“This exquisite piece is a donation from the world–renowned designer, Ms. Niamh Rivers, also known in the fashion world as Master BYC. It is a golden comb, delicately fashioned to resemble a phoenix tail, and will be auctioned tonight for charity.”
As the auctioneer’s voice echoed through the grand hall, countless admiring glances turned toward Niamh.
By now, nearly everyone present knew that Niamh was the creative genius behind the celebrated Grand Piano Collection. The anticipation in the room was palpable–what extraordinary creation would she unveil tonight?
“A comb?” Marigold scoffed under her breath, arms folded across her chest. “That’s what passes for jewelry? And a golden phoenix–tail, no less–how tacky does that sound? Honestly, who in high society even wears plain gold anymore?”
She didn’t care whether Niamh was the legendary BYC; to Marigold, the very idea of auctioning off a comb was laughable. In her mind, nobody would bother bidding. She smirked, half–expecting the lot to go unsold.
But as she watched from the sidelines, the staff brought Niamh’s donation onto the stage. The moment the spotlight hit the piece, Marigold’s eyes widened in disbelief. Tonight’s auction boasted no shortage of dazzling jewelry–there was a heart–shaped tanzanite necklace inspired by the “Heart of the Ocean” from Titanic, a stunning waterfall diamond anklet designed and donated by Peter, and even antique watches from the world’s most prestigious watchmakers.
Yet, for all their beauty and extravagance, none of these pieces captured the crowd’s attention quite like Niamh’s creation.
There was a reason Master BYC had become the darling of the jewelry world. Niamh’s craftsmanship was impeccable, but it was her bold, inventive designs that had captivated even those jaded by luxury. Time and again, she found ways to surprise the elite.
Like this comb.
“This hair comb,” the auctioneer continued, “is crafted from the latest generation of high–durability gold, with a strength comparable to white gold. Its slender, closely–set teeth make it practical as both a hair accessory and a functional comb. The body is inspired by a phoenix tail, its flowing lines embodying both movement
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and grace.”
Interest flickered across the faces in the crowd.
“The design draws on classic Eastern motifs,” the auctioneer went on, “but with a modern twist. Each feather of the phoenix is brought to life with Master BYC’s patented seamless setting technique, encrusted with over a hundred translucent gemstones and creamy white jade.”
Marigold couldn’t tear her gaze away.
Never in her life had she seen a jeweled comb so elegant, so utterly refined. She had expected a gold comb to look garish, maybe even old–fashioned–something only the elderly would wear. But Niamh’s piece was astonishingly beautiful, blending the romance of antiquity with a distinctly modern flair.
The icy translucence of the gemstones complimented the smooth luster of the jade, merging clarity with richness. The gold gleamed without being brash, while the stones lent the comb an air of gentle sophistication.
Whether judged by function, beauty, or collectability, the comb was simply flawless. Marigold found herself casting desperate glances at Sprague Thomas, hoping he’d get the hint. Unfortunately, he seemed oblivious.
Yet with Niamh as the designer, Marigold couldn’t possibly announce her desire for the piece out loud–not without losing face.
The auctioneer finished the introduction and declared, “Starting bid: one million dollars.”
“Two million,” came a voice from the floor.
“Two–point–one million!”
“Two–point–three!”
“Three million!”
Bidders jumped in without hesitation, the numbers climbing ever higher.
As Niamh listened to the rapid–fire bids, a knowing smile played on her lips. It seemed her talents weren’t limited to the Grand Piano Collection–her other designs were just as coveted.
Chapter 434
