Emma was suspicious about the authenticity of these objects.
She didn't know about anything else but Captain Klark's painting "Map of Mongolia" wasn't even allowed to be displayed in the museum to avoid any damage to the old masterpiece.
It was hailed as a National treasure. She only caught a glimpse of the breath-taking painting and it inspired her to paint "The Seven Seas"
Emma peeked at Asher who was swirling the drink in his glass. She wanted to know whether these items were genuine.
If they were, she wouldn't mind going out of her way to secure a thing or two.
Perhaps Asher had seen through her thoughts because he tilted his head and whispered behind Emma's ear, "Don't even think about it. Greed is a curse; try to be conscious of your surroundings."
Asher's words brought Emma back to reality. She had forgotten that she was attending a silent auction where one wrong step would result in your demise in a matter of minutes.
She glanced at the crowd and surely saw the same desire in everyone's eyes.
Emma was dazed as she thought about what might have happened to her if she had acted upon her desires.
She blinked her eyes to drive away the moisture and fog colluding her mind.
She needed to focus on her motive and remain steadfast, otherwise, she might lose her footing and fall down the abyss.
Emma collected her scattered thoughts and decided to walk on glass shards moving forward lest she would end up in a dark alleyway in a cold state.
She re-focused on the bunny girl and listened to her attentively. A lot of people were ignoring her after she had revealed the priceless artifacts that were going to be auctioned off and plotted how to secure one for themselves.
"I'm sure you must be excited to be a part of this historical moment where three ancient coveted artifacts are being sold. However, you must abide by some special rules that have been devised for the main auction only." The bunny girl lowered her enthusiasm by a lot after she left people in a haze.
Emma was Asher's plus one which meant she couldn't participate in the main auction.
And since that hand-crafted vase was being auctioned in the Oana's Hall, she would have to ask for Asher's assistance.
"These rules are to ensure the smooth running of the auction and breaking any of these would result in a permanent ban from the auction and paying hefty amounts in liquidated damages." Ms. Bunny nodded to the bodyguard standing by the stage and he began to distribute consent forms among the attendees.
"What you are about to get are non-disclosure agreements as well as statements of understanding. Kindly read thoroughly as the auction house will not be responsible for any indemnity later on. If you agree, sign them. And if you have some problems with the terms, you are welcome to leave." Ms. Bunny became serious as she instructed.
Emma also got the sheet of paper and began to scan through the contents.
"First of all, you are required to sign the NDA which entails that you'll not speak a word of what transpires here for the next three days to anyone. Even if it is your spouse, children, etc."
Emma glanced at Asher who signed without a second thought and speeded up her reading. She also signed in the end after finding nothing wrong with the NDA.
Seeing how most of the participants had signed the NDA, Ms. Bunny smiled and said, "Now I want you to turn over the page and read the conditions under which you are allowed to bid. I'll also read them out loud."
"You can only bid on items if you can fork out that sum of money on the spot. If you don't have the money at the moment, you should refrain from bidding."
Emma was surprised by this. Right now, she had not paid attention to the cash on hand and only took three credit cards with her. She only had $50 on her.
"Second, you are allowed to bid whatever amount you deem feasible for the items and write your name under it with the amount you wish to pay."
"And lastly, the most important rule, if you damage any auctioned item, no matter if by accident or intentionally, you will reimburse the full market value of that object and you'll not be given that item either. Failure to satisfy this would result in legal action being taken against you and getting the authorities involved." Ms. Bunny elaborated and stressed the final rule.
Emma read the context and it indeed implied the same things the blondie had said.
She was about to sign when she observed that Asher was deep in thought and didn't make any attempt to sign.
Emma also stopped and waited for him to sign first. Asher read the agreement almost 5 times before signing. Emma followed suit and signed.
Due to this, they were the last ones to submit their statements to the secretary.
"That concludes our small meeting. I hope all of you have a fabulous time here and enjoy your night. The auction will begin shortly." Ms. Bunny said as she made small hops and went backstage.
Emma thought back on the rules. It looked like she and Asher were going to be separated soon.
But it was better that way as she would be able to look for that woman without having to worry about getting caught.
She had told Asher that she wanted to attend this auction to experience new things.
If he were to remain with her, he would have known that she didn't come here to enjoy but rather with a purpose.
Asher saw her staring at him and smiled genuinely. He had gotten used to her presence and having her around him despite the short amount of time they were together.
"Don't worry. You can head over to our room when you feel bored. I'll also come after I have completed my bidding." Asher thought that Emma was sad because she would be isolated from him and encouragingly said.
Emma didn't try to correct him as it was better for him to misunderstand her than suspect her of having ulterior motives.
She smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.
Asher couldn't sit still when he saw her agreeing to his words so easily. He was used to her yelling at him for opening his mouth but now she had casually agreed to wait for him in the bedroom, he couldn't help but raise a brow and whisper, "Why do I have a feeling that you have fallen for me and wish to reciprocate feelings with me?"
He was asking for a beating. Emma gave him a side-eyes glare and said, "Do you know that building fake scenarios in your head is a disease, and saying them out loud like this might warrant a visit to the psych ward?" Emma tried to sound concerned but her sharp tone failed her.
Asher laughed at this and patted her head. That was the reaction he was used to. He didn't like a teeth-less cub who could only agree mindlessly to his words.
He preferred a sharp-teethed canine who would bite the hand without a single thought.
That was what he thought of Emma. She was like a small leopard that leaped at the neck of those who tried to harm her.
Unaware that she had been labeled as a leopard by Asher, Emma continued assessing different ladies present.
Anyone of them could be the one she had been searching for. Glancing around, her gaze came to a stop at a certain woman.
It was the woman who was present at the table behind her at the banquet.
Emma quickly scanned her to see that she was still wearing the same black floral dress she had worn on that day.
The ladies who were gossiping around her weren't present, entailing they were either not given passes or were among those who had their tickets stolen.
The old lady was the center of the circle at that time and even now she had a bunch of ladies surrounding her as they made small talk.
Emma raised her glass to her lips and she continued observing.
There was a slight possibility that she was the lady Emma was looking for but she still needed time to confirm her suspicions.
At the moment, Emma only wished that the person she was looking for to be a plus one.
Or else, her whole planning would be for naught. Probably because Emma was too focused on the ladies, she failed to notice Asher's actions as he stood in front of her as if to protect her from being found out.
Asher saw the same man looking over to their side from whom Emma was struggling to hide. He didn't think for even a second and stood before her.
Since he had accompanied her here, he would protect her from all those who had ill intentions toward her.
Just as he was about to get Emma's attention toward the man, Ms. Bunny's high-pitched voice resounded in the hall.
"I will now ask the ticket owners to make their way toward the main hall. Plus ones are asked to maintain discipline until all main auction attendees go out."