Albert took a seat beside Martin. Catching sight of Selina in his peripheral vision, he promptly rose to greet her


    At sixty, age showed on her face, yet it couldn’t dim the artistic aura that radiated from her.


    “Professor Schmidt, long time no see,” said Selina.


    “Long time no see,” Martin replied.


    Seated side by side, the two soon struck up an animated conversation.


    Unable to join the conversation, Albert was relieved when someone nearby asked him an academic question, and he dly focused on answering <b>it</b>.


    Selina noticed Martin was troubled about finding a sessor. So, she said, “If you lower your standards a bit, there are plenty of qualified candidates.”


    Martin gave a wry smile. “I can’t lower my standards. I’ve already found the perfect candidate. It’s just that she’s a bit reluctant.”


    “Someone actually turned down the chance to be a graduate advisor at Mandino University?” Selina asked in astonishment.


    Martin said, “She’s Professor Colton. If anyone has the right to refuse, it’s her.”


    Selina asked in surprise, “Professor Colton? The developer of protease inhibitors?”


    “That’s her,” Martin confirmed.


    Selina asked, “Is she at the event?”


    Martin pointed and said, “That beautiful youngdy in the middle of the third row.”


    Selina nced back and instantly spotted Aria.


    She was stunned, thinking in disbelief. ‘Professor Colton is actually that young?‘


    At that moment, Hannah was focused on the first row. Seeing Martin and Selina looking in her direction, her heart immediately settled.


    The auction was about to start, and once it ended, she believed that Martin would definitelye looking for her.


    Soon, the auction officially kicked off.


    Soothing music filled the hall as waitstaff wheeled in serving carts, carefully arranging hors d’oeuvres and refreshments on each table.


    A charity video yed on the big screen as the host took the stage, offering warmmentary on the film while delivering heartfelt remarks.


    The host announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, the auction now officially begins!”


    The auctioneer stepped onto the stage to introduce the opening lot. “Donated by the Shaw Group, this limited–edition watch was handcrafted by <b>a </b>master from Masmubia. The starting bid is 16 thousand dors, with no restrictions on bid increments.”


    No sooner had the auctioneer finished speaking than a voice called out, “Thirty thousand dors!”


    <i>1 </i>


    “Sixty five thousand dors!”


    “150 thousand dors!”


    Most of the bidders were corporate executives. Some were looking to curry favor with the Shaw Group, while others truly desired the watch.


    The hammer fell at 1.5 million dors.


    The auction sped through lot after lot, its pace quickening, until a rare historical tome, donated by Owen, came up.


    Hannah, an avid reader, immediately raised her paddle and called out, “150 thousand dors.”


    “Three hundred thousand dors.” The bid came from Martin.


    Hannah was taken aback and didn’t bid again.


    She believed Martin was nning to invite her to Mandino University. He probably knew she loved rare books, so he was bidding on this one to give to


    hér.


    Feeling ted, Hannah sessfully bid on two pieces of jewelry for Elena.


    The charity auction was drawing to a close, with only two lots remaining. The grand finale was a stunning jewelry masterpiece sculpted by Selina.


    The penultimate lot was brought onto the stage, veiled beneath a red velvet drape.


    This move caught everyone’s attention.


    “It looks like a painting.”


    “What painting is so special that they’re saving it forst?”


    The auctioneer strode to center stage and, with a dramatic flourish, unveiled the red velvet drape.


    “Look! Isn’t this Mono’s painting?” Someone gasped in shock.


    Many in the audience sprang to their feet in shock.


    Mono ceased painting many years ago, and his works were never for sale. Of the only five paintings in existence, two were disyed in museums, one was held by the Fine Art Society, and the remaining two were treasured in private collections.


    This painting was one of those held in private collections.


    It seemed impossible that Mono’s painting actually appeared at the charity auction event.


    The auctioneer announced, “Everyone, this painting is not Mono’s original work;. It’s a replica.”


    Many suspected it was a replica. If it were the original, it would surely be the final auction item.


    Uriah, the esteemed artist, rose and inquired, “May I approach the stage for a closer look?”


    The auctioneer nodded. “Certainly, Mr. Preston. Please go ahead.”


    Uriah stepped onto the stage and carefully examined the painting with a portable microscope.


    The entire hall held its breath; not a single sound disturbed the silence.


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