Chapter 43 : V's painting.

Lloyd couldn't help but laugh as he watched the girl in room forty five bid for the painting. Though her voice seemed soft and breathy, he could tell she was fierce. And the way she kept adding one virsel was hilarious.

Surprisingly, she won the painting and they were about to wrap it up when Adele appeared, " This place is a lot bigger than I thought ". She took her seat, looking at him " Hope I didn't miss anything ".

Lloyd shook his head, " Not really, just some really funny bidding for some painting by an artist called V ". Adele suddenly got up and looked at the painting, " What did you say "?

She gasped as she watched the painting being taken away and collapsed back into her seat. Lloyd worriedly touched her head [ All this fuss over a painting? She must have wanted it ], " Grandma are you okay "? She shook her head as she smiled, " That's one of your mother's paintings ".

Lloyd seemed to be in a daze all of a sudden, " My mother made that "? Adele nodded as she smiled, " She really was an amazing artist " [ Too bad we didn't appreciate it while we still could ]

Lloyd glanced at the girl who just won the painting. Sebastian seemed to have touched her nose and she smiled [ How do I convince her to sell it back to me? ]

**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^

Kofi continued to watch the auction but couldn't enjoy it. She felt like someone was staring at her and it irritated her, especially since she didn't know who it was. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw the white phone box up on display.

She waved her hand playfully at Sebastian, " You finally brought it out Seb' ". Sebastian laughed, " Think of it as a reward for spending some money ". Kofi nodded and watched the auction begin.

There was excited chattering in the room, " Yes you're looking at it. A brand new unboxed Tapi drive Max 26. Though no longer available on the market, someone has been generous enough to put it up for sale. We shall start the bidding with twenty thousand virsel ".

Many people's screens turned green and Kofi was surprised, " Is it that expensive "? Sebastian nodded, " Tapi is a very mysterious company. They suddenly appeared two years ago and have revolutionized the technology industry since.

Unfortunately, their products are limited edition and always seem to disappear after a very short while. We're never sure if its demand or government though. This lack just makes it more valuable and hence more expensive. An original Tapi device is hard to come by so it would become more expensive over time ".

Kofi nodded slowly, " Awesome, that means we can make a lot of money off it ". Sebastian nodded and the buzzer went off, " Sold for a hundred thousand virsel to the handsome young man in room forty ".

Kofi glanced at the man with smiles [ Thank you for spending so much money ] and suddenly frowned [ It's the bastard that ruined my carnival fun ] She looked away, slouching in her seat [ Master, it would be best to leave before the auction's over to avoid any future obstacles ]

Kofi sighed as she looked at Sebastian, " Now that it's sold, can we go sort out the cash "? Sebastian laughed, standing up " If you're in such a rush, why not "? Kofi jumped to her feet as well, " You're awesome Seb'. I'll be back another time ".

Sebastian laughed, opening the curtain for her, " I'll be expecting you. But I'll give you a VIP access card so you don't ruin the place when you do show up ". Kofi poured playfully, skipping out " What's that supposed to mean? I'm a very peaceful lady ".

Sebastian nodded doubtfully, " If you think so ". She followed behind him, " I feel like your not convinced of my peaceful nature ". He shook his head, " Of course I am ".

**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^**^

Though Lloyd was upset with himself for not getting the painting, it wasn't a complete loss since he'd gotten an original Tapi. His grandpa was a man of strange hobbies but he enjoyed collecting Tapi electronics.

Before he zoned out during his call earlier today, he remembered him whining about not being able to get a Tapi cos he was worrying about grandma [ At least his birthday present is sorted out ]

He glanced at Sebastian's booth and saw they were gone. He quickly got to his feet, looking around [ She's gone? ] Ignoring Adele's worried whispers, he walked out of the room, very annoyed " Damn ".