As the words left Nathan’s mouth, a wave of disbelief rippled through the crowd.
“Him?” one man scoffed. “That’s the boldest bluff I’ve heard tonight.”
A woman in a silver dress chuckled behind her wine glass. “Nathan can’t even afford to bid for a napkin, let alone an antique ring.”
James, on the other hand, clenched his jaw. His eyes darkened with fury. Was Nathan deliberately provoking him? He had tolerated enough of this humiliation tonight.
“You want the ring?” James sneered. “I’d love to see how you plan to take it from me.”
A few guests snickered, eager to watch the spectacle unfold.
Meanwhile, the event continued. A series of dazzling performances commenced—graceful dancers twirling in shimmering costumes, an opera singer’s powerful voice filling the hall, and a magician performing astonishing tricks to entertain the elite guests. Soon, waiters dressed in crisp uniforms began serving dinner—exquisite dishes that satisfied both the eyes and the palate.
Simultaneously, the much-anticipated auction began. The Master of Ceremonies, a charismatic man in a sleek tuxedo, took the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, his voice carrying through the hall. “Welcome to tonight’s exclusive charity dinner! At this special occasion, we will now have the auction.”
Claps overtook the hall and the man continued.
“We have gathered some of the rarest and most exquisite treasures for you. Let’s begin with our first item—a handcrafted sapphire brooch, designed by the renowned Aldric Jewelers.”
Gasps of admiration filled the hall.
“Oh, that’s a stunning piece,” a woman murmured.
“I’d love to have it,” another guest mused.
Nathan, however, remained indifferent. He leaned back in his chair, cutting into his meal with an air of disinterest.
The bidding commenced.
“Five thousand dollars!” a voice rang out.
“Ten thousand!”
“Fifteen thousand!”
As the brooch was sold, other luxurious items were introduced—a diamond-studded pocket watch, a vintage gold cigarette case, and an intricate jade sculpture. Each item attracted enthusiastic bidders.
Nathan still didn’t participate, drawing some amused whispers.
“He’s just here to watch,” someone whispered.
“Or maybe he just wanted the free dinner,” another chuckled.
Meanwhile, James took full advantage of the moment. He bid generously, acquiring a few fine jewelry pieces.
“Thirty thousand for the emerald bracelet!” he declared confidently.
“Sold!”
Another piece followed, and once he paid, a waiter elegantly placed the items on their table. James turned to Natalia with a smirk.
“These are for you,” he said smoothly, offering her the jewelry.
Gasps of admiration erupted from nearby women.
“What a gentleman,” one sighed.
“I wish my man would spoil me like that,” another pouted.
James basked in the attention, feeling even more superior. But Natalia, though accepting the gifts, found her mind elsewhere.
She stole glances at Nathan. He was engaged in conversation with Taylor, laughing lightly at something she had said, completely oblivious to her.
A knot tightened in her chest. “Why does this bother me so much?” She thought to herself.
James noticed her distraction and, following her gaze, scoffed.
“He’s not even bidding,” he muttered. “It’s clear he has no money. He’s just clinging to Taylor’s status to stay relevant.”
Just then, the Master of Ceremonies clapped his hands, drawing everyone’s attention.
“And now, the highlight of tonight’s auction—the most mysterious and coveted item of the event!”
The lights dimmed slightly, and a display case was wheeled onto the stage. The M.C lifted the velvet cover, revealing a gleaming antique ring inside. A hush fell over the room.
As soon as he sight it, Nathan’s gaze was fixed on the ring. An odd sensation stirred within him—like an unexplainable connection. He wasn’t just interested.
He needed it.
“This exquisite piece,” the M.C announced, “comes from the legendary collection of Sir Gregory Bakers. A symbol of timeless history and refinement, we will start the bidding at twenty million dollars!”
A stunned silence followed. Even among this wealthy crowd, such a sum was daunting.
A man finally spoke, hesitatingly. “Twenty-one million.”
Another followed, but fewer voices joined in. The price was simply too high for many. Despite the guests and bidders were all from powerful families in the city, very few could afford to bid such a large sum.
Noticing that Nathan didn't speak up to place a bid, James thought that he was indeed just talking nonsense earlier when he claimed he would get the ring.
He smirked, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit. This was his moment to shine.
