For a Price

“Welcome everyone to our exclusive auction. As always, we are your hosts for today. As I’m sure that everyone has attended this auction before or have already read the rules, I will proceed to the first item without any further delays…” the woman in the bright red dress said through the microphone.

We’re at an auction?!

Everyone was clapping as the first item for the auction was brought to the center of the stage. That’s the statue that was on the first page of the book, if I’m not mistaken. Wait…does that mean?

That can’t be. All the artworks in the book are either super rare, missing or stolen…

Or could it be?

Suddenly my hands and feet felt very cold as it suddenly hit me. Tell me this is a joke…

But if it’s true then, the reason why he told me to pick out something for him…

“The book…is for the items that will be put up for auction?” I asked in sheer disbelief.

“Yup,” Hayden replied.

“You’re going to bid for the painting?!” I cried out loudly at my sudden realization as I whirl