Chapter 82: The Auction Show

Twentieth Century Fox's charity auction wasn't just a fundraiser—it was an event. With the famous comedian Jim Carrey serving as the host, the evening had an electric energy. Carrey, known for his outrageous humor and over-the-top antics, made sure the audience was entertained, even if it meant the auction sometimes felt more like a comedy special than a formal bidding event.

Martin watched from his seat, observing the crowd's laughter at Carrey's exaggerated expressions and rapid-fire jokes. He knew of Carrey's personal struggles, recalling the grim reality behind many comedians' smiles. The paradox was well-documented: those who brought joy to others often bore a heavy burden of their own.

Martin's musings were interrupted when Carrey revealed the evening's star auction item: the original manuscript of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

"This lot is truly one of a kind!" Carrey announced with dramatic flair, holding up the manuscript in white-gloved hands. "This beautiful cursive script! Even without the story, it's a masterpiece of calligraphy!"

The camera zoomed in on the manuscript, its pages displayed on the large screen behind Carrey. The neat, elegant handwriting was so flawless it could have been mistaken for a printed document. The guests murmured in awe. Even Steve Jobs, seated a few rows away, glanced at Martin with a newfound respect.

"It's clear," Jobs thought, "this young man is a perfectionist, just like me."

Carrey's antics continued as he jokingly bid on the manuscript himself, causing a roar of laughter from the audience. But soon, the real auction began.

"Starting bid: $100,000!" Carrey announced.

The bids climbed rapidly.

"$150,000!"

"$200,000!"

Then, suddenly, a voice raised the stakes dramatically.

"$500,000."

The crowd gasped, turning to see who had made such an audacious bid. Martin glanced at Diana, who sat beside him, her hand casually lowering the paddle she'd just raised.

"Sister," Martin whispered, surprised, "you could've told me if you wanted it. I would've given it to you."

Diana smiled knowingly. "Where's the fun in that? Besides, this makes more of an impact, doesn't it?"

Her bid silenced many of the other guests, who decided to step back out of respect. But not everyone was willing to yield.

"I'll bid $600,000."

The new voice belonged to a young woman, no older than seventeen or eighteen. She sat confidently with her paddle raised, her expression one of smug defiance. The crowd turned their attention to her.

"It's Paris Hilton," someone whispered.

The young heiress, known for her lavish lifestyle and penchant for the dramatic, stared directly at Martin as she made her bid. It was clear she wasn't just interested in the manuscript—she wanted to make a statement.

Diana, unfazed, calmly raised her paddle again.

"$700,000."

The room buzzed with excitement. The bidding war between the former princess and the heiress of the Hilton fortune had the guests on edge.

Paris, however, was undeterred. "$750,000," she countered, her tone laced with challenge as she glanced between Diana and Martin.

Diana moved to bid again, but Martin gently placed his hand over hers.

"Hold on, Sister," he said softly, rising from his seat.

Adjusting his suit, Martin strode confidently toward Paris Hilton, the room falling into a hush as all eyes followed him. His every step exuded charm and composure, and by the time he reached Paris' table, the anticipation in the room was palpable.

The young heiress raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

"What is he doing?" someone murmured.

Martin stopped beside Paris, leaning down slightly so only she could hear him. With a charming smile, he said:

"Miss Hilton, a rare manuscript like this deserves to be cherished, not simply owned. If it's truly your wish to possess it, I won't compete further. But if it's not… perhaps we can come to a more creative arrangement."

Paris' eyes sparkled with interest, her lips curving into a sly smile.

"And what kind of arrangement do you have in mind, Mr. Meyers?" she asked, her voice low but teasing.

Martin straightened, speaking just loudly enough for the surrounding tables to catch his words.

"How about this: if you withdraw your bid, I'll personally invite you to a private dinner to discuss your favorite part of the book."

The room erupted in whispers and laughter, the crowd entertained by Martin's audacious move.

Paris hesitated for a moment, clearly weighing her options. Then, with a playful smirk, she set her paddle down.

"Very well, Mr. Meyers. I accept your offer."

The audience burst into applause, and Martin gave Paris a gracious nod before returning to his seat. Diana looked at him with a mix of amusement and admiration.

"You certainly know how to handle things," she said with a chuckle.

"Diplomacy is often the best strategy," Martin replied, his tone light.

The auction concluded with Diana securing the manuscript for $700,000. As the applause died down and the event moved forward, Martin couldn't help but feel satisfied. The manuscript had found the perfect home, and he'd managed to turn a potential confrontation into an opportunity.

For Martin Meyers, tonight was more than a charity auction—it was another stage where he could shine.

[•———•——•———•]

𝙥𝗮𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙤𝙣(.)𝙘𝙤𝙢/𝙂𝙤𝙙𝙊𝙛𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧

✨ • 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀: 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝟲𝟬+ 𝙖𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙙 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚.