An auction naturally features more than one item. At first, there were some insignificant small plots ofnd 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 timees."


    "Alright."


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


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


    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.


    The main event began. Leo stood on stage, giving an borate introduction to thend. 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 dors quickly.


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


    Beth reluctantly raised her paddle. "2.11 million."


    The crowd erupted inughter 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 Nichs'' side, she had attended countless auctions.


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


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


    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 wasmitted to winning the bid, no matter the cost.


    Most of the crowd was there for entertainment. The only true contenders for thend were likely just Beth and me. Each time I ced 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 thisnd.


    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 udia''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 Nichs, feeling increasingly uneasy.


    "Mr. Hawk, aren''t youing?" 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, thend would still belong to her?" "No..."