章 21: The Masked Auction.
The grand entrance of the auction house is abuzz with tension as Robin and Ramsey arrive, their invitations granting them access to the exclusive event.
The air is thick with the scent of fine wine and the murmur of hushed conversations.
Robin smooths a hand over the deep blue dress Ramsey had so painstakingly selected for her, feeling a flutter of nerves in the pit of her stomach as she walks through the grand entrance of the auction house, arm in arm with Ramsey.
Her dress flowed with each step as her eyes behind her peacock mask took in the ornate surroundings.
Masked guests mingled about, making mysterious figures in the low light.
"Impressive, isn't it?" Ramsey commented
"It's certainly lavish," she murmurs, her eyes scanning the sea of masked faces. "But I don't really see the need for all the masks though. It all feels so...clandestine."
Ramsey offers her a beatific smile, placing a gentle hand on the small of her back.
"That, my dear finance, just adds to part of the allure. An auction where the identities of the buyers and sellers are shrouded in secrecy - it adds an intriguing layer of intrigue, don't you think?"
They find their seats as the auctioneer takes the stage. "For our first piece, a stunning landscape painted by a new but promising local artist."
Robin gasps as the painting is revealed.
"Is that...mine?" She whispers to Ramsey in disbelief.
"What do you think?." He whispers back with a wink.
Robin's breath catches in her throat.
Displayed on the auction block is her painting. She would recognize the vibrant brushstrokes and emotive subject matter of "Despair" anywhere.
"Ramsey, what is the meaning of this?" she asks, her brow furrowing in confusion.
He leans in, his voice low and conspiratorial.
"It seems your work has caught the eye of some very discerning collectors. I wanted to surprise you - to show you just how much your art is valued."
The auctioneer's voice booms through the hall, and the bidding war begins in earnest.
Robin watches, transfixed, as the price climbs higher and higher, her heart racing with a mix of pride and disbelief.
"Sold, to the gentleman in the burgundy mask!" the auctioneer announces, and Robin turns to Ramsey, her eyes shining with unshed tears.
"I don't know what to say," she breathes, her fingers trembling slightly. "This is...incredible."
Ramsey let's her lean slightly into his side, his own expression filled with softness. "You deserve every bit of it. Your talent is a gift, and the world is finally taking notice."
The moment is interrupted by the shrill ring of Ramsey's phone, and he offers Robin an apologetic smile.
"Forgive me, but I'm afraid I must take this. An important business matter has come up. Will you be alright on your own for a few minutes?"
Robin nods, her gaze drifting back to the auction floor. "Of course. Go, I'll be fine."
With a final squeeze of her hand, Ramsey departs, his long strides carrying him swiftly through the crowd. Robin watches him go, a faint sense of some strange emotion stirring within her.
She shakes her head, deciding to put it out of her mind and pay attention to the other auctions.
*********************
Ramsey's footsteps echo in the deserted hallway as he makes his way to a nondescript door with a large ornate 'six' on the front, knocking nine times in a precise rhythm.
The door swings open, and he produces a sleek black card, handing it to the imposing figure standing guard.
"Welcome, Sir," the man intones, stepping aside to grant Ramsey access. "The others are waiting."
Ramsey nods, his expression inscrutable as he descends the dimly lit staircase, the sound of his polished shoes against the marble floor the only indication of his presence.
At the bottom, a heavy oak door stands ajar, and he pushes it open, stepping into a cavernous space.
The underground auction house is a veritable den of opulence, the walls adorned with priceless works of art and the air thick with the scent of fine cigars.
Ramsey took his seat in the dimly lit room, his eyes scanning over the other attendees of the secret auction.
There were at least fifty individuals scattered around circular tables that had been arranged theater-style facing a empty stage at the front. Most were talking quietly in their seats, no doubt discussing the items up for bidding.
The air is thick with anticipation, the bidders fidgeting in their seats, their masks concealing the excitement and tension that permeates the space.
Ramsey settles into his chair, the picture of calm and composed.
A hush fell over the crowd as two burly men carried in a podium and placed it center stage. Ramsey leaned forward, attention piqued.
At last, it's starting, he thinks.
The auctioneer, a seasoned veteran with a deep, resonant voice, dressed in a lavish suit steps up to the podium, commanding the attention of the room.
Leaning into the microphone, the man speaks. "Ladies and gentlemen, the auction will now commence. Please silence any devices and place your opening bids at your terminals. We ask that you bid respectfully and courteously on each lot."
With a click of his remote, a display lit up behind her showing a vintage wristwatch. "Our first item is a 1920s Rolex in pristine condition. Shall we start the bidding at fifty thousand?"
A flurry of shouts could be heard as people placed their opening bids.
"sixty thousand... seventy thousand...seventy five thousand going once, going twice, sold for seventy five thousand." And so it began, one after the other - jewelry, artwork, antiques went for high prices.
Ramsey watched with disinterest as most items came and went within minutes.
As the bidding continues, Ramsey observes the other participants closely.
A few individuals near the front bid aggressively on multiple lots but he suspected they were just here to collect minor trinkets.
His focus was solely on the final item of the evening.
According to his contact, it was well worth the steep entrance fee and then some.
He notices that some are holding back, their bids cautious and measured.
Ramsey suspects that they, too, are waiting for the grand finale - the item that has drawn them all to this clandestine gathering.
Time passes slowly, each lot eliciting a flurry of bids and hushed conversations.
Ramsey remains patient, his gaze locked on the auctioneer, his fingers twitching with anticipation.
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