One hundred million dollars? The number left even the usually composed host stunned. Not a breath disturbed the stunned silence.
“One hundred million, going once.” Electricity filled the air.
“One hundred million, going twice.” Faces turned, searching desperately to see if another bidder would challenge this outrageous price.
“One hundred million! Sold!”
The hammer cracked and echoed in the silence of the room.
The auctioneer peered up at the mysterious private room and said, “Congratulations to the guest in VIP Box 203 for winning The Immortal Man ’s Mutant.” Whispering and muttering finally erupted.
“Sir, please allow our staff to bring you backstage to collect your auction item.” The platform slowly descended with the auctioneer, taking the golden cage out of sight from the grumbling crowd.
From below the platform a voice lamented, “Ah! I just wish I had enough money.”
“What's the deal with the 203 box anyway?”
“Who knows, but one thing's for sure, you need money.”
A slender man next to them, holding a cigar, exhaled smoke and said, “It's not just about having money. Only those who qualify can sit in the Auction House's Box 203.
“Last time the president sat in that box. Before that, it was the crown prince of a royal family.
Every person who has ever sat there is a powerful and wealthy figure on the international stage.
Yet this time, we don't even know the identity of the person. You guys better savor this moment.”
Gasps filled the air, as no one expected that every person in the 203 box would have such great status. Who could it be this time?
As the crowd fervently discussed possibilities, a voluptuous, graceful waitress dressed in a black and gold form-fitting dress, walked over in high heels. She lightly tapped on the door of Box 203.
“Sir, Peony has been instructed by the boss to take you backstage.” Sylvester put on a black mask and stood up from the isolated sofa, striding towards the door.
Michael held it open and outside, the woman called Peony lowered her head respectfully, displaying utmost deference.
Within her line of sight, Peony could only see a pair of toned legs stepping out, adorned with expensive handmade leather shoes that gleamed brightly.
Michael gestured at Peony, “Lead the way.”
“Please follow me.”
The backstage of the auction house was on the third floor. The girl inside the golden cage knelt with her back against the bars. Her clear eyes remained serene but sharp, betraying no emotion.
Her demeanor resembled an aloof cat.
On a black leather sofa beside the golden cage sat the auctioneer, his hair still tied back. He casually placed his silver mask aside and looked at the girl inside. He wanted to say something, but was interrupted by a sudden knock on the door.
“Sir, the purchaser has arrived.”
The previously masked man, known as Silver, was the boss of Balthazar ’s Auction House.
Upon hearing the knock, he shifted his gaze away from the caged girl and stood up from the sofa. In a cold tone, he called out for the occupants of Box 203 to enter.
The door opened, and Peony bowed, extending her hand inside and directing them forward like a welcoming host. “Please, sit.”
In an instant, Silver felt as if the entire room had been encased in ice, bringing a chilly oppressive feeling.
It all came from the recently arrived guest.
The first man to enter had a tall and well-built figure. He was impeccably dressed in an expensive tailored suit and wore a black mask, revealing a pair of bewitching and icy amber eyes.
As he stepped forward, his presence overpowered the room. At first glance, Sylvester seemed to be leisurely strolling. However, his oppressive aura left people breathless, making them want to kneel and submit.
Silver nearly lost his breath in fear. This must be the infamous Sylvester!? The enigmatic man who wields both power and wealth, the uncrowned king who walks between light and darkness.
“Mr. Gomez, welcome” Silver suppressed the turbulent waves in his heart and slightly lowered his head, bowing in respect.
As the boss of Balthazar’s, there were not many people in this world who could make him bow down. Sylvester Gomez was one of the few who demanded it.
Yet Sylvester didn't give Silver a glance, instead walking straight towards the golden cage staring unwaveringly at the figure inside.
Michael held two small safes in his hands as he approached Silver.
“Mr. West, inside these safes are fifty million dollars as a down payment. The remaining amount will be provided at your discretion. You may withdraw cash or deposit the remaining balance into the account of your choice.”
Michael pulled out a dark gold card specially issued by Sylvester’s bank and said briskly, “This card accesses the remainder of the payment owed.”
Silver reached out to take the card it but couldn’t pull it from Michael’s grasp. For a moment, he looked on in confusion. As the impasse continued, his appearance swiftly changed his eyes becoming icy in an instant. “Is something wrong?”
Michael looked on with a smirk.” Trust me, I want to give you this card. But the boss needs some verification.”