Chapter 270 270: I’m Afraid You’ll Lose
Irish was startled.
"In this case, everyone's lives were worth no more than that of an ant." He knew what she was thinking, but it was South Africa, where there were few laws, and human life was not so valuable.
After a long time, Irish said, "It seems that Leo's actions have not improved your relationship with each other."
"He does things for his own purposes," Joseph put his arms around her, "In the face of this auction, everyone's mind will be difficult to guess."
Joseph's sentence reminded her. Irish grabbed his hand and looked anxious. "Joseph, there is something wrong with the mine, it's empty. You must not bid to win tomorrow."
"Empty?" After hearing her words, Joseph frowned and looked at her for a long time before he asked, "Who told you this?"
"Tuell." Irish, without concealing it, told him everything about going to Tuell for help during the day and finally added, "If that mine is really empty as Tuell claims, you will go to prison instead."
Joseph thought deeply.
"Joseph."
"Now that I have no way to back down, I might as well bet on it." A long time later, Joseph said a few words in a light tone.
Irish was shocked to hear this, "How can that work?"
Joseph said no more comforting words to her. He got up from his desk, opened the drawer, took out a large envelope, and returned to the sofa. He sat down and handed the envelope to Irish. She did not know what he was going to do and looked at him hesitantly. He looked at her and said, "Isabel, I need your help."
Irish nodded, "As long as I can."
Joseph lifted his hand, rubbed her head, and said in a caring tone, "There are two contact addresses and phone numbers in this envelope. If something happens to me, you must follow the instructions given in the envelope and find these two people."
Irish was at a loss and lowered her head to open the envelope.
The next moment, Joseph reached out to stop her from moving and became serious. "Remember, you need to wait three days to open it."
Irish was more confused but still nodded and promised.
The next day it was a sunny day in Cape Town. The rising sun, like a hot piece of gold, gradually appeared from the shoreline. It returned the sea to its original looks, like a giant blue gem inlaid between the sky and the earth. Yesterday's torrential rains left no trace, and the branches that had been broken and scattered by the storm were all cleaned up by sanitation workers.
At 10 a.m., the bidding for the mine would officially begin, and Irish participated in the bidding as an assistant to Joseph. The auction venue was not very large, and the small meeting hall, which could accommodate about 50 people, was not as luxurious as the conference center they went to in Philadelphia. It was effortless and didn't have many extravagant decorations, but it had an ingenious layout.
Because the venue adopted a Dutch architectural style, the interior layout was dominated by white crystal lamps, sparkling candlesticks, a white carpet, and white tablecloths with gold trim. The podium was decorated with white lilies and white roses, and even the buffet plates were all made of glazed white porcelain.
The organizers of this auction had never received very much publicity, and answers to the public's inquiries were only vague. Therefore, there would not be much fanfare during the event, even though the participants in the auction were all famous celebrities, well-known businessmen, and rich men. Therefore, the organizers made sure that the food was of the highest quality they could offer.
It had been said that the world's top chefs had been responsible for the uninterrupted food served throughout the venue. The organizers had invited famous chefs from China, which represented Asian cuisine, Turkey for Middle-Eastern food, and France, which represented European and American cuisine. They were there to provide the most authentic and delicious food for the guests attending the auction. In addition, local and French wines were delivered by air, while ice wines from Canada and Germany were served to meet the needs of different people.
The tableware placed on the tables was also exquisite, with fine detailing and exquisite craftsmanship. However, the most extravagant part was the golden pearls that were used to ornament the tips of the forks and chopsticks. These were all native to the northern sea of Australia, pearls known for their diversity of colors, so they were priceless.
The plates stacked next to the cutlery were also beautiful. They were the best porcelain used by British aristocrats, while the tableware was mainly made of China's top glazed china.
In short, the venue looked simple, but every detail was specially selected and included products worldwide.
Irish followed Joseph, and after a series of meticulous security checks, she finally met the competitors who participated in the bidding. After entering the venue, someone came forward to greet them individually. Joseph and Leo arrived at the site one after another, but Leo saw Joseph as an invisible man and only greeted the others.
Vincent, who had made a bet with Joseph, also showed up. He brought a glass of red wine and gently cheered with Joseph, smiling with obvious happiness. "It seems that the value of this mine far exceeds our previous estimate. Several famous diamond collectors from all over the world are here."
Joseph gently sipped a mouthful of wine, and his tone was as light as the breeze, "Are you afraid of losing?"
"I'm afraid you'll lose." Vincent's smile widened.
Joseph smiled back, "Gambling on this kind of thing, no one can predict the outcome until the last second."
"But do know that some people just can't stand to lose," Vincent said, turning his face to the other side. Joseph also raised his eyes. Someone had just walked into the venue.
Irish also looked and was startled. The man was wearing an English gentleman's suit, an English hat, and a small ponytail on the back of his head. His blue eyes looked as bright as sapphires, and there were no fewer than ten bodyguards behind him. He greeted the other attendees one by one and was enthusiastic when he saw Leo, but Leo did not show much enthusiasm towards him.
"I heard that someone did something to you yesterday. Was it this guy?" Vincent said slowly.