Chapter 12
Jenny’s expression turned suddenly sweet as she tilted her head and batted her eyelashes. “Most importantly, I really like her. Could you marry her and make her stay with us? Pretty please?”
Andrew’s gaze drifted to the retreating figure disappearing through the building’s exit. His lips quirked in faint amusement. Jenny isn’t one to warm up to strangers. For her to become this attached in just a few hours seems intriguing.
“Stop meddling in my affairs,” he said finally, taking her hand in his. “I’ll handle my own business.” With that, he led her toward the auction hall, Jenny chattering excitedly all the way.
The auction rules were that only S–level members could attend the main event, while key items were exclusive to SSS+ members.
On the auction stage, the auctioneer unveiled today’s highlight–the Refreshing Pill, crafted by the legendary Phantom Healer.
“This one–of–a–kind pill can cure any illness within three days. A true rarity and only one in existence!” The auctioneer’s voice boomed. “Starting bid: 15 million. Who will open the bidding?”
Andrew raised his paddle without hesitation. “30 million,” he said coolly, as if tossing out pocket change.
The
crowd gasped. Even the auctioneer faltered for a second before recovering. “Mr. Shea bids 30 million. Any higher offers?”
Of course, there wouldn’t be. Who in their right mind would challenge the Shea family over a pill? And 30 million was insanity.
“Thirty million, going once… Thirty million, going twice-“The auctioneer could already taste his commission.
Meanwhile, in his VIP suite, Andrew lounged back, sipping coffee, his expression unreadable.
The auctioneer continued, “Sold at thirty-”
“A hundred million.” A cocky voice cut through the room.
The auctioneer nearly choked.
Andrew’s grip tightened on his cup as he shot a glare toward the neighboring suite. Through the frosted glass, he could just make out the silhouette of a tall figure.
Inside that suite, Lucas Grant smirked, texting Olivia: [Relax. I’ve got this.]
The moment he heard “Refreshing Pill,” alarm bells went off. The Phantom Healer, his boss, hadn’t made one in years. He was determined to find out who was selling a fake.
Andrew’s jaw clenched. Someone actually dares to challenge me?‘
Lucas tapped the frosted glass divider, grinning. “Better luck next time, pal.”
Lucas had originally planned to secure the pill for a modest 15 million, but Andrew’s interference had provoked him into reckless bidding Spending 100 million on what was clearly a counterfeit was no big deal for him.
Jenny, sitting beside Andrew, suddenly grabbed his wrist. “Andrew, stop. Olivia warned us that we shouldn’t buy the pill
But Andrew was past listening. His pride was on the line. He raised the paddle again “250 million”
The auctioneer was stunned, but his professionalism took over 250 million! Mr. Shea raises to 250 million.”
The tension in the room was suffocating. This wasn’t just bidding. It was a power play.
Jenny kept pulling at Andrew’s sleeve, but he wasn’t backing down
The murmurs spread through the ordinary seats. None of these spectators had seen Lucas’s face before or knew his background, but with each audacious bid against Andrew, their whispers grew more urgent
“Who the hell is this guy? No one outbids Andrew Shea
“Only a Grant has that kind of clout in town”
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12:20 PM P ·
Chapter 12
“This item’s for SSS+ members. And he’s got the nerve? Who is he?”
Beau was drenched in cold sweat. These idiots had no idea who they were messing with. Lucas wasn’t just some rich heir. He was a high- ranking agent of the WorldAid Charity Foundation, second only to Olivia herself. Of course he had the clearance to bid.
Luckily, Lucas couldn’t care less about the whispers. His focus was locked on Andrew, lips curled in amusement. Without hesitation, he raised his paddle. “300 hundred million.”
The Refreshing Pill’s price had skyrocketed far beyond reason. What started as a simple auction had turned into a full–blown pissing contest between two of the most powerful men in Hillarica.
The auctioneer’s hands trembled. This had to be the most terrifying bidding war of his career. At this point, he wasn’t even thinking about his commission. He just wanted to get out alive.
Beau mopped his forehead, panic setting in. Offending Andrew was suicide, but Lucas wasn’t one to back down either. With a silent prayer, he made the call and shut it down.
The auctioneer’s voice cracked as he announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances, this item has been withdrawn from bidding. The Refreshing Pill has been deemed flawed. We’re sorry for this.”
Jenny exhaled in relief. ‘What the hell is Andrew thinking? He never loses his cool like this. It’s like watching him fight over a damn lover, not a pill. Olivia has warned us. Thank God it’s withdrawn.
But Andrew’s expression was storm–dark, his jaw clenched tight.
Jenny nudged him gently. “Andrew, it’s okay. That pill wouldn’t have saved me anyway.”
At her words, something in him fractured. His icy mask slipped, just for a second. He pulled her into a crushing embrace, voice rough with emotion. “I won’t let you die.”
One way or another, he would find the real Refreshing Pill.
Olivia was walking down the street when her phone buzzed. A message flashed on the screen: [Boss, I’ve got the pill.]
She typed a quick reply: [Good. Check it. I need to know who’s scheming behind my back.] Slipping her phone back into her pocket, she continued on her way.
Night settled in, the flickering streetlights casting long shadows Something shifted in the darkness–a faint, blurry figure weaving in and out of sight. The road fell eerily silent, the usual rustle of leaves and chirp of insects gone. Above, the full moon glowed pale and ghostly behind thin clouds.
Olivia slowed to a stop. Without turning, she murmured, “You’ve been following me long enough. Show yourself”
A teenage girl stepped hesitantly from the bushes, her clothes torn, her eyes wide with desperation. “Please,” she begged, voice trembling. “Miss, you have to help my grandma.”
Olivia studied her, her gaze sharp. “What makes you think I can heal her?”
“I saw you this morning. You fixed that little girl up easily. You must be able to help my grandma too
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