Chapter 26
Chapter 26:
Many in the audience had come solely to see—and, if they could afford it, claim—this extraordinary piece.
“Yelena, there it is,” Brody said, his voice tinged with excitement. “The prize of the night p>
Yelena gave a subtle nod, her cold, focused gaze locked on the jade under the spotlight. It sat beneath a glass dome, glowing with an otherworldly brilliance that seemed to capture the light and refract it in mesmerizing patterns. Even from her distance, its exceptional quality was undeniable. Her eyes narrowed, her thoughts sharpening. She didn’t just want it—she needed it.
In the neighboring room, Austin’s interest was equally intense. Though his expression remained composed, the steely resolve in his eyes made his intention to acquire the jade unmistakable. Onstage, the auctioneer’s smile widened as he surveyed the captivated crowd. “Ladies and gentlemen, as you all know, this jade requires no further introduction,” he said, his voice brimming with confidence. “Let’s begin the bidding at five million dollars p>
The auctioneer’s opening words had barely faded when someone shouted confidently, “Six million p>
“Eight million!” Another voice quickly followed, as though tossing around millions was as inconsequential as spare change.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with the kind of tension only immense wealth and unshakable power could create. Suddenly, a sharp, commanding voice sliced through the murmur of the crowd. “Twenty million p>
The room fell silent, the sheer weight of the bid stunning everyone into stillness.
Gasps rippled through the hall like waves, and for a moment, it was as if the air itself had been sucked out. Heads turned in unison toward the source of the bid, eyes wide with disbelief. Who would dare escalate the bidding so drastically, so soon? The sheer audacity of the amount left even the most self-assured competitors hesitant.
Whispers flickered across the crowd, a mix of awe and incredulity. Many believed the jade would be claimed right then and there. The auctioneer paused, his gavel hovering.
𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘁: ⳑ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗍𝖊𝗅𝘀．𝖼𝗈𝗺
in the air as he glanced around the room. But just as the gavel began to descend, another voice rang out, calm and deliberate.
“Thirty million p>
The hall erupted in an instant. Every head turned toward Yelena as her lips curved into a faint, confident smile. Could a piece of jade really justify such astronomical bids?
“Who is this person?” John exclaimed, leaning toward Austin. “Is she seriously going head-to-head with you over that jade p>
“Let her,” Austin replied, his tone calm, almost amused. “We’ll keep bidding until everyone backs down.” He wasn’t concerned about money—he had plenty of it. For him, the thrill of competition was far more enticing.
Unfazed, Austin raised his paddle, his voice clear and steady.
“Forty million p>
Beside Yelena, Brody leaned closer, his voice low and urgent. “This jade is incredible, sure, but the price is spiraling out of control. You’re up against someone who won’t run out of funds p>
Yelena didn’t even glance at him, her focus unbroken. “Keep bidding,” she said curtly, her paddle lifting once more. “Fifty million p>
The auction hall collectively held its breath, all eyes locked on the escalating showdown. In a hall filled with the wealthy and powerful, only two voices commanded attention now—Yelena’s and Austin’s.