Rise Of The Legendary Goldmaster.

7 || THE GOLDMASTER’S AUCTION.

East City’s General hall was awash with the quiet, lethal air of luxury.

The parking garage overflowed with every single brand of luxurious vehicles known to man.

The guests were immaculately dressed in expensive, designer suits while their plus ones dripped in pearls worth thousands of dollars.

It was evident to anyone watching that the Goldmaster’s auction was a gathering of the top guns in the city. Only the top ten percent of East City’s elites received invitations to attend the auction.

A large crowd of elites were already gathered and waiting patiently for the legendary Goldmaster’s arrival while discussing his mysterious identity.

“I heard the city’s gold factory was on the verge of closing down two years ago but he proposed a new profit strategy to the mayor,” said Phillip Meyers, the CEO of the biggest accounting firm in the city.

“This strategy boosted the factory’s profitability by over one hundred percent!”

“That’s true.” Susana Michaelson, heiress of the Michaelson family chimed in.

“I also heard that he proposed an investment plan that reduced the inflation rate in our city.

The Goldmaster’s wisdom is simply unmatched!”

“I pray that I’m lucky enough to win the slot and meet him today.” Simon said hopefully.

“You can throw that hope of yours in the trash can, Simon.

Only one person will be opportune to meet the legendary Goldmaster today and that will be me!” This arrogant boasting came from none other than Joshua Kincaid, Scarlett’s fiancé.

“Oh, shut your trap!” Susana snapped, her voice dripping with mockery.

“When elites are conversing, lower class urchins from second-tier households like you should learn to keep quiet!”

“She’s right.” Philip Meyers concurred.

“The Goldmaster would never want to meet someone like you.

Besides, I’m sure you’re aware that the four major clans rule East City, and all their members are present at this auction.

The Goldmaster would likely take his pick from amongst them.”

“Don’t forget that Roger Blackstone has an eye on the slot as well.” Another guest joined in, mocking Joshua.

“With that man involved, the chances of a waif like you getting the slot is already too slim. Just give up.”

The gathering went silent at the mention of Roger Blackstone.

The Blackstone family was tagged the most ruthless in the city. Other families avoided them like the plague.

Meanwhile, Joshua was humiliated by their insults but he kept his head high and tried to defend himself.

“All of you are just jealous! You all know that I have the greatest chance of meeting the Goldmaster but refuse to admit it.

I’ll have you know that the Goldmaster’s right hand man, Slade Macintosh, has already recommended me to his boss.

No matter the outcome of today’s auction, the Goldmaster has promised to have a personal meeting with me!”

Whispers of shock flitted across the crowd. The audience was stunned by Joshua’s revelation.

Slade Macintosh was the Goldmaster’s most loyal and feared right hand man.

He was known for his cold, strict personality and the iron loyalty he displayed to his boss.

It was even rumored that the Goldmaster always respected all his decisions.

If it was true that Slade recommended Joshua for the slot, then there was a great chance that he might actually get to meet the grandmaster.

The hostile air suddenly shifted and the guests' behaviour towards Joshua visibly changed.

Meeting the Goldmaster was no small feat. Everyone wanted to be in Joshua’s good books in order to gain favour from him in the future.

“Uh…Joshua,” Susan said, forcing a smile. “I think we got off on the wrong foot earlier.

You seem like a really intelligent man. I would like for us to be friends…”

“Do you want to collaborate with me on my company’s latest project?” Philip Meyers inquired hopefully.

“I promise you won’t regret it. Let’s work together.”

And so it began. The news of Joshua’s accomplishments spread like wildfire and before long, everyone wanted to have a word with him.

Even heirs and other influential elites from top families were suddenly interested in investing in his family business.

Although Joshua knew he had told a lie, he couldn’t help but feel insane satisfaction with all the attention he was currently receiving.

His eyes gleamed with greed and his laughter was loud and vain.

Meanwhile, while the insanity was going on, no one knew that the legendary Goldmaster was watching.

Asher observed with disgust as Joshua continued to spew more lies while the gullible audience hung onto words like it was the gospel according to St. James.

Asher’s original intention was to arrive at the auction as an undercover guest.

He had already planned to call Slade and inform him to pretend like he did not recognize him, but ended up getting distracted by Joshua’s shenanigans.

How was a dimwit like Joshua Kincaid able to fool an entire room filled with elites so easily? Asher thought the entire situation was incredibly ridiculous.

There were only two possible explanations for this bullshit.

Either East City’s influential population were simply stupid, or the Goldmaster title was even more powerful that he’d ever imagined.

No matter the case, he had to put a stop to this.

“Joshua Kincaid.” Asher called as he strolled out of his hiding spot.

“Congratulations on your ability to fool an entire crowd. I would lie if I said I wasn’t impressed.”

The hall was once agog with the chatter of guests but suddenly, tomb-like silence descended on the crowd.

Joshua’s eyes narrowed with anger when he recognized Asher.

“You again? Are you supposed to be here, you irrelevant fool?!” He spat.

Asher’s lips curved in a wicked smile.

“I’ll let that insult slide for the sake of peace. Besides, I have one simple question for you.

How did someone of your social standing meet a great and powerful man like Slade Macintosh?”

Joshua’s forehead was suddenly covered with beads of nervous sweat, but Asher was not done;

“I mean, last I checked, you belong to a second-tier family. I’m sure Slade has no business with people like you.

So please, tell the audience how you and Slade met. I'm sure they’re all dying to know.”

Wheels were turning in everyone’s brains as they mulled over Asher’s question.

How could a useless bastard like Joshua possibly know Slade?!

Damn it—they’ve all been fooled by him!

Susan’s eyes flashed with rage. She stepped forward, her stance heavy with threat.

“Go on, answer the question, Joshua!” She taunted.

“You fucking bastard! How dare you lie to us!”

Joshua knew he was busted and his lie was exposed. His fingers were trembling and his cheeks reddened with shame.

“I swear I’m not lying.” He insisted.

“Then tell us how you met Slade, or we’ll be forced to believe that every single thing you just told us is bullshit!!”