2025-08-05 23:36:49
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~ 148 ~
Gasps filled the air like wind rippling through leaves as Zach took his card. The room was suddenly too silent. The card in Zach's hand glinted under the chandelier’s glow, mocking every doubter in the room. The same people who had mocked him minutes ago now looked like they’d swallowed bitter pills.The guests who had laughed now shifted uncomfortably in their seats, whispers rippling like waves in a still pond. Those who had sneered looked away. Some glanced at Barbara with newfound respect, as if she had somehow been in on a grand secret.Zach lowered the card with quiet dignity, not a smirk in sight. His eyes remained calm, steady, unchanged by the chaos unraveling around him.Maya, pale as if blood had drained from her face, slowly sank into her seat. Her hands trembled under the table. Everything she thought she knew was crumbling in real-time.Barbara’s heels clicked softly on the glossy floor as she walked toward Zach. A knowing smile danced at the corners of her lips. She did
~ 147~
The hall fell into an eerie silence after Zach’s declaration.“I’m acquiring the entire Bellwood Estate,” he repeated, calm, firm, untouched by the mockery already bubbling in the room.Wilson’s laugh cut through the tension like shattered glass. He scoffed loudly, tossing his bidding paddle on the table with flair. “Are you joking, Zach? You?” His voice rang with disbelief, the sharpness in his tone stirring the attention of curious onlookers. “You think you can purchase the entire estate? The entire Bellwood?”He rose to his feet dramatically, adjusting his already perfect tie. “What’s next? Buying out the entire city of Yorktown? Maybe you’ll throw in the moon too while you're at it?” He grinned smugly and looked around the room. “Can someone please get this man a cup of water? He must be running a fever.”Maya stood right after, her glittering dress catching the light, but her sneer dulled her beauty. “Oh, please,” she said, twirling a curl between her fingers. “This is all just
~146~
The auctioneer returned to the podium, tapping the microphone gently. A soft hum filled the grand hall as guests fell into silence. The ushers in dark velvet uniforms moved elegantly between rows, guiding stragglers to their seats with courteous nods and quiet precision.“Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer began, voice rich and warm, “thank you for your patience. We’re now ready to begin.”He paused, his eyes gliding across the room like a practiced performer gauging his audience. “Tonight’s collection includes some exquisite artifacts—rare art, luxury timepieces, and a one-of-a-kind yacht. But what you’ve all been waiting for… the Bellwood Estate.”A murmur rippled through the audience.“Comprising twelve parcels of prime real estate, Bellwood is the crown jewel of this evening’s auction. We expected a special guest who had shown considerable interest in it—the CEO of Mega Group—but since he’s absent, we shall proceed.”A smirk played on Wilson’s lips as he turned to Maya. “Well, t
~145~
Wilson leaned forward, his elbows resting on the pristine white tablecloth as he turned to Maya with a satisfied smirk twisting the corner of his mouth.“Don’t feel too bad about tonight,” he said, his voice low, laced with venom. “Zach will be the one leaving this place bruised. He doesn’t belong here. This auction’s his ticket to public shame.”Maya tilted her head, eyes gleaming with pride. “You really think so?”Wilson’s smile widened. “I know so. And I can’t wait to watch him crumble.”Her painted lips curved upward, pleased.Then the auctioneer, with a wide smile continued. “Ladies and gentlemen,” the auctioneer’s voice rang through the microphone, smooth and confident, “if you’re interested in bidding tonight, now’s the time to pick up your paddle cards. The ushers will be coming around with the registration buckets.”Golden steel buckets gleamed in the hands of uniformed ushers dressed in white and black. They moved gracefully through the aisles, offering cards with engraved
~ 144 ~
The entire hall fell into a heavy silence.No one moved. No one spoke. Conversations fizzled out mid-sentence as all eyes turned toward the tension building like a storm. There stood Barbara Davis, poised, powerful, a vision of elegance in a deep wine-colored dress that matched the boldness in her eyes. Across from her, Maya, Zach’s ex-wife, held her ground, but even her stiff posture couldn’t hide the twitch in her lips or the tremble in her hand.“Maya,” Barbara’s voice sliced the air, calm yet laced with unmistakable warning. “I would do more damage to you if you dare think of raising your finger to Zach again. He’s with me. Respect yourself.”A hush spread like wildfire. Maya blinked, yanking her arm back as if Barbara’s words had singed her skin.Zach stood between them, jaw tight. His eyes swept over Maya with a hint of pity, but he said nothing.Barbara stepped forward, shoulders squared, gaze sharp. “This isn’t your playground. Control yourself.”A smirk danced at the edge of
~ 143 ~
Zach was pleased by Barbara's unshakable support. He leaned in slowly, the soft golden light above casting shadows across his face. His hand inched toward Barbara’s cheek, eyes resting on her lips, but just before their mouths could meet, she placed her fingers gently on his chest and whispered, “Eyes are watching. You said we should keep it private.”Zach groaned softly, more out of playful frustration than true disappointment, and Barbara chuckled. Her laughter broke the moment gently, smoothing the air between them.She checked the time on her phone, her brows slightly rising. "Let's go for the auction," she said, already rising from her seat. "You should be there early enough to acquire Bellwood Estate."Zach nodded, rising with her. "Lead the way."Moments later, they were driving through the city, Barbara behind the wheel of her sleek black sedan. The city pulsed past them in warm blurs."So," she began, eyes flicking to him, "why do you suddenly want to buy such a massive piec
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