Chapter 8

After reassuring Marilyn with a pat to his chest, Kendrick stood, looked up, and said, "Greetings, friend. My name is Kendrick of the Zabel family, from Angevin. This postage stamp is a prized possession of one of our elders. I would be grateful if you would relinquish it to me."

He then raised his bidding paddle and shouted, "450 thousand dollars!"

Kendrick had arrived at this price after careful consideration, but it was financially painful. He had three reasons for his bid:

First, he wanted to impress Marilyn, having already made a rather dramatic promise earlier. A small increase would have made him seem miserly.

Second, as an outsider from Angevin, he needed to show sincerity to gain something from the Yrinas business leader.

Third, he wanted to show the others in the private room that he wasn't weak.

With a confident expression, Kendrick sat down after making his bid. The private room fell silent.

Whispers circulated: "It seems the Zabinski family doesn't want to offend the Zabels." "The Zabinskis are powerful in Yrinas, but the Zabels are from Angevin—and more powerful." "This is the first time I've seen the Zabinskis surrender!" "Ha! You haven't seen enough of the world. The Zabinskis are beggars compared to true wealth."

In the auction hall, murmurs filled the air.

The host excitedly called out, "450 thousand dollars going once! 450 thousand dollars going twice! 450 thousand dollars…" Just as he was about to finalize the sale, Carlos, who had remained calm, spoke: "No matter the price, I will add 150 thousand dollars!"

An uproar erupted. The Zabinskis' wealth and arrogance were legendary. Who dared challenge them? The room buzzed with speculation about a potential Zabel-Zabinski conflict.

Kendrick's face darkened. He hadn't expected such ingratitude! He thought bitterly, "How dare he say that, in front of everyone?!" He'd guaranteed Marilyn the stamp; backing down would be humiliating.

In a second-floor private room, Carlos whispered to Robert, "Mr. Zabinski, while we're the wealthiest, it's best not to bully others."

Robert, gazing out the window, suddenly asked, "Carlos, how's the Zabel family's business?"

"Their main business in Angevin is channel trading; they're the top in the region," Carlos replied instantly.

Robert tapped his fingers rapidly on the table. "I need all information on the Zabel family, including their business partners."

Carlos was shocked by Robert's expression. Zachary, Robert's father, hadn't indulged Robert materially, but he'd ensured his son's strong education. Robert's college mentors were elite professionals, providing targeted training. Robert's focus and capabilities had earned him the trust to inherit the Yrinas businesses upon graduation.

Now, Carlos saw fierce determination in Robert's eyes. "Mr. Zabinski intends to confront the Zabels!" he realized.

Many in the hall watched Kendrick, curious about the Zabel family's response.

Kendrick took a deep breath, smiled faintly, and declared, "My friend, we businessmen prefer friendship to enmity. This stamp is vital to an elder; I must have it."

His determination clear, he raised his paddle: "750 thousand dollars."

He sat down silently, pleased with himself. The upstairs room fell silent again.

Whispers resumed: "It seems the Zabels are stronger." "The Zabinskis might finally yield." "The Zabels hold significant influence in Angevin trade. The Zabinskis are involved in trade too; offending them would be unwise."

Kendrick smiled subtly, pride in his eyes. "Marilyn, I'll get what you want. No one else will."

"I'll repay you," Marilyn breathed, unwilling to be indebted to him.

The host raised his gavel: "750 thousand dollars going once! 750 thousand dollars going twice!"

"Didn't you hear me?" Carlos's voice, irritated, cut through the air. "I said we add 150 thousand to any bid!"

Again, the Zabinskis made their bold move.

Kendrick, expecting victory, felt gloomy. The situation was at an impasse. He thought incredulously, "They're mad! It's just a stamp! Haven't they heard of the Zabels?"

Kendrick looked up to speak, but Carlos interrupted, "Bid, or get out!" His tone was intimidating.

Kendrick's rapidly beating chest betrayed his emotions. He clenched his fists. As head of the Zabels, he'd fight; but he couldn't, lacking the funds. His promise to Marilyn was broken. He acted nonchalantly, leaving despondently. "Very well. Zabinskis! I'll remember this! May your arrogance continue!" he spat, sitting down.

His surrender was clear.

Marilyn was relieved. She wanted to avoid further entanglement with Kendrick.

The host swiftly sold the stamp to the Zabinskis without further bidding.

Robert hadn't looked at the stamp once. His gaze was fixed on Marilyn. He murmured, "Marilyn, when will you let go of your pride?" Her indifferent attitude from their breakup lingered in his mind.