"Thirty million dollars!" he declared, his voice strong and confident.
The entire hall fell silent for a second before gasps and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
"James Baron is really going all out," someone whispered.
"That ring is as good as his," another added.
The M.C nodded in approval. "We have a bid for thirty million dollars! Do we have any other offers?"
Silence.
James leaned back in his chair, satisfaction gleaming in his eyes. He turned to Natalia with a charming smile.
"That ring will look stunning on you," he said smoothly.
Natalia smiled faintly, but her gaze flickered toward Nathan. He hadn’t moved. He was simply sipping his wine, unfazed by the grand bid.
James noticed and scoffed. “So, he was just bluffing after all,” he thought out loud.
Just as the M.C prepared to bring down the hammer, a calm yet firm voice cut through the silence.
"One hundred million dollars."
A collective gasp erupted across the hall.
Heads snapped in Nathan’s direction.
"Did I hear that right?"
"He tripled the bid!"
James turned sharply, his expression shifting from smug confidence to disbelief.
Nathan sat leisurely, swirling his wine glass with an air of indifference.
"Impossible!" someone muttered.
"He’s just showing off," another sneered. "There’s no way he can pay that."
James clenched his fists. His jaw tightened as realization dawned on him—Nathan must be relying on Taylor.
But then, a slow smirk formed on his lips. He suddenly recalled an important rule of Sir Gregory Bakers’ auctions: The bidder must be the payer.
His eyes gleamed with wicked amusement. Nathan doesn’t know, does he? Deciding to make this night one to remember by teaching Nathan a big lesson, James held up his hand to bid.

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THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 7
James narrowed his eyes, staring at Nathan as if trying to read his mind. Then, with a smug smile, he casually lifted his paddle."One hundred and ten million dollars." The room buzzed with excitement."That guy will be out soon," another chuckled. "Just watch."Nathan remained calm, his expression unreadable. He sipped his wine leisurely before setting the glass down. Then, he simply said, "Two hundred million."James smirked wider, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. This was exactly what he’d been waiting for.He would raise the stakes little by little, baiting Nathan to keep pushing the bid higher. He wanted to watch him squirm, to drag him into a situation he couldn’t escape.Then his voice called out his bid. "Two hundred and ten million.”Nathan barely hesitated. "Three hundred million."The crowd began to murmur louder, their voices growing more skeptical."Is he insane?" someone scoffed."He doesn't have that kind of money!""Natalia is lucky. She must have foreseen this an
THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 8
The crowd roared in agreement."Yes! That’s fair!""He can’t refuse now!""If he backs down, we’ll all know he was just talking big!"James crossed his arms smugly. "Well, Nathan?”The crowd roared in support of James, their jeers echoing across the grand hall. Yet Nathan remained unbothered, calm amidst the chaos.“It’s alright,” he said quietly, his expression serene. He didn’t flinch at the threat of verification, nor did he seem intimidated by the crowd’s hostility.Natalia shot to her feet, her face flushed with triggered anger. She couldn’t hold herself back and stormed toward him. “Nathan! How could you be so reckless? Do you even understand what’s at stake here? Given Sir Gregory Bakers’ methods, you could end up in prison! Are you trying to ruin your life?”Her voice trembled with vexation over his actions which she felt was reckless and stupid.James, still riding high on the crowd’s support, chuckled loudly. “What’s the plan now, Nathan? Going to run to Taylor Monroe for h
THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 9
Nathan stood still, his mind spinning with questions. When Sir Gregory had turned to Nathan, his gaze had softened—not with kindness, but with something that looked like recognition. Almost as if he were seeing someone else entirely in Nathan. Sir Gregory cleared his throat, his authoritative voice cutting through the murmurs. “The auction is over. You may all leave.” The announcement sent a ripple of surprise through the crowd. “But Sir Gregory—” one man began, but the sharp glare he received stopped him mid-sentence. “No questions,” Sir Gregory added firmly. His piercing eyes scanned the room, ensuring that no one else dared to speak. “Leave. Now.” The tension was palpable. Though the guests were filled with curiosity, no one dared challenge Sir Gregory’s command. Slowly, they began to file out of the grand hall. They hoped he wouldn't transfer his anger to them and whispered as they filed out of the hall. “I’ve never seen Sir Gregory act like this,” someone murmured. “Some
THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 10
Nathan held up the simple but mysterious band. “This? It’s just a ring. What kind of power could it hold?”“It’s far more than just a ring,” Sir Gregory said firmly. “It contains immense energy—an ancient power that can only be unlocked with your blood.”Nathan hesitated, but determination burned in his eyes. “Then let’s activate it.”Without further delay, Nathan pulled out a small blade from his pocket. He made a swift cut across his palm, letting a few drops of blood fall onto the ring. The crimson liquid seeped into the band, and it began to emit a soft, golden glow.Sir Gregory took the ring and gently slipped it onto Nathan’s finger. “Brace yourself.”As soon as the ring settled onto his hand, Nathan felt a jolt of energy surge through his body. His eyes widened as the power intensified, spreading through every vein and muscle. He grabbed the arms of the chair, his knuckles turning white as his mind was overwhelmed with a flood of images and sensations.He shut his eyes tightly
THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 11
The two hurried to the hospital. On the way, Taylor filled Nathan in. “They moved him to a VIP ward because his condition kept deteriorating. My family’s been trying everything.”Once they arrived, Taylor led Nathan down pristine hallways until they reached a large, illuminated room. On the bed lay Johnson Monroe, a frail old man, his skin pale and eyes sunken. Monitors beeped in the background as several doctors stood nearby, their faces tense with frustration and confusion.“I think Nathan here will be able to know what's wrong with grandfather. Let's allow him take a look," Taylor said to her family members.Taylor’s aunt, a stern woman with gray-streaked hair, folded her arms. “You brought a stranger here?”“Wait—” Taylor started, but the older woman cut her off.“This is ridiculous. You think this… boy can do anything? He looks like he’s barely out of school!”“I asked him to come,” Taylor said firmly. “He might help, Aunt.”Her aunt snorted. “Taylor, you’ve always been too trus
THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 12
Everyone froze. Dr. Finn’s eyes widened. “Don’t panic,” he said, checking the old man’s vitals. But despite his frantic efforts, Johnson’s heart rate continued to drop.“His vitals are declining rapidly!” another doctor blurted out in fear.Doctor Finn halted, gulping in astonishment as he looked at everyone, unable to do anything.Taylor’s heart pounded in her chest. “What are you doing? Fix it!”Dr. Finn wiped sweat from his brow. “This is his fault,” he said, pointing to Nathan. “He’s the reason this is happening!”Taylor glared. “Don’t try to shift the blame. You pulled out the needles, not him!”Regret flooded her. Turning to Nathan, she grabbed his arm. “Please. I should’ve trusted you earlier. Save my grandfather.”Nathan’s gaze hardened. “Bring me specific medicinal insects—stone beetles,” he said. “That would serve as a medicinal catalyst. Crush them into powder and mix them with water.”Matthew, looking disgusted, asked, “How's that going to help my grandfather?" “He will i
THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 13
Nathan’s expression didn’t waver. “Deadly serious. If you want results, you’ll need to trust me.” Matthew grinned, relief washing over him. “Deal. Thank you, Nathan. Truly.” At the same time, Taylor turned to her grandfather, her earlier anger replaced by a warm smile. “Grandpa, how do you feel?” Johnson sat up straighter, his voice strong and clear. “Better than I have in years. In fact, I feel like I’ve been given a second chance at life.” He turned to Nathan, his gaze filled with gratitude and respect. “Young man, I owe you my life. No amount of money can repay that debt, but I must try. How does 100 million dollars sound ?” Nathan shook his head. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want money. What I’m searching for is far more rare—some specific herbs.” Johnson’s eyes lit up, and he leaned forward with newfound energy. “Then you’re in luck. I’m the president of the city’s medical association, and in a few days, we’re hosting the annual National Medical Conference. And the
THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god) Chapter 14
