Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren) novel Chapter 2368

"230 million, going once. Is there anyone else willing to bid?"

Elsie braced herself and pressed forward with the question despite her nervousness.

Sergio let out a cold snort from Suite No. 4. "Miss, there's nothing more to ask here. You must be new to the Reyes Grand Auction House, aren't you? Well, let me make something clear for you. Once I've stated what I want, remember this: no one else will ever dare to bid against me again."

Elsie's face went slightly pale as she bowed respectfully. "Welcome, Mr. Harding Senior. It's an honor to have you here."

His tone was not loud or arrogant, yet the quiet confidence in his voice carried undeniable weight and authority.

Elsie's face went pale as she bowed politely. "Yes, Mr. Harding Senior. It's an honor to have you here."

Back in Suite No. 2, Valerie's expression shifted for the first time, showing clear displeasure. She gritted her teeth and could not help but call out sarcastically, "Fine, let's just move on to the next item then. Mr. Harding Senior has introduced himself, and we're all just small-time players here. Even if we wanted those pills, none of us would dare compete with him."

She continued, "I have to admit, you really know how to work the room. One announcement of your name and suddenly you're getting special treatment everywhere you go!"

Sergio chuckled. "Valerie, don't be so petty about it. I was just using my position to get a better deal in your establishment. It's nothing personal."

Valerie let out a cold huff in response. "Of course not. I wouldn't dare be upset with you. I just don't enjoy watching our business struggle."

Elsie was worried about her performance, and Valerie shared the same concern. As arrogant and flippant as she was, she still understood how valuable those two Divine Pills were.

They could have made a real profit tonight, but Sergio's sheer reputation scared off every competitor. That was no different from robbing them in broad daylight, and it meant the auction house would take a massive hit.

"300 million." Right in the middle of Sergio's smug laughter, a calm voice suddenly broke through the air.

The entire room froze in shock, eyes widening in disbelief. Everyone exchanged confused glances.

The reason was simple: the status of a family head in this city was practically untouchable, like a living god. Their influence, power, and the martial force beneath their command made them one of the most dangerous men in the city.

If Sergio so much as stomped his foot, the whole city would shake. Yet, here was Andrew directly confronting this legendary figure and openly provoking him. Even someone as bold and reckless as Valerie knew better than to challenge him.

Whispers spread through the hall as people began to speculate. Maybe the guest in Suite No. 3 was someone extraordinary, someone even Sergio could not afford to offend.

Meanwhile, Elsie's initial excitement at seeing the price rise dramatically transformed into pure terror. Anyone who had the courage to stand up to Sergio could not possibly be an ordinary person. If this stranger was powerful enough to challenge a family head, then she was definitely finished.

It did not matter whether he was the leader of some other major family or just an extremely powerful individual; either way, she was completely trapped by the 300-million bid.

At the end of the night, she would inevitably find herself in his bed.