jackson. Frank Lawrence had brought two presents that looked valuable, but it just means the Turnbulls are really invested in this auction. Moreover, if they really were acquainted before, they would be chatting as soon as they met, instead of speaking so formally like they are now."


    Dennis nodded he had to admit that Hugh had a point.


    Still, he had a vague sense of unease that he could not quite describe.


    "400 million!"


    "I bid 500 million!"


    As the guests allpeted, the painting was ultimately sold at 500 million dors.


    Then, to everyone''s surprise, Gene madeThis belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    it''s you other bid too. "Hehe... since


    it''s young Vicky who bought it, & should at least make a bid. 800


    million!"


    The hall was left silent at that this was Gene''s event, and the subtext in his bid was basically: I want that painting.


    Everyone present was no fool-as soon they heard Gene was making such a huge bid, they immediately gave up on the idea ofpeting.


    All they could do was to sigh at Gene''s deep pockets, bidding 800 million dors without batting an eye.


    At the same time, Frank quickly


    handed the portrait to Gene''s new valet, as he knew that Gene was being nice to him by making that 800 million dor bid.


    "Now, for my second present," he said, taking out a modest red wooden chest from his pocket. "This one is my personal gift to Mr. Pearce a Jade Marrow Pill that I''ve refined personally. It will extend a person''s lifespan by ten years, if I really had to say."


    There were some murmurs earlier, but Frank''s announcement left the hall dead silent.


    "Hahaha..."


    Someone startedughing, and soon, everyone else did the same.


    "Is he crazy?"


    "Yeah... Maybe he has some delusional disorder?"


    "Extending one''s lifespan by ten years... who would believe that?!"


    Frank did not argue despite the vocal disapproval around him and instead kept holding on to his wooden chest as he watched the guests calmly.


    To no surprise, Hugh strode out from the crowd, shouting, "You''re crazy, Frank Lawrence!"