Chapter 90 The Money-Spraying Contest
Chapter 90 The Money-Spraying Contest
Lowell III certainly had the right to say such things, because he was indeed very wealthy.
In Boston, there are very few people richer than Lowell Jr., and even fewer richer than the Lowell family.
He came to the auction to socialize, meet some senior figures, expand his network, and pave the way for the future.
In a family like his, whether one is involved in politics or business, one cannot avoid these families, whether they are collateral branches or direct descendants. It is always good to come and meet them in advance.
But who would have thought that he would run into his nemesis here? Lowell would never forget the humiliation he suffered in the bar. This guy had brought shame upon him and his entire family, so of course he had to take revenge.
Originally, I had already found the right people and come up with a plan, ready to take action as soon as the opportunity arose.
But Luther, at this very moment, produced the first sound film, gaining some fame in Boston and throughout the United States, making it less appropriate to take action at this point.
The reason is simple: if it's just an ordinary immigrant, then so be it if he dies. Even if he suddenly disappears on the street, the police will just go through the motions, conduct a cursory investigation, and close the case quickly.
If you could get someone to put in a good word for you, the case would be closed much faster.
But if it were someone like Luther, who was somewhat famous and had close ties to the Kennedy family, it probably wouldn't be so easy.
Furthermore, the situation is now even more complicated as Joseph Sr. has become Lowell II's direct election opponent.
Physical elimination was not feasible at the moment, but defeating Kennedy from other angles was necessary; this was the idea of the Lowell father and son.
Perhaps in their view, the battle for elections began right here.
This is precisely why Lowell has repeatedly made harsh statements, which are highly provocative:
"That's a reliquary from Germany, from your hometown. You really want it, right?"
"But I'm sorry, I've also taken a liking to this little thing. It's a pity you're just a fallen nobleman, and you're about to lose your beloved possession."
"Cry! Suffer! Kneel down and beg me! Perhaps I can let you see me one more time..."
Lowell looked at Luther, expecting an expression of intense pain on his face, but Luther remained calm, as if he couldn't be bothered to pay any attention.
Lowell was even more upset and immediately threatened to teach the other party a lesson.
Soon, Locke finished explaining the characteristics of the artwork and then revealed the reserve price to everyone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, while this little trinket is exquisite, it's not that rare, nor is it unique in this world. Therefore, this time our starting bid will be slightly lower, at ten thousand US dollars..."
Upon hearing Locke's words, the other old money men didn't say anything, some simply shaking their heads.
After all, the United States is a Puritan country, which is completely incompatible with the European system. Buying these religious relics would be useless, and might even make people laugh at us.
Despite this, the group did not leave, but instead watched Luther and Lowell, hoping that sparks would fly between them.
Lowell's family background goes without saying; those who know, know.
Luther had just broken the national box office record and had plenty of cash on hand; he was someone who wasn't short of money.
This battle of lavish spending is something that not only the other old-money people here are looking forward to, but even Luther himself is eagerly anticipating.
Maurice hesitated, as if he wanted to say something, but Luther stopped him. Thanks to the exchange's long-standing tradition, even Lockhart only knew that the artworks were sent by Maurice, and did not know that the real seller was Luther.
"I'll offer 20,000," Luther said first.
It's not one thousand, nor five thousand, but ten thousand right off the bat.
This move stunned everyone, because even seasoned WASP members wouldn't spend money so extravagantly—adding 10,000 at once is truly a huge sum.
"This kid, he's that rich?"
"It's old Joseph's money, isn't it?"
"This son-in-law is doing a really good job."
"No, when did old Joseph become so generous? He doesn't seem like the type to give so much money to others."
"Old Joseph is very rich, and this kid has also made money from making movies. Although he can't compare to Lowell, he can probably still make things difficult for him."
"After all, it's a religious relic, and it comes from Bavaria. I can understand Mr. Luther's feelings..."
Young Lowell was arrogant and self-important; how could he tolerate this?
Let's leave aside what happened at the bar for now. If I can't even beat you in terms of wealth, then what am I, Lowell?
An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth—that's the true spirit of Angsa!
"Thirty thousand!" Lowell III said.
After saying that, he returned the smile, his eyes seemingly gentle but actually full of provocation, while old Lowell looked at his son with a determined expression.
Since the war started here, we absolutely cannot admit defeat today.
You think I wouldn't dare to bet 10,000? Now that I've bet, do you dare to continue?
The coward game has begun.
"forty thousand."
"fifty thousand!"
"Sixty thousand!"
"Seventy thousand!"
"Eighty thousand!"
...........
"120,000!" Lowell roared.
When the number was called, Lowell clenched his teeth, already feeling a bit of pain.
This figure represents all the funds he can access; the rest are either in banks, the stock market, or scattered throughout other parts of the family.
The other old-money folks stared wide-eyed, practically stunned.
Is it really worth going to this extent just for a reliquary?
At this point, both sides seemed to be on the verge of exploding, neither willing to give an inch. One would add 10,000, and the other would add another 10,000, in an endless, repetitive cycle.
"What! It's already 120,000! Have these two kids gone mad?"
"This thing is not worth that much at all. For this price, you can buy the finest European artworks and the best Chinese porcelain."
"Young people, I understand. You can't give up on anything. We've all been young once, haven't we?"
"Lowell has plenty of money, I just don't understand, what makes this kid Luther think he can compete with him?"
"Lowell and Kennedy, once strangers, now rivals, and in the future enemies..."
"Gentlemen, haven't you noticed that the war between these two families has already begun?"
...............
Hearing the praise from the crowd, Lowell's tense nerves relaxed a little, but he was also heartbroken.
However, considering that he was able to outmaneuver so many veteran wasps, he had also gained quite a bit.
Twelve thousand is fine, he can still afford it.
But the next moment, just when everyone thought Luther would give up the auction and stop competing with Lowell, the old nobleman held up two fingers and shook them gently.
"Two hundred thousand..."
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