James grinned, his plan taking shape. “I figured you’d like that.”“I do,” Kacper admitted. “Fine. I’ll be there.”“Perfect,” James said smoothly.As he hung up, his smirk widened.Not only would he use Kacper to regain his glory and restore his family's reputation so they don't face a financial crisis, but he would also destroy Nathan.“This will be killing two birds with one stone. And Nathan?” James chuckled darkly. “This time, Nathan won’t survive.”At the same time, Natalia paced her office, her fingers drumming lightly against her desk. The financial strain on her company had been weighing on her for weeks. Investors were pulling out, and clients were hesitant. The once-thriving company she built was now on shaky ground.Her phone buzzed, snapping her from her thoughts. James. She hesitated before answering.“Natalia,” James’ voice was smooth, almost too charming. “Hope you're doing well, dear.”“What do you want, James?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady. “If you're tr
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Chapter 56
The atmosphere in the grand hall had shifted completely. A moment ago, the crowd was filled with skepticism and ridicule towards Nathan. Now, it was filled with awe and admiration.“Who would have thought… Nathan’s pill would surpass even Braxton’s?” whispered one of the guests, his voice tinged with disbelief.Another man who had sneered earlier stepped forward and nodded vigorously. “I’ll be honest—I mocked him earlier. I thought he was bluffing. But this... this man is unremarkable.”“I take back every word I said,” a woman added quickly. “Nathan… I underestimated you. That was a mistake.”“He’s no ordinary man. We were blind,” muttered another voice.The hall buzzed with renewed reverence. Compliments and astonished praises flew freely. Nathan remained still, calm, though a soft, almost imperceptible smile tugged at the corner of his lips.Braxton, however, sat rigidly, his smile frozen. He clenched his jaw behind tight lips, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the room. “Are they r
Chapter 55
The hall fell silent as Keane Waters stood poised with the wooden box in his hands. Everyone’s eyes trailed him, puzzled.Why would a man of his caliber waste his time on a pill from someone like Nathan?Even Nathan raised a brow, curious about Keane’s sudden interest. He hadn’t expected someone to vouch for him—especially not him.Then came Braxton’s scoff, breaking the silence with his smug voice. “This is a waste of time, Master Keane. I respect your knowledge, but surely you know better than to dignify this nonsense.” He waved a hand dismissively in Nathan’s direction. “That man can’t possibly make a real pill. He’s not an alchemist. He’s just… a lucky nobody.”There were murmurs of agreement.“He’s only trying to save face.”“Why would a man dressed like that have something worth looking at?”“Even if it looks like a pill, it’s probably filled with cheap herbs and colored powder.”“Sir Keane shouldn’t even waste his breath.”But Keane’s eyes didn’t waver. He turned his head sligh
Chapter 54
Nathan’s gaze barely lingered on the golden pill Braxton presented. While others stared in awe, their gasps echoing through the hall, Nathan’s eyes swept across the so-called life-prolonging pill with silent calculation. One glance, and he already knew—it wasn’t as miraculous as they believed.“Too much sheen on the casing… the pill’s core isn’t condensed properly. A rushed process,” he thought. “Not useless, but certainly not worth the hype.”He didn't clap. He didn’t even blink. He merely stood still, unimpressed.Braxton caught the lack of reaction and sneered. “What’s the matter, Mr. Nobody?” he said, loud enough to draw attention. “Didn’t bring any gift? Came here just to freeload?”Soft murmurs and laughs of mockery rippled through the room again.Before Nathan could respond, Barbara stepped out from the crowd, face calm but voice sharp. “Even if he didn’t bring a gift, Nathan’s presence here is worth more than gold. He’s no random man off the street, Braxton. So watch your mout
Chapter 53
As Nathan turned slightly, a stir broke out among a group of men seated close to the center—faces he recognized from the last medical conference. The first to stand was Robert Gaius, followed closely by several other renowned practitioners and surgeons.“Nathan!” Robert called, striding up quickly, a bright smile on his face. “It’s pleasant to see you here .”Another older gentleman, Dr. Li, joined him. “It’s an honor, truly. Welcome, President.”Their expressions were respectful—some even reverent. The air around them had shifted. That one incident—where Nathan had defeated Frank Fields with skill, both medical and supernatural—had left a deep impression. And he had become the President of the National Medical Association, their awe only grew.“We just wanted to salute—” Robert began, lowering his head slightly.But Nathan’s eyes lifted and locked onto them. Calm, cold, and commanding. There was no harshness in them—only quiet authority. It was enough.They froze.Ah… right.In uniso
Chapter 52
