But deep down, her heart pounded. Every number Dylan called was like a nail in the coffin of her certainty. The pearl-wearing woman nudged her again, whispering frantically, “Pauline, stop. He’s serious. Can’t you see? He’s not bluffing—he’s actually buying.” Pauline didn’t answer this time. Her eyes remained locked on Dylan, who leaned back slightly, smirking. There was a subtle amusement in his gaze, as if he could see every tiny fracture in their composure and was silently savoring it. The room felt heavier now. Chairs creaked under shifting weight, the whispering crowd buzzing like a swarm. Even those who weren’t bidding leaned in, mesmerized by the display of control, strategy, and unshakable confidence. Laura shifted in her chair, adjusting the strap of her dress as if that small movement could restore some semblance of control. Her paddle hovered, fingers trembling slightly. “Twenty-three point five…” she muttered, barely above a whisper, yet loud enough for Dylan to hear.

Chaos followed like a storm breaking loose. Gasps and whispers ricocheted off the walls. Some people shook their heads, mouths opening and closing without words. Others clutched their pearls, muttering frantic theories.“Impossible,” someone hissed from the back. “He must be hiding a boss behind him. A secret backer.”“Yeah… maybe it’s all a trick,” another whispered. “Some contract loophole, a loophole Dylan’s exploiting.”Pauline’s lips curled, sharp, venomous. She spun on her heel and stomped toward Dylan, voice rising like a whip. “You—who gave you this money? Tell me now! Who’s hiding behind you?”Dylan didn’t look up. His pen moved slowly, deliberately, signing the paperwork with ease. His calm, steady hands made the room feel colder. Not a single tremor. Not a single hesitation.Laura stormed after him, eyes flashing, her nails digging into her palms. “You—don’t think I won’t see through you! You’re nothing but a fraud! A cheap, clever fraud!”A few people leaned closer to see.

The villa buzzed with a tense, almost electric energy, every whispered plan and suppressed laugh bouncing off the high ceilings. Laura’s phone beeped as she typed rapidly, confirming details with her men. “They’ll be at the outskirts in twenty minutes. Then it’s showtime,” she murmured, a dangerous thrill in her voice.Pauline’s eyes sparkled, wild with anticipation. “Oh! I can practically see him squirming already. He won’t know what hit him. Not even a little.” She bounced on the balls of her feet, pacing in circles, muttering to herself about how this would ruin his perfect composure.From the back, another woman, quieter and more cautious, bit her lip nervously. “You really think he’ll be… scared? I mean… he seemed… untouchable in there. Calm, smirking… like nothing could shake him.”Laura paused, glancing at her with a calculating smile. “That’s exactly why this will work. Calm people can be the easiest to unsettle. He won’t expect chaos. He won’t expect disruption. That’s where

“I’m pretty sure it’s three angry dudes in leather jackets,” Dylan said, shrugging. “Pretty intimidating. Maybe I should get scared… or not.” He flexed his shoulders slightly, casually, like he was adjusting his jacket rather than preparing for a fight. The first thug’s brow furrowed. “Who does this guy think he is?” he muttered to the other two. Dylan smiled, a faint curl of amusement tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You mean, besides looking like someone’s rejected henchmen from an ’80s action flick? You could really work on that brooding vibe. Right now it’s… sad.” The scar-faced thug stepped closer, fists clenched, eyes narrowing. “You got some nerve, pal. That’s gonna cost you.” “Oh, I hope it does,” Dylan said, voice dripping with sarcasm. “I live for unexpected expenses. Keeps life interesting. So… are you gonna dance around your way into actually hurting me, or should I start the choreography?” The thug with the gold chain scoffed, rolling his shoulders as he twirled

The remaining two crawled backward, faces pale, chest heaving, adrenaline clouding their judgment.“We… we’re done. He’s… he’s insane,” the scar-faced thug whispered, his voice shaky, as if trying to convince himself that survival was still possible.“Insane?” Dylan leaned down slightly, voice low and casual, almost conversational. “Nah. Just smart enough not to be scared by empty threats. You, on the other hand, are… well, entertainingly pathetic.” His smirk widened, faint amusement tugging at the corners of his lips.The gold chain thug pushed himself halfway up, shaking his head frantically, hands raised as if surrender alone could protect him. “No… no, man. You don’t get it. We’re three! You’re just one guy. You can’t—”Dylan cut him off with a bored sigh, tilting his head as though listening to a broken record. “Can’t what? Beat you? Already did. Can’t stand here and watch you crawl like babies? Doing it right now.”The scar-faced thug spat blood to the side, glaring up. “Don’t p