If they were, it would not be easy to gain access to the auction. I could not help but ask, “Do you have an invite? It would not be easy to get into an auction organized by the Murphys.”
She smiled and nodded. “I was prepared before I invited you. Thanks to the strong presence of Featherstone Corporation in J City, whenever the Murphys organize something in J City, they would invite Mr. Featherstone along. He had given me the authority to handle this invite.”
I nodded lightly in understanding.
She thought for a moment and continued, “Since you’ve been in K City for quite some time, have you heard of the Murphys? I’ve asked around, but no one seemed to know. Observing how they’re auctioning many treasured items; I’m guessing that they must be very influential. However, I don’t understand their purpose for organizing the auction here, instead of K City.”
“I don’t really know much about them too. However, I’ve seen one of them at Emery’s wedding. He seemed reputable.” I processed my thoughts for a moment and continued, “Maybe they’re intentionally keeping a low profile. Even though J City is an ancient city and is less glamorous than K City, there are several antique treasures and antiquarians here. They may have chosen J City to gain some insights.”
Other than the items from the Murphys, the auction comprised some valuable items from the city. Many antiquarians had been invited to the auction.
Those people usually bring valuable antiques to create an eye-opening experience and to compete with fellow antiquarians.
Simply put, it was like a battle of ego.
Unlike those who auction branded goods and luxurious residences to show off, the antiquarians show off their knowledge, what they had seen, and the historical value of the antiques that they hold.
Civilians, those with no money and knowledge, were out of the game, along with those who were rich and had no knowledge.
Only those who were both rich and knowledgeable could join the game.
As Stacey had been with the Featherstone Corporation for several years, she had gained the knowledge through attending such functions frequently.
We chatted for a little longer before she passed me the invite and left.
Summer followed Mrs. Eriksen out to prepare the items required for our visit to the cemetery. As I had no plans, I took a shower.
As I came out of the bathroom, Anthony called. “Have you eaten?”
I looked up at the clock – it was close to six o’clock. I shook my head and replied, “Not yet. I’m heading out soon.”
I could feel him frowning over the phone as he questioned, “Where are you going? It’s getting late already.”
“Stacey told me about the auction organized by the Murphys in J City that had a sandalwood box similar to the one grandma gave me. It seemed like a puzzle box. I want to take a look at it.” Mrs.
Eriksen entered and signalled that dinner was ready as she saw that I was on a call.
I nodded, indicating that I was going to go downstairs soon.
Anthony’s voice travelled from the phone. “Joseph will be there soon. You should go over together!”
I knew he was worried about me, but I felt he was making a mountain out of a molehill. “Stacey and I will be fine.”
“I told you to go with Joseph!” he barked.
Helpless, I could only nod and agree.
I noticed that it was late and said, “I’m leaving now. I’ll call you when I reach home.”
“Go back after you’ve had dinner and put on more clothes. Wear a thicker coat too,” he reminded me.
I nodded. “Got it. It’s spring now. Besides, this is J City, not K City. It’s hot here!”
Many girls on the street had started to wear skirts.
He ignored my words and said, “Wear more clothes. Don’t forget to call me when you reach home.”
I knew that he was about to start nagging. I quickly curbed the onslaught by saying, “Got it!” I hung up the call.
So it was true. After being together for some time, our conversations were mostly filled with trivial chatter. This was probably how life was supposed to be.
Downstairs, Mrs. Eriksen had hung up the call. When she saw me come down, she said, “Letty, have dinner before you return home. Mr. Campbell is on his way here. He should be here by the time you’re finished.”
I looked at the phone she had just put down and asked, “Did Anthony call you?”
As I spoke, I walked to the dining table and took a seat. I started to eat and Summer watched me with twinkling eyes. “Mommy, you’re just like a child. Mr. Featherstone has to remind you to eat,” she teased.
I placed a piece of food I knew she did not fancy into her bowl and snapped, “You’re the child. Hurry up and eat.”
Mrs. Eriksen set down a pot of soup in front of me and said, “Mr. Anthony told me to make this soup for you this morning. He said you have to drink it because it’ll nourish you.”
My mouth fell agape as I stared at the large pot of soup. My head started to ache and I choked out, “Mrs. Eriksen, there’s no way I’ll be able to finish all this.”
She shook her head, her expression solemn. “No. You have to finish the soup. Mr. Anthony said that you won’t eat much at the auction. All you ate were desserts. Too much dessert is bad for you.”
I had a sneaking suspicion that Anthony was not in K City at all, rather he was in J City. He tracked my every movement like a shadow.
I sighed and silently gulped down the soup. Once I was done, I was too full for any more food.
I looked at Mrs. Eriksen vexedly and asked, “Are you satisfied?”
She seriously inspected the pot before scooping out some of the ingredients and placing them in my bowl. “You have to eat these. They’re good for you,” she said.
The rumble of an engine could be heard coming from the yard. I stood up and said to Summer, “Summer, finish these ingredients.”
“Mrs. Ericksen, Mr. Campbell is here. I’ll be taking my leave. Please take care of Summer tonight.”
“Hey, you haven’t finished the food!” yelled Mrs. Eriksen from behind me.
I quickly climbed into the car and said to Joseph, “Head towards the southern suburbs. I’ll send you the address through WhatsApp.”
Joseph nodded and started up the engine. He looked out at Mrs. Eriksen who had come out of the house and remarked, “Mrs. Eriksen’s legs are in great condition.”
Are you kidding me?
She followed me all the way out here. Her legs must be very strong. Thankfully, the car had started to drive away and Joseph did not seem to intend to stop.
During the journey, Joseph stole glances at me. He seemed to be hesitating to speak.
After a few glances, I could not help but blurt out, “What’s wrong? Do you have something to say?”
As he maneuvered the steering wheel, he said, “The Murphys are the number one petroleum conglomerate. They might have a deeper reason for choosing J City to be the site of the auction.”
I nodded and replied, “I know. I heard that the eldest grandchild of the Murphys is coming. He always fancied holding auctions in various locations. When he finds a treasure that he likes, he always snaps it up at high prices.”
Joseph glanced at me and paused before replying, “It’s best if you stay on your toes. Mr. Featherstone wants you to be careful.”
I nodded. Anthony seemed overly cautious. Although the Murphys were powerful, every large clan had members with hobbies. In the past, kings had concubines, riches, and artifacts.
It was normal for the Murphys to have a member that was obsessed with antiques.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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