“200 million dollars!” said a newcomer in the industry that no one knew. Obviously, he was a bidder the mastermind planted in the auction.

“220 million dollars.”

“240 million dollars,” a famous tycoon bode. Everyone in the hall knew him. It seemed like he was determined to buy Canary No. 9.

“290 million dollars,” said Abel.

“300 million dollars,” Benjamin followed suit. Half of their budget was gone.

“310,” The tycoon continued.

“330.”

“Wait!” The emcee interrupted. “300 million dollars is beyond our transaction limit. To ensure proper payment, all buyers who bid above 300 million dollars have to pledge their assets.”

Abel gave Luca a nod and the latter went to settle the paperwork. Benjamin did the same. Together, they pledged 600 million dollars worth of assets for Imperial Palace. If they won the bid, the price would be deducted immediately.

“350 million dollars,” the planted bidder pressed on.

“360,” said Abel. Adam then looked at the planted bidder and asked him to hurry up. It was going too slow. The planted bidder got the message and the bid soared to 560 million dollars. And then, Adam beckoned his bidder to stop. If he pushed too eagerly, Abel might give up. Then Adam would have to shell out 560 million dollars for someone he already owned.

When 560 million dollars was called, Abel fell silent. Adam began to sweat. Did Abel give up already? That was bad. He immediately threw the emcee a look.

“560 million dollars, going once.”

Both Abel and Benjamin kept quiet. They were having another mental warfare of their own.

“560 million dollars, going twice.”

Under his mask, Adam’s face was as white as a sheet. Did he just screw himself over? If the deal went through, he would lose 560 million dollars while they lost nothing. Unless Emmeline was not even worth 560 million dollars in their mind?

“565 million dollars,” uttered Abel slowly. Adam let out a sigh of relief.

“565 million dollars, going once.”

“Going twice.”

“Sold!”

Both Benjamin and Abel stood up. There was a new notification on their phones. 300 million dollars evaporated from Abel’s account while Benjamin just lost 265 million dollars. It was a price they were willing to pay to save Emmeline. It was much safer too. They didn’t want things to get violent here and went home with a criminal record.

“Canary No. 9 belongs to Mr. Ryker! Congratulations!” said the emcee enthusiastically.