The grand banquet hall of Johnson Monroe was bathed in soft golden light, chandeliers sparkling like stars above polished marble floors. Red and gold banners adorned the walls, and elegant flower arrangements filled the air with a subtle fragrance.Everyone in the city knew this was no ordinary birthday celebration—Johnson Monroe wasn’t just a beloved elder, he was the president of the city’s medical association and a symbol of prestige. As such, his celebration was attended by the powerful and elite—representatives from major families, political figures, and high-ranking members of the medical world.Men in sleek suits and women in elegant gowns filled the space, their laughter and murmurs like a constant hum. Waiters glided between them with crystal glasses and silver trays.At the grand entrance, Nathan stepped in, calm and poised. His presence was unassuming, yet he carried a weight that made people pause. Just as he took another step forward, a voice called out.“Nathan!” Taylor’
Chapter 51
After returning home, Nathan wasted no time. He stepped out of his shoes, rolled up his sleeves, and headed straight to the secluded garden behind the villa—the quiet, concealed area surrounded by ancient trees and blessed with an unusual stillness. To others, it might look like a patch of overgrown greenery, but to Nathan, it was sacred ground. The soil brimmed with life. The air carried a strange charge. This was where he could work in peace—where power could be drawn from nature’s core itself.He stood at the center of a smooth stone platform that had created over the years. At its heart lay a refined brazier, encrusted with aged runes. Nathan closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, drawing in the energy of the space around him. The soft hum of the Crystal —a rare, glowing gemstone known for amplifying elemental flow—rested in his palm.“It’s now or never,” he muttered, placing the Crystal in the middle of the brazier as a catalyst. He arranged the things herbs he had gotten over the
Chapter 50
Meanwhile, in one of the most luxurious suites of a private inn tucked deep into the hills of the city, a glass bottle of brandy soared through the air and shattered against the wall. The once-pristine room, with its polished floors, velvet drapes, and designer furniture, now looked like a crime scene. Cushions lay scattered, the coffee table was overturned, and bits of broken glass glittered like fallen stars across the rug.Braxton Miller stood in the center, chest heaving with fury, his clenched fists trembling at his sides.“Damn it!” he shouted, voice thunderous and echoing through the walls.The door creaked open as one of his men rushed in, face drawn with worry. “Sir? Are you alright?”Braxton didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he spun around and delivered a sharp backhand slap to the man’s face. The impact echoed louder than the brandy bottle’s crash.“How the hell would I be alright when the entire plan failed!” he bellowed.The man staggered but didn’t retaliate, merely
Chapter 49
After leaving the store, Nathan and Taylor had settled into the back seat of one of the waiting cars. She had seemed fine moments ago, talking and glowing with her usual confidence. But just as the car pulled away, her little smile trailed off. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and clutched her stomach."Nathan…" she murmured, voice shaky. "I feel… strange… hot."Nathan turned swiftly to look at her. Her face was flushed. Her pupils dilated. Her chest rose and fell in uneven breaths as she panted and tugged at her neckline like it was choking her.“What’s wrong?” he asked, leaning closer. Her skin was warm—too warm. He gently took her wrist, checking her pulse. It was rapid.“Damn it,” he muttered. “She’s been drugged…”He recognized the symptoms immediately. Aphrodisiac. A strong one. But who would dare slip something like that into her drink or food?His jaw clenched. This wasn’t the time to speculate.Taylor suddenly leaned back against the seat, her body losing control. “Natha
Chapter 48
Meanwhile, back at Natalia’s house, Natalia stirred slowly, the weight of the world pressing against her temples. Her eyes fluttered open, blurry images sharpening into the familiar ceiling of the living room. A dull ache throbbed in her arms, and her throat felt dry. She blinked again, struggling to sit up."She’s awake!" her sister gasped."Natalia!" her mother cried, rushing to her side.Both women encircled her in tight, tearful embraces. Relief flooded their voices."Thank God you’re conscious now," her mother whispered, stroking her hair.But Natalia didn’t respond. Her eyes darted around the room, scanning every corner with a sense of urgency."Where is he?" she rasped. Her voice was hoarse but determined. "Where’s Nathan?"Thelma and Joyce exchanged an awkward glance. Thelma’s lips thinned."He’s gone," she said curtly. "I asked him to leave."Natalia froze, her breath catching. "You what?"Thelma folded her arms. "He was here for a while. But we didn’t think he had any reason
