Back in the magnificent hall of the Celestial Garden safehouse, the atmosphere shifted as the initial networking concluded and a large set of ornate double doors opened, revealing a specialized auction room.
Congressman Thompson, beaming with anticipation, immediately approached Ethan.
"Mr. Blake, the main event is beginning!" Thompson said excitedly. "Right this way. As my personal guest, you deserve a seat right up front."
Ethan, relieved to finally move toward the true center of the compound, followed Thompson into the auction room. It was dimly lit, designed like a grand, tiered theatre, where every bidder had a mahogany desk and a small, electronic bidding paddle.
The auction began with what appeared to be perfectly normal, if highly exclusive, items.
"We start tonight with Lot 101: A truly magnificent original oil painting from the early Baroque period, 'The Fall of Icarus,' attributed to Bruegel the Elder! We start the bidding at $5 million!" the auctioneer declared.
