The Rise of John Raymond

Chapter 44: The Auction

The sun had begun to tilt westward, casting soft gold over the ranch when John and his grandfather walked quietly toward a shed near the estate’s private stadium. Compared to the lavish halls of the Raymond mansion, the shed was modest—wooden beams, earthy scent of hay, a faint scent of polish and leather—but it was functional and, oddly enough, warm in its simplicity. A small table sat between two well-worn chairs, and on it were two tall mugs and a jug of chilled beer that the chief butler had placed there just before leaving them in peace.

John’s grandfather sighed as he lowered himself into one of the chairs, stretching his back slightly as though releasing the weight of old years. He glanced over to John and motioned toward the drink.

“Sit, John. And tell me what’s bothering you.”

John sat down heavily, his thoughts still turning over the last twenty-four hours. He reached for the mug in front of him and took a deep gulp, letting the cool bitterness settle the tightness in his chest.

“Since the board meeting, strange things have been happening to me,” he said, setting the mug down with a quiet thud.

“Easy!” his grandfather cautioned, frowning as he leaned forward. “Strange things? What happened? Are you alright?”

“I’m fine, Grandpa. Not in danger. At least, not yet.” John sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, frustrated. “When I said ‘strange,’ I didn’t mean physical threats. Just... odd encounters.”

But before he could say more, his grandfather held up a hand.

“Wait. Give me your phone.”

John blinked. “What?”

“Your phone. Now.” His grandfather’s tone was curt but urgent, his palm open.

Without another word, John handed it over. He watched, puzzled, as the old man quickly powered it down and removed the SIM card, then placed both on the table beside the beer.

“What is going on?” John finally asked.

His grandfather gave him a look that was both protective and grave. “Trust me.”

John said nothing, but his silence was his consent. The old man gave a final nod, satisfied, and leaned back.

“Alright,” he said. “Let’s continue. Tell me everything.”

John did. He recounted the events after the board meeting: how some board members had approached him with suspiciously generous offers, how Hera had slipped him a note filled with cryptic warning, and how that morning, Mr. Carter had shown up at his door, only to walk away after claiming he’d lost his way. Then, most curiously, he told him about the microchip he’d found under his shoe right after Carter left.

At the mention of Carter, his grandfather’s brow lifted sharply.

“Mr. Carter was at your door?”

John nodded. “Yes, and it was… off. He seemed nervous, almost distracted, and said he lost his way. But that doesn’t sit right with me. Mr. Carter isn’t the type to lose anything, especially not his direction.”

His grandfather looked toward the open field, his thoughts clearly spiraling.

“He’s a recluse, a genius, and fiercely private. If he left his lab, it means something serious is unfolding. Very serious.”

John took another sip of beer, then added quietly, “I haven’t watched what’s on the chip yet. I wanted to speak to you first. And… I need your help.”

His grandfather looked at him, eyes steady.

“I want to know if I said something wrong at the meeting. And more than that, I need to know who I can trust. I can’t afford to pick the wrong allies, and I know you’ve seen things I haven’t. I need your guidance.”

The older man suddenly let out a deep, rumbling laugh. John frowned, embarrassed, but his grandfather held up a finger, still chuckling.

“Oh, Johnny boy. You are so naive. But that’s alright. You’ll learn. It seems to me the angel and the devil have both visited you—and you didn’t even know which was which.”

John’s face twisted in confusion.

“Angel and devil? Grandpa, I don’t understand. What are you talking about?”

“All I’m saying is,” his grandfather said, eyes twinkling but voice grave, “be careful of who you trust—and be even more careful of those you don’t. This is a jungle now, not a mansion. And the vines that look like ropes can also be nooses. Your survival is what matters… at least until you give me a great-grandson.”

John gave him a half-smile but shook his head. “You’re speaking in riddles again.”

“Maybe. Or maybe I’m telling you truths in the only way that can reach you.” He leaned forward and placed a hand on John’s shoulder. “But you’re right to come to me. And I’ll help you, the only way I know how.”

John’s posture straightened. “How?”

“There’s a man I trust—very few of those left. He’s not family, but he might as well be. If you can win his respect, you’ll have found someone worth keeping in your corner. But you’ll have to earn it. He’s not like the others. No bribes. No flattery. Value meets value. Do you understand?”

John nodded, a wave of hope rising in his chest. “Yes. I’ll do whatever it takes.”

“Good. He’s hosting an auction tonight. Very exclusive. The kind of event where invitations are sent in black envelopes, to names written in silver ink. No press. No noise. Just power in its rawest form.”

“An auction?” John asked.

“Yes. Not just for art or artifacts. Influence is also on sale there. If you play your cards right, you won’t only meet my friend—you might leave with more than one new ally.”

John leaned forward eagerly. “Where is it?”

His grandfather smiled. “Go to my quarters. There’s an envelope waiting for you. You’ll need to dress sharp—nothing off the rack. You need to walk in like someone they’ve already underestimated. That’s your advantage.”

“Thank you, Grandpa,” John said, rising to his feet. “I’ll make you proud.”

“See that you do. The chief butler has all the details. He’ll get you ready.”

As John turned to leave the shed, his grandfather called after him, “Turn your phone back on once you’re in your office. Not a second before.”

John gave a quick nod, his heart thudding with purpose, and made his way toward the mansion. The sun was lower now, the sky rich with orange and gold, like it too was preparing for something significant.

When he got to his office, his eyes widened. On the table was a box—a deep black case embossed with the crest of A Prime. He almost couldn’t believe it.

A Prime.

There was no label more elite. Their suits were rarer than diamonds. The waiting list spanned months, and that was only if the designer deemed you worthy after a personal interview. And yet, here it was—sitting quietly in his office, tailored to his exact measurements.

His grandfather had planned this all along.

Gratitude filled him like a tide. He picked up the box and headed straight to his room, where the chief butler and a team of maids were already waiting.

The butler bowed. “Everything is ready, young master. You’ll find your itinerary, access credentials, and the digital key for tonight’s auction saved on your tablet.”

John nodded. “Thank you.”

As the maids moved around him, helping him change into the tailored masterpiece, John opened the tablet and studied the itinerary. Everything was detailed, from the location coordinates to the expected guests and program schedule. But there was no list of items to be auctioned—those were only revealed on-site.

Still, John felt his nerves begin to dance. This was no longer a game. He was being thrust into the realm of kings and shadows.

As he stepped into the suit, it hugged his frame like it had been stitched onto him by magic. The fabric shimmered subtly under the light, whispering of understated wealth and power. He barely recognized the man in the mirror.

And yet, this was him. Or rather, who he was becoming.

John turned on his phone as he had promised, and immediately, notifications poured in. Among them, two missed calls—Anna and Collins.

He stared at the screen for a long moment, then set it down gently.

“I’ll call them after the auction,” he whispered to himself. “They’ll need to understand the world I’m stepping into.”

And with that, he walked out of his room, each step echoing the beginning of something far greater than he had imagined.

The night was waiting.

And so was the auction.