THE SUPREME NATHAN THORNS (The City's god)

Chapter 6

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.