Chapter 210  ‘Since our distinguished guests don’t seem too interested in this Celestial Nymphaea, let’s start the bidding at 750 thousand dollars,” Elsie announced with feigned disappointment.  Her alluring glance across the VIP suites stirred even the initially uninterested buyers into participating.  “780 thousand dollars–consider it a favor for you, Ms. Santana!” someone called out.  “825 thousand dollars–we must support Ms. Santana, after all!”  The bidding quickly heated up, reaching 900 thousand dollars.  Lauren frowned. “Ms. Santana may have fooled these hormone–driven idiots, but these rising prices aren’t doing Dr. Lloyd any favors…”  Then, she announced loudly, “1.05 million–let me cool things down a bit.”  Elsie’s eyes lit up. “Ms. Rhodes bids 1.05 million! Any other offers? If not, this premium medicinal herb goes to Ms. Rhodes.”  The sudden jump in price silenced many bidders. It was not that they could not match Lauren’s bid, but rather that they were not interested enough in the Celestial Nymphaea to throw away their money just to please Elsie.  Francesca’s face lit up. “Andrew, the Celestial Nymphaea is about to be yours!”  Suddenly, a raspy voice cut through the air. “1.2 million–I must have this Celestial Nymphaea!  ”  Lauren and Francesca instantly scowled, their gazes snapping toward the source.  Lauren’s voice turned icy as she said, “Michael, couldn’t you see I wanted this herb?”  From his VIP suite, Michael’s laughter echoed. “Lauren, what you want has nothing to do with me. And for the record, I’m not the one bidding.”  Lauren sneered. “Not you? Then why is ‘the bid coming from your suite?”  Michael shrugged. “So what? It’s not my bid. Besides, you’re only after this herb to gift it to that little freeloader of yours. If even a gold digger can have it, why can’t my friend try their luck?”  Lauren’s eyes narrowed, and her voice dripped with disdain. “Fine. Let’s see who tires out first.  With that, she countered boldly, “1.5 million.”  From Michael’s suite, Bane grimly responded, “1.8 million!”  1-2  Chapter 210  Bane was a master of poisons and an unrelenting force in the medical underground. He recognized the unparalleled value of the Celestial Nymphaea,  Lauren, undeterred, raised the stakes. “2.25 million.”  Bane gritted his teeth and barked back. “3 million!”  Lauren’s temper flared. “4.5 million!”  The escalating bids were so outrageous that they sparked a wave of murmurs and gasps among the attendees.  Bane snarled and threw out his final bid. “7.5 million!”  That was his absolute limit. Beyond this, no matter how valuable the herb was, he refused to bleed himself dry over it.  Lauren seethed, ready to retaliate once more. “I won’t lose! Not when this is for Dr. Lloyd- But before she could speak, Andrew gently caught her hand. “Ms. Rhodes.”  Lauren shot him a defiant look. “Dr. Lloyd, don’t stop me! I refuse to let Michael win today!”  Andrew sighed, his voice calm but firm. “I’m not stopping you. I just think it’s time for me to handle this.”  Lauren froze, her anger melting into confusion, while Francesca looked equally bewildered. Andrew leaned back in his seat and calmly announced, “12 million!”  The hall fell into complete silence, and even Elsie found herself stunned.