Chapter 111
Upon hearing what Steve just said the group stared at Ethan and Naomi, their mouths agape and their eyes wide with disbelief.
They couldn't wrap their minds around the fact that this unknown duo had managed to snatch up the coveted estate right under their noses, something they were planning to buy. He did it in one go.
Steve, sensing the tension, quickly stepped in to smooth things over by introducing Naomi again.
"Ah, yes, and let me introduce Naomi."
he said, his voice smooth as silk. "She's his right-hand woman, his trusted advisor. A formidable businesswoman in her own right."
Naomi couldn't help but smile, her eyes glinting with a mix of pride. She could feel the weight of the group's stares, could sense their grudging respect mingled with envy.
At that moment all of them quickly composed themselves, plastering on fake smiles as they walked closer and extended their hands wanting to greet.
But Ethan simply waved them off, his expression cool and aloof.
"Let's dispense with the pleasantries, it's too late for that"
he said, his voice firm but not unkind.
"The introductions have been made. Now, let's talk business."
At that moment the group slowly retracted their hands, their faces flushing with a mix of embarrassment.
They weren't used to being dismissed so casually, especially not by someone so young and unknown.
At that moment the car magnate, silver-haired man with a shark's smile, quickly spoke up.
"Mr."
he said, his voice dripping with false concern.
"I couldn't help but notice your rather... unconventional arrival. Is everything alright with your car on your way here? If you'd like, I could set you up with one of our limited edition models. Top of the line, of course. And I'll even throw in a complimentary maintenance team, free of charge.
All you have to do is buy the car and everything will be yours."
Ethan's lips twitched, with a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes, he really didn't want to say anything but he was forced to.
"That's a generous offer, Mr. Nakamura,"
he said, his voice deep smooth.
"But I'm afraid I'll have to decline. You see, I'm not interested in buying one of your cars. I'm interested in buying your company, how about that"
Hearing what Ethan just said the group erupted in laughter, their voices ringing out through the room.
Surely, they thought Ethan couldn't be serious. The idea of him acquiring a multi-billion dollar corporation was ludicrous, a joke of the highest order.
The media mogul, a sleek, raven-haired woman with calculating eyes, spoke up next, not interested in all the laughters, she want to strike a business deal instead.
"Mr. godfather"
she purred, her voice low and soft.
"I'm sure you're aware of the power of publicity. With your recent acquisition of the estate, you're going to need a strong media presence to attract the right clients. I'd be more than happy to feature your estate in one of our publications. An exclusive interview, and advertisement perhaps? We could even throw a lavish event"
However Ethan just smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"That's a tempting offer, Ms. Nguyen."
he said, his voice warm.
"But I'm afraid I'll have to pass this time. You see, I have my own ideas about how to handle my media presence and the estate. Ideas that I'd prefer to discuss with my own team. Once I've acquired your company, of course."
The woman blinked, her mouth falling open in shock. Then, slowly, a fake smile spread across her face. She reached into her purse, pulling out a sleek, black business card. "Well played, Mr."
she murmured, pressing the card into Naomi's hand.
"I look forward to continuing this conversation on your terms."
At that moment seeing Naomi collecting the card, the rest of the group followed suit, each one presenting their cards with a mix of reluctance and respect.
Naomi accepted them all, slipping them into her clutch with a smirk.
Just then, a chime sounded throughout the hall, signaling the start of the evening's main event. The group began to drift towards the stage, their eyes alight with curiosity.
At the front of the room, a massive screen flickered to life, displaying an image of an ancient, gnarled staff.
The organizers, a group of well-heeled men and women in suits, stepped forward to address the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen,"
the leader said, his voice booming through the speakers.
"Tonight, we have a very special item up for auction. A piece of history, a relic of untold power and mystique."
He paused, letting the words sink in. The crowd leaned forward, their eyes wide with anticipation.
"This staff, once wielded by a supreme king of old, is said to possess the power to prolong life and control the very elements themselves. The winds, the rains, all bend to the will of he who holds this ancient artifact."
At that moment a murmur rippled through the crowd, some scoffing at the obvious exaggeration, others nodding interest.
Ethan and Naomi exchanged a glance, their eyebrows raised in amusement.
The leader continued, his voice growing somber.
"But tonight, we offer this staff not for personal gain, but for the greater good. All proceeds from this auction will go directly to the Orphanage, a beacon of hope for the city's most vulnerable children."
Upon hearing that Ethan's eyes widened, a spark of interest flaring to life within them, he knew everything they said about the power of the staff were not true, but hearing the donation to the Orphanage caught his attention.
He leaned over to Naomi, his voice low and urgent.
"We have to have that staff,"
he murmured, his gaze fixed on the screen.
immediately Naomi frowned, confusion etched on her face.
"But why?"
she asked, her voice tinged with skepticism.
"It's just a piece of wood. What could you possibly want with it?"
Ethan couldn't help but smile, with a glint of mischief in his eyes.
"It's not about the staff,"
he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"It's about the message it would pass to others. we need to show these people that we're not just here to play their games. We're here to change the rules."
Ethan decided not to tell Naomi the truth, because she might say he should donate the money to the Orphanage himself, but at the same time he wants to make sure the Orphanage gets the money and also make a statement.
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Naomi stared at him for a long moment, her eyes searching his face.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om
Then, slowly, a smile spread across her lips. She nodded, a spark of understanding passing between them.
The bidding began, the auctioneer's voice ringing out through the hall. "The price for this staff is on the screen, five hundred thousand dollars."
However, before he could finish his words someone said .
"One million dollars!"