Chapter 211  As an auction host, Elsie was fully aware that the Celestial Nymphaea could not possibly fetch such a high price. Even so, she still asked symbolically, “12 million dollars! Are there any other bids? If not, the Celestial Nymphaea will go to Mr. Lloyd!”  Elsie could barely contain her excitement, knowing well the astronomical figure was unbeatable.  Just then, a mocking, voice cut through the air, ruining the moment. “I bid 12.3 million!”  A wave of gasps and murmurs swept through the crowd. Everyone realized someone deliberately tried to stir up trouble for those in The Vault.  In Michael’s private suite, Bane let out a sinister laugh. “Serves them right. If I can’t have this precious item, that boy won’t get it either.”  Michael sneered. “I figured Finley wouldn’t stay quiet for long. With him stirring up trouble, Andrew will have to bleed money if he wants to win this.”  The curtain to Finley’s box was dramatically pulled aside as he revealed himself, challenging Andrew arrogantly. He declared, “Andrew, I’ll stick my nose in everything you want tonight. I’ll show you what happens when you mess with someone who has real money!”  His bold attitude immediately drew cheers from other wealthy heirs in the crowd. “Mr. Moore is the man!!  “Only a man as rich as Mr. Moore can do whatever he likes!”  “Mr. Moore can spend as much as he wants without batting an eye!”  The flattery made Finley even more full of himself. He cackled as he yelled again, “Come on, Andrew! Let’s see if you’ve got what it takes to keep up with me. I’ll make sure you go bankrupt trying to compete!”  Meanwhile, Andrew’s expression remained calm and composed in The Vault, completely unfazed by the theatrics.  Francesca seethed with frustration. “Finley is clearly out to mess with Andrew on purpose!”  Lauren gritted her teeth, deliberating for a moment. “Dr. Lloyd, just place the next bid. I’ll back you with every penny I have–we’ll fight that idiot to the end.”  Francesca nodded furiously. “Take mine too! Whatever it takes!”  Andrew smiled. “Don’t worry about it. He’s just a clown. I can handle this.”  Without hesitation, he called out a new bid. “13.5 million!”  Elsie’s legs felt weak as she processed the staggering number. Neither she nor the auction house had ever anticipated such a jaw–dropping price. The Celestial Nymphaea was stealing 

25 BONUS

Chapter 21  the spotlight–even more than the evening’s final showcase item.  Finley let out a cold laugh, already prepared to escalate further. Yet, before he could speak, a frigid voice echoed from another booth.  “A pathetic leech who lives off women has the guts to bid 13.5 million? Fine, I’ll play along. I bid 13.5 million and 100 dollars!”  For a brief moment, the room fell silent in shock. Then, an explosion of laughter and chatter overtook the venu  “Even Harvey’s stepping in to stir the pot now! Just how much hate has The Vault’s VIP guest attracted tonight?”  “Getting Michael, Harvey, and Finley–three of the biggest egos in the room–to gang up on him? The Vault’s guest might lose, but at least he’s losing in style.”  “And Harvey’s move–only adding a hundred bucks? That’s downright petty! But hey, that poor guy should’ve known better than to cross heirs who play with money like it’s a game.”