Chapter 154
At the same time, in the center of the hall, the host's voice suddenly turned excited.
"Next! We have tonight's final auction item!"
The entire hall fell silent. Countless eyes turned toward the auction stage. Even Zev sat up straight on his sofa.
Finally.
Soon, a specialized alloy case was slowly wheeled out.
The case was heavy, its surface covered in combination locks. Clearly, it was worth a fortune.
The host took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "Ladies and gentlemen, inside this case is the special mineral ore that has shaken all of Sylvanor. I trust I don't need to explain its value."
As his words fell, the entire venue erupted into commotion.
Inside Room Two, Lucinda's gaze locked onto the stage.
Finally.
Just then, Nico's message came through. His voice crackled in her earpiece. "Boss, still no sign of the target."
A flash of coldness passed through Lucinda's eyes.
It seemed Zev had hidden Niamh deeper than she'd anticipated.
In that case, this ore absolutely could not fall into anyone else's hands.
With that thought, she raised her hand and pressed the bid button.
But the next second, an electronic chime rang out.
[Room Three has placed a bid. Price: 505 million USD.]
Lucinda's hand paused slightly.
Room Three again.
She narrowed her eyes. Without hesitation, she followed.
[Room Two has placed a bid. Price: 600 million USD.]
The hall went silent.
Inside Room Three, Atlas's breathing quickened. "Boss, Room Two just made a move."
Reginald's gaze rested on the screen. A trace of coldness flickered in his eyes.
To save his sister, no matter the cost, he had to secure this material.
[Room Three has placed a bid. 650 million USD.]
Almost immediately.
[Room Two has placed a bid. 700 million USD.]
The price began skyrocketing.
One billion USD.
Two billion USD.
Three billion USD.
Everyone in the hall was stunned. Even the host's voice began to tremble.
In all his years hosting auctions, he'd never seen bidding escalate this fast.
Backstage, Zev had set down his liquor bowl. His eyes were wide as saucers. "Three billion? They're loaded!"
A subordinate beside him was equally dumbfounded. "Boss, have they lost their minds?"
Zev swallowed hard. "You don't get it. This is power!"
As he spoke, his eyes grew brighter and brighter.
Three billion USD—how many guns could that buy? How much territory? How many soldiers?
At that thought, Zev's breathing grew heavy with excitement.
Inside Room Two, Elijah was on the verge of a breakdown.
He stared at the constantly jumping numbers, his legs nearly giving out.
Others might not know, but how could he not?
The boss only had five hundred million USD in her account. Now the bid had hit five billion. This wasn't just over budget—it was ten times over!
Yet Lucinda remained calm, as if the numbers on the screen were just symbols. Her gaze stayed fixed on the bidding interface, not a trace of panic visible.
Elijah looked at her composed profile. Strangely, his own panic began to ease.
If the boss dared to bid, she must have a plan.
Worst case scenario…
A fierce glint flashed in Elijah's eyes.
If it came to it, they'd take the goods by force and fight their way out protecting the boss.
No matter what, the boss was getting what she wanted. No one would stop her.
Meanwhile, the price had broken through ten billion USD.
[Room Two has placed a bid. 10 billion USD.]
The entire hall went deathly silent.
That wasn't just an astronomical price anymore. It was insanity.
But the next second.
Room Three raised again.
[10.5 billion USD.]
Lucinda's gaze darkened.
They were still following. Clearly, they were just as determined to win this material.
Inside Room Three, Reginald's eyes turned cold.
For his sister, let alone ten billion—even higher, he wouldn't back down.
The next second, he suddenly raised his hand. "Light the sky bid."
Atlas's head snapped up. "Boss?"
Reginald's voice was low. "Do it."
Atlas didn't hesitate. He nodded and pressed the special button.
The next second, alarms blared throughout the auction hall. Red lights flashed wildly.
[Room Three has activated sky bid. No matter the opposing bid, an automatic increase of 50 million USD will be added.]
The crowd erupted. Everyone stood.
Sky bid!
Someone had actually activated a sky bid!
Backstage, Zev jumped off the sofa. "Holy hell! You can do that?"
But before he could recover, another notification sounded.
[Room Two has activated sky bid. No matter the opposing bid, an automatic increase of 50 million USD will be added.]
The entire hall exploded. Zev's jaw dropped so wide you could fit an egg in it. He stood frozen for a long moment.
"Two?"
"Both of them activated it?"
"Oh my God…"
In all his years, he'd never seen both sides activate sky bid at the same time.
The men beside him were equally stunned.
Zev stood frozen for a full ten seconds. Then he slapped his thigh, his face flushed with excitement. "Rich! They're so damn rich! I love rich people!"
The next second, his eyes shifted. A sinister smile crept across his face.
He picked up the microphone. "Room Two, Room Three. Since both of you are so sincere, why don't you come to the back and have a chat? There's only one item. Let's sit down together and discuss this. Whoever offers the highest price gets it. However—"
Zev grinned. "Only the leaders. No one else."
As his words fell, he set down the microphone. His smile widened.
At the same time, he waved over a subordinate and lowered his voice. "Notify everyone. Prepare to close the net. Once they arrive…"
Zev made a throat-slitting gesture, greed gleaming in his eyes. "Take them all out."
Inside Room Two, the moment Zev's words ended, Elijah's face changed.
"Boss, you can't go." He spoke almost without thinking.
Everyone knew this was a trap. Someone like Zev would never sit down and negotiate honestly.
Lucinda stood and slowly adjusted her cuffs. Her expression remained calm. "Of course I'm going."
Elijah's voice turned urgent. "But what if—"
"There's no 'what if.'" Lucinda looked up at him. Her beautiful eyes were unnervingly calm. "He won't move against me. Not until he confirms who gets the goods."
She paused, her lips curving slightly. "And who said I didn't come prepared?"
Elijah froze. Lucinda had already turned and headed for the door. As she passed him, she lightly patted his shoulder. "Stay put. Wait for me to come back."
Just a few simple words, yet they brought an inexplicable sense of reassurance.
Elijah watched her retreating figure. The tension in his heart actually eased.
The boss never fought a battle she wasn't prepared for.
If she said she had a plan, then she had a plan.
At the same time, in Room Three, Atlas's expression was equally grave. "Mr. Lancaster, I'll go with you."
Reginald set down his teacup and rose calmly. "You stay."
"But—"
"That's an order."
Atlas had no choice but to fall silent.
Reginald adjusted the collar of his coat and strode out of the box.