Forgotten Billionaire Son in law

Chapter 8

Victor Shaw’s excitement didn’t fade after losing the ring.

If anything, it grew.

As Ethan stood there, calm and composed after winning the final bid, Victor ’s lips slowly curled into a satisfied smile. To everyone else, it looked like he was taking the loss well. But inside, his thoughts were sharp and cruel.

So that’s it, Victor  thought. You really think you’ve won.

Victor  leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. He glanced briefly at Su Yanning, then back at Ethan.

He’s only bidding because of her, Victor  decided. There’s no other explanation.

Victor  knew this auction better than most people in the room. After all, it wasn’t hosted by just anyone,it belonged to Marcus Sterling, one of the most ruthless figures in the city. Everyone knew Marcus Sterling’s rules.

And the most important one?

The bidder and the payer had to be the same person.

There must be no substitutes or borrowing of names.

And the most important rule: No one pays on someone else’s behalf.

Victor ’s smile widened.

There’s no way Ethan knows that.

The host cleared his throat. “We will now confirm the final bid for the antique ring,”

Victor suddenly raised his paddle again.

“Wait,” he said smoothly. “I’ll add another two hundred thousand to the twenty two million.”

The room stirred.

Someone whispered, “He’s still bidding?”

“Didn’t Ethan already win?”

Ethan turned his head slightly, eyes landing on Victor .

Victor  met his gaze and smiled. “What? Still interested, or are you done?”

Ethan didn't hesitate. “Three hundred thousand more.”

Gasps rippled through the crowd again.

Victor chuckled.

Exactly what he wanted.

He raised his paddle again, casually this time. “Another hundred thousand.”

The crowd stared back and forth between them like they were watching a tennis match.

“He’s still going?”

“Does Ethan even know what he’s doing?”

Ethan replied immediately. “Five hundred thousand, that makes it twenty four million.”

Victor ’s eyes gleamed.

Each small raise was deliberate. He wasn’t trying to win anymore,he was baiting. The higher Ethan pushed the price, the worse it would be when reality crashed down on him.

Victor  leaned forward, voice low but smug. “Careful, Ethan. Prices like these tend to hurt.”

Ethan looked at him calmly. “Only if you can’t afford them.”

The crowd murmured louder now.

Lena Carter finally couldn’t stay silent anymore. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor.

“Ethan, stop!” she whispered urgently, grabbing his arm. “Have you lost your damn mind?”

Ethan looked up at her. “What do you mean?”

“This auction,this isn’t a joke,” Lena said, her voice shaking. “Marcus Sterling doesn’t play games. If you can’t pay, you won’t just be embarrassed. You’ll be punished.”

Victor  smirked and leaned back, enjoying the scene.

Lena continued, panic clear in her eyes. “And that black card you showed earlier? It’s fake, Ethan. Even if it fooled people before, it won’t work here.”

Ethan raised an eyebrow. “Fake huh?”

“Yes you fool!” Lena hissed. “Do you know what happens to people who disrupt Mr. Sterling’s auctions?”

She lowered her voice further. “There was a man last year. He bid high, but couldn't pay. They dragged him out back. He has never shown his face in this city again.”

A chill passed through the crowd as nearby guests overheard.

Someone whispered, “She’s right though.”

“Sterling’s men don’t forgive.”

Lena's grip tightened on Ethan's sleeve. “Please. Just stop now. You can still back out.”

For a brief moment, Ethan studied her face.

Then he gently removed her hand.

“You don’t need to worry about me,” he said calmly. “I know exactly what I’m doing, worry about Victor.”

Lena  stared at him, stunned. “Ethan,”

Victor  laughed softly. “Let him be, Lena. Some people need to learn the hard way.”

Ethan turned slightly toward Victor . “You seem very invested in my monetary value.”

Victor  shrugged. “I just hate seeing ignorance go unpunished.”

As if on cue, Victor  raised his paddle again.

“Another hundred thousand,” he said lightly.

Ethan answered without missing a beat. “Three hundred thousand.”

The room buzzed with disbelief.

“He’s still raising?”

“Is he insane?”

Su Yanning had been silent this entire time, watching everything with sharp eyes. Now, she finally spoke, her lips curling into a faint, knowing smile.

“Victor ,” she said coolly, “you’re enjoying this a bit too much.”

Victor  glanced at her. “Am I?”

“Yes,” Su replied. “Because you think you’ve already won.”

Victor laughed at her “Haven’t I?”

Su didn’t respond. She simply looked back at Ethan, amusement flickering in her eyes.

Victor continued to raise the bid, each time by a small amount, deliberately dragging things out.

“Another fifty thousand.”

“One hundred more.”

“Just a little higher, Ethan.”

The crowd began to realize something was off.

“He’s not trying to win.”

“He’s provoking him.”

Victor  leaned toward Ethan again, voice dripping with false concern. “You should stop now. Prices like this… they ruin people.”

Ethan smiled faintly. “Funny. I was thinking the same about you.”

Then, when everyone expected Ethan to hesitate,to finally back down,

He sneered.

“Ten million more.”

The words slammed into the room like a thunderclap.

For a moment, no one breathed.

“What did he say?”

“Did he just add ten million? So that 

“That’s insane!”

Lena's face was drained of color. “Ethan!” she cried. “Are you crazy?!”

Even the host froze, staring at Ethan in disbelief.

Victor ’s eyes widened,then lit up with excitement.

Perfect, he thought. Completely perfect.

Victor  slowly lowered his paddle.

“I withdraw,” he announced loudly.

A wave of murmurs surged through the hall.

Victor  turned toward the host, his smile sharp and triumphant. “However, I request something.”

The host straightened. “Please state your request, Mr. Shaw.”

Victor  pointed at Ethan. “I’d like the auction house to verify Mr. Ethan’s funds. Publicly.”

The room went silent.

Lena felt her knees weaken. “No… no, please…”

Victor ’s voice carried clearly. “After all, with a bid that high, we should make sure he can actually pay. Wouldn’t you agree?”

Several guests nodded.

“That’s fair.”

“It’s only right.”

Victor  crossed his arms, confidence radiating off him. He looked at Ethan like a predator who had finally cornered his prey.

“Well?” Victor  asked mockingly. “Let’s see that impressive payment method of yours.”

The host turned to Ethan. “Well sir, please present your payment credentials.”

Lena stared at Ethan, fear flooding her chest.

Su, however, smiled at the situation and calmly drank her wine.

Ethan remained calm and unbothered.

He reached into his jacket slowly and the room held its breath.