Chapter 115: What Is Your Weakness?
Lucifer smirked inwardly at Jessica's behavior. 'Looks like I got myself a prey...' He thought to himself. Then he continued conversing with the group, paying extra attention to Jessica.
After a while, a bell rang, signaling the beginning of the auction. Everyone turned towards the stage as the host began speaking. always-on-MvLeMpYr
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for attending tonight's auction. As you know, this charity event aims to raise funds for those affected by the recent natural disaster. We hope that everyone present here will contribute generously to this cause. Many have already done so by providing valuable items to be auctioned. So let's start the auction and see who wins which item."
Upon hearing the host's announcement, several guests headed towards their assigned tables. Lucifer and Clair went to sit at their table too. However, before they could do that, a waiter approached them and handed them a numbered card.
"Excuse me, sir. Here's your bidding card." The waiter said to Lucifer. "Please use it when you wish to place a bid for any item. All bids will be final. Once an item is sold, you cannot retract your bid."
Lucifer took the card and thanked the waiter. He then sat down at the table with Claire beside him. The other models also joined them moments later.
When everyone was seated, Lucifer asked the models about their progress so far. "So, ladies, how many of the guests are interested in you? Do you think they can be our clients?"
"I think so," Melody answered. "Everyone I talked to seemed quite interested in me. And a few even gave me their business cards. I have high hopes about some of them."
Susan added, "I managed to get the numbers of two important clients. I am confident they will sign up with us soon enough. I think the rest can be persuaded to join as well."
"Good." Lucifer smiled. "Keep up the good work. I just hope they are not perverts who just wants to get in your pants."
The models giggled and assured Lucifer that none of the clients were like that. They said that most of them seemed sincere and serious about business.
Rina then said, "We did notice one thing, though... There seems to be a certain amount of tension between many of these wealthy people. Like, there's some kind of rivalry going on. Almost everyone here has a rival of some kind, whether it is an old grudge or something new. I think we should keep that in mind when dealing with them."
"Rivalry, huh?" Lucifer wondered aloud. "I suppose there's nothing unusual about that. People tend to be jealous of others' success. And the richer you get, the more you are hated by others. That's just the way things work. So yes, I guess you're right.
We should keep that in mind. Thanks for letting me know."
"No problem." Rina replied with a smile. "I am glad I can help."
Afterward, a beautiful young woman wearing a blue dress stepped on stage accompanied by two assistants carrying a velvet-red cloth covering an item.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen." The woman greeted everyone in the audience. "I am Samantha Parker, and I will be your auctioneer for tonight. Please allow me to thank you all once again for attending this charity event. I hope everyone had fun tonight so far and will continue to enjoy themselves. Now, it's time for the main event. I shall begin the auction of the first item now.
Let us start with a beautiful painting by a renowned artist. It was donated by Mr. Oliver Davidson."
With that said, the two assistants removed the cloth, revealing a large canvas painting depicting a beautiful landscape scene of a beach at sunset. It was painted using bright colors that made it seem very realistic. There was a description plaque attached to the side of the frame, explaining the artist's intention behind the artwork.
"As you can see, this painting depicts a beautiful beach scene. The colors used are vibrant and warm, giving off a cozy feeling. It is said that this was created when the artist was on his honeymoon with his wife. They spent their time together on the beach, enjoying each other's company and admiring the sunset. They wanted to capture the moment in their hearts forever, hence this painting.
Let us start the bidding at $100,000. Every bid should be incremental of $10,000. Please use your bidding cards to raise your bids. Remember that this is a charity event. So please bid generously to help those in need."
As soon as Samantha finished speaking, several people raised their bidding cards, indicating that they were interested in purchasing the painting.
"$100,000."
"$110,000."
"$120,000."
Soon, the bid increased to $240,000. However, no one was willing to go beyond that price. So after a short pause, Samantha announced the winner of the painting.
"Congratulations to number 36. The painting is now yours for $240,000. Thank you very much, sir."
Lucifer noticed that the man who won the painting was none other than Mr. William Brown, one of the two businessmen that he was talking to earlier.
"It seems like Mr. Brown has a soft spot for paintings." Lucifer remarked as he watched the two assistants carry the painting away from the stage. "He didn't hesitate to bid $240,000, even though that price was above the actual worth of the painting. I wonder if he did that because of his love for art or for some other reason."
"Perhaps he was trying to outdo his friend, Samuel Jones, who was also bidding for the painting." Claire replied. "They seem to be quite competitive when it comes to these kinds of things. It's like a game for them. They're always trying to one-up each other. And they seem to enjoy it quite a bit."
"That might be true." Lucifer mused. "People like them are always trying to show off their wealth in various ways. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that they would do the same thing even during charity events. Well, at least they're doing some good with their money."
Melody smiled and said, "Yes, money is meant to be used, not hoarded away. Yet these rich people always try to accumulate more and more. They're always looking for opportunities to increase their wealth. Even if they have to step on others to get what they want, and only in this type of event where their pride is on the line can they act like good people."
"Hahaha. I am also one of them, you know?" Lucifer laughed out loud. "Do you think I am any different?"
"Well, you might be rich, but I don't think you are like those greedy people." Melody giggled. "Not for now, at least. I believe that as long as you are not corrupted by money, you will be a great person."
Lucifer smirked at Melody's statement. "I am not so sure about that. Everyone has a weakness. Even me. But money doesn't happen to be one of them. Well, maybe that's not entirely correct either...
Let's just say I don't crave it like some do."
"Oh, is that so?" Melody said as she leaned closer to Lucifer, resting her breasts on his arm and shoulder. "Then what is your weakness? I'd love to know."
"I'm pretty sure you know already." Lucifer chuckled as he turned his head toward Melody. Their faces were mere inches apart. His eyes wandered down towards her cleavage, which was practically on display with the way she was leaning against him.
"I don't know what you mean." Melody teased while batting her eyelashes at Lucifer. "Care to enlighten me?"
Lucifer moved his lips closer to Melody's ear and whispered softly, "I have a weakness for beautiful women like you. Women who possess an inner beauty that shines through their skin and captivates my heart. I love to indulge in their charms and enjoy every moment with them. Their moans and whimpers of ecstasy fill my mind, body, and soul with pleasure.
The taste of their lips against mine makes me feel like a god. And the touch of their soft skin beneath my fingertips sets my entire being ablaze. Every single woman has a unique scent that makes my senses go wild. It drives me crazy with desire."
"Ahh..." Melody gasped as she felt Lucifer's warm breath on her ear. Her cheeks flushed red as she listened to him describe his desire for women. "That was very descriptive. It makes me curious to know how you act when you're actually with one of your 'weaknesses.' I'm sure it would be quite a sight to behold."
"Oh, trust me, it is. Perhaps you can find out for yourself when we leave tonight." Lucifer grinned as he caressed Melody's cheek with his hand. He could feel her face getting hotter and warmer.
Melody swallowed hard as she tried to maintain her composure. Her heart was racing, and her breath quickened. Lucifer noticed her reaction and continued speaking in a low voice, "But for now, we should focus on the auction, shouldn't we?"
Then Lucifer withdrew his hand and turned his attention towards the stage where Samantha was currently showing another item.
Meanwhile, Melody was trying to calm herself down. 'This guy... He's quite a charmer. And he seems quite skilled at seducing women, too. I'm sure he's done this multiple times before. He seems like the type who can get anyone into bed if he wants.
And that smile of his... I wonder how many girls he's seduced with that smile...' She thought to herself. 'Well, whatever. Let's just see how this plays out.'