Trouble in Paradise

An auction naturally features more than one item. At first, there were some insignificant small plots of land with very low starting prices, serving as a warm-up.

The attendees showed little interest, though some took the opportunity to bid on the cheap properties.

Before the main event began, Beth leaned over to me. "Ms. Jones, did you call Mr. Hawk?"

I shook my head.

"In that case, we'll each rely on our abilities when the time comes."

"Alright."

This auction had been arranged at the last minute. Nicholas had no idea that my family's land would be included today. Since that was the case, I decided not to bother him.

I didn't know how much funding Nicholas had approved for Beth, but it certainly wouldn't match what I had prepared. However, this situation inadvertently benefited Nelson and Claudia.

Still, considering that these two were likely the type to earn money but not live long enough to spend it, I found some peace of mind.noveldrama

The main event began. Leo stood on stage, giving an elaborate introduction to the land. When he finished, the starting price was set at a mere half million.

The low price sparked interest, and many people were eager to bid. With numerous hands raised, the price hit two million dollars quickly.

Although the price was far below the actual value, the controversy surrounding Nelson and his haggard appearance earlier made people hesitant to engage in large transactions with him, fearing potential trouble. At the right moment, Yasmine stepped in and placed a bid. "2.1 million."

Beth reluctantly raised her paddle. "2.11 million."

The crowd erupted in laughter at the small increment, and the auctioneer on stage chuckled awkwardly, sarcastically implying that Beth might be inexperienced in auctions.

Beth's expression turned cold as she sneered internally. Having spent years by Nicholas' side, she had attended countless auctions.

"If it weren't for the minimum bid increment, I'd have added just one cent," she remarked.

Her comment lightened the atmosphere, and a few smaller bidders joined in, driving the price up in small steps until it reached 2.6 million dollars.

The auctioneer was visibly frustrated but could do nothing.

Beth decided to end the game and, after bidding 2.61 million, made a gesture indicating she was committed to winning the bid, no matter the cost.

Most of the crowd was there for entertainment. The only true contenders for the land were likely just Beth and me. Each time I placed a bid, Beth would counter with an additional ten thousand.

In the front row, Nelson sat in his wheelchair, pounding his chest in frustration, unsure of who was causing trouble, but he was desperate for money and had no choice but to sell this land.

Finally, the organizers paused the auction out of necessity.

My phone began buzzing incessantly, notifications popping up one after another.

"You must be broke to bid on something with less than three million!

"Ariana! Raise the price to four billion and end this farce!

"Otherwise, I'll make sure your photos appear on the big screen!"

I turned off my phone, ignoring Claudia's monsense, and considered turning to negotiate with Beth to avoid wasting more time. But when I looked to my side, Beth was gone.

During the intermission, she had stepped outside to call Nicholas, feeling increasingly uneasy.

"Mr. Hawk, aren't you coming?" she asked nervously.

The man's low voice over the phone sounded displeased. "Did Ariana have any intention of calling me?"

"No..."

"She didn't tell you to stop bidding? Didn't she mention that I'm her husband and that even if you win the bid, the land would still belong to her?" "No..."