Money Games: The Tycoon Overlord

9 Ambition

''Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Mr Austin Blake as he comes onto the stage.'' Katerina's sonorous voice rang in the hall, making everyone hold their breath for a second.

Clap!

Clap!

A resounding applause rang from one corner, and it soon spread across the hall, submerging the atmosphere in a standing ovation.

The guests cheered, seeing the young man climb the stage, his face not at all aloof.

Over to Marcus and Lana's table, their bulging eyes and sagging jaw said everything they were feeling inside.

''W-what is going on?'' Lana stammered, her eyes fixed on the young man on the stage.

The same could be said for Marcus. He had encountered way too many surprises in his life, but this was off the chart.

''What… isn't that your ex-husband?''

''I think so.''

''You think so?'' Marcus rolled his eyes, his attention still on Austin.

''See I'm equally lost here, he's supposed to be homeless by now… or could it be that you worked the way for him?''

''Worked the way for him? Damn, do you know how stupid you sound now?''

''Look around you, does this place look like somewhere people like us can act like we wish?'' Marcus uttered in a berating tone, not giving Lana a chance to retort.

Right on the stage, Austin's dapper suit caught the onlookers' attention, as the light fell on his face, further illuminating his natural glow.

Even the wealthy heiress who had seen tons of capable young men couldn't help but click their tongue in admiration and subtle lust. Momentarily forgetting that they're in a special event.

As for the person gathering this attention from all corners, Austin felt his stomach churn as that subtle stage fright got hold of him.

Having lived an average to mediocre life, becoming the centre of attention out of the blue wasn't something he could adjust to in a matter of a few seconds.

Nevertheless, the warm air that Katerina exuded alongside her reassuring smile gave him the tiny courage he needed to suppress his racing emotions.

Seeing the unfamiliar gentleman on stage, a discussion about him soon broke out among the guests. Each person trying to utilize their channel of information to know the man's identity.

''Have you seen him before?'' A bald, middle-aged man in a black suit asked his wife who sat beside him.

''Absolutely not,'' the wife said, furrowing her eyes.

''Well, young Katerina appeared to hold him in high regard… just the right match for Isabel.'' The man smirked.

''Darling.'' The wife glared at him, displeasure written all over her face.

''Isabel is too young for him, please let her be.'' She protested.

''Have it your way, woman… just know that it's all for the family's interests.''

''Someone we barely know?''

'"The fact remains that Katerina has a good impression of him, and you know what that means,'' the man said, burping.

Marcus, on the other hand, wore an ugly expression. His face reddened from humiliation, his lips quivering in disbelief.

His mind rejected the reality before him. As he couldn't bring himself to accept that the person whom he humiliated just a while ago was now standing on the stage, receiving all praise and glory.

On the stage, Katerina took the mic farther from her mouth, as she whispered to Austin.

''Is there anything you'd like to say?''

Confused and nervous, Austin gulped, as he fumbled with his suit.

''It's okay, if you're uncomfortable about making any speech we can suspend that,'' Katerina said, ready to take over with the open speech.

However, Austin let out a long breath, mustering all his courage as he collected the mic.

Afterwards, he turned to the audience, his eyes swiping through the dozens of men present in the hall. As he stood there, his heart raced, but with a few exchanges of breath, he managed to relax his nerves.

''Good day, honourable guests.'' His husky but soothing voice resounded in the hall, making everyone silent.

''I know I may appear unfamiliar to a lot of people here''

''However, I may be a nameless figure today, but remember…''

''My name will soon stand as a force to be reckoned with.'' Austin ended his short speech, leaving everyone dazed.

The stupor lingered for a few seconds before a raging applause broke the atmosphere.

Even though Austin's speech was short, the guests felt his determination and zeal, making them cheer him up, some were even ready to offer him contracts.

Of course, they knew what they were doing.

Seeing the positive attitude of the wealthy men here, Austin smirked inwardly, throwing a mocking sneer at himself.

He knew that everyone was acting kind and nice to him because of the woman who stood a few inches away from him.

Otherwise, he wouldn't even have access to be present here. Not even his shadows.

''What's the fuss all about? He's just a pretty wimp who hides behind a lady's prestige,'' Lana uttered, shifting everyone's attention back to her.

This time, though, many couldn't hide their anger and disgust for her. Seeing how she kept making a scene just to trigger people.

''Young lady haven't you embarrassed yourself enough?'' The bald middle-aged man said in a reproachful tone.

''Not her fault, he-he, after all her skin is thicker than the buffalo's.'' Katerina chuckled.

''Perhaps you may want to come on stage and speak too, since you make it sound that easy, huh?''