The $44.6 million stegosaurus, the most valuable fossil ever sold at auction, wasn’t the only thing that caught the attention of viewers mesmerized by a 15-minute bidding war at Sotheby’s on Wednesday. Around 10 a.m., Ms. Kao, a vice president of client strategy for Sotheby’s, started the bidding at $3 million with a cool lean on the podium. “Emily draws blood first,” Ms. Kao says of an early bid of $3.8 million in a captivating video. Wearing a gray Armani jacket, with her dark hair twisted up and pinned back in a pony tail, Ms. Kao supported herself on her forearm and steadied her gaze toward the bidders like an opponent challenging a rival. Seven bidders held phones to their ears, relaying offers for the bones from buyers around the world.

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Persons: Phyllis Kao, . Kao, “, ” Ms, Kao Locations: Sotheby’s