Chapter 234: Chapter 234: Photo Warning
Holly Houston couldn’t find an expression to describe her mood, so under the director’s urging, she reluctantly went on stage to continue hosting.
"Thanks to Miss Quinn for her performance..."
She skipped the comment on July Quinn’s cello performance and moved on to the auction.
Did they want her to admit that July Quinn’s cello performance was more impressive than hers?
No way.
At this moment, Holly’s only worry was that July Quinn’s outstanding performance might earn more charity money than hers.
If that happened, her intention to win the audience over with this charity auction today was doomed to fail.
But Holly didn’t expect that as soon as she announced the bidding, Justin Callahan was the first to raise his paddle.
And the price he called out was: "Fifty cents!"
Suddenly, the entire room fell silent.
The sons of prestigious families, who had been eager to pay high prices to leave a good impression on July Quinn, suddenly halted.
Although Justin Callahan rarely showed up in Westmarch, almost all the rich youth in Westmarch had received a "photo warning" from their parents.
The photo was, of course, of Justin Callahan, and the warning was: "If you encounter this person in Westmarch during this time, do not confront him directly. He is from the high-status circles in Esteria, which even our modestly rich Westmarch families cannot afford to mess with."
Thinking of their parents’ warnings, they all refrained from raising the bid.
They were not stupid; since July Quinn’s excellent performance caused Justin Callahan to offer such a low price, it must have been because she offended him.
If they were to raise the bid now, it would be like disrespecting Justin and cutting off their family’s chance to connect with him.
So, after thinking it over, these people withdrew their hands that were about to raise their paddles.
As for Nina Quinn, she was smiling in a corner where Justin couldn’t see.
Though July’s performance was unexpected, Justin still did as Nina had guided him earlier, using a low price to humiliate July.
As for Holly...
She was troubled that there was no chance to teach July a lesson, but now Justin handed her a great opportunity, and she immediately smiled.
"It seems Miss Quinn’s performance still leaves something to be desired."
Without waiting for July to respond, she motioned the auctioneer to strike the first hammer.
"Fifty cents... going once..."
As long as July’s piece raised only fifty cents in donation, no matter how exceptional her performance, she was bound to be disgraced.
But just as Holly urged the auctioneer to quickly strike the second hammer, a man in the corner raised his paddle.
"One billion..."
The deep male voice was rich and magnetic.
Yet it left everyone in the room astonished.
For just one piece of music, this man casually offered a billion?
Whether it was others, Holly, or even The Houston Family, they all thought this extravagant spending was somewhat unreasonable.
Had it not been for Holly aiming to gain face for her debut, neither she nor The Houston Family would have sought so much exposure of funds.
But July Quinn?
She didn’t need an opportunity to gain face at all, so was it necessary?
Perhaps because this sudden billion distracted everyone, they turned towards the voice to see who this spendthrift could be.
July Quinn thought similarly.
But when her eyes met Kyle Keaton’s angular and distinguished face, her good mood was obliterated without a trace.
"Tsk, spending money so recklessly, you’ll bankrupt your family someday."
July Quinn internally complained.
From fifty cents straight to a billion, Justin Callahan was full of irritation.
"Are you sure you want to keep opposing me? The consequences of angering me are beyond what your little assistant can handle."
He gave July fifty cents with the intent to humiliate and revenge her.
But now, this Assistant Keaton actually dared to confront him!
Moreover, Justin highly doubted that after bidding nine million for the Ghost Flower earlier, they could still bring out another billion?
"Then, I must see what consequences I cannot bear!"
Kyle Keaton didn’t even spare him a glance, showing his disdain openly.
Justin Callahan was so angry that he nearly swore, but then another person raised the bid.
"Two billion."
This statement left the whole room even more bewildered.
It’s just a song; no matter how well played, is it worth that much money?
Once again, everyone focused their gaze on one man.
The man wore a baseball cap, and the purple earring on his ear shimmered with a charming light.
Unlike the others’ puzzled expressions, July was stunned when she saw that person.
"Liam..."