Godly Investor: A Hundred Trillion Dollars For Investment And Donations-Chapter 291 -

At that moment Ethan adjusted his posture, sitting at the edge of his chair, his gaze fixed on the stage as the murmurs in the room settled into quiet anticipation of what was going to happen.

However he wasn't entirely comfortable in this space; the air carried a strange mix of opulence and subtle rivalry.

Without being told he knew the people aren't here for the items—they're here for the power play, he thought, glancing around at the attendees who carried themselves with a casual air of superiority.

As the organizers took the stage, the room hushed, the soft rustle of silk and tailored suits the only sound.

At that moment Ethan's thoughts momentarily drifted. Would Serenity's grandmother even care about this necklace? Maybe I should've gone for something more personal.

Immediately he shook the thought away.

'No. This is about making a statement, not just a gift. She'll appreciate the gesture.'

After what felt like forever, it was now time for the necklace to be showed to everyone.

The moment the necklace was unveiled, the room collectively leaned forward, eyes glinting with desire and intrigue.

It was displayed in a sleek, transparent glass box, and the effect was almost magical.

The red gemstone at the center of the necklace gleamed with an otherworldly vibrance, its color so rich that it seemed to stain the glass itself, casting faint crimson hues into the air around it.

Ethan's breath caught for a moment. Even he, with all his skepticism about the theatrics of wealth, had to admit—it was mesmerizing.

'That's it, he thought. That's the gift. Bold, unique, impossible to ignore.'

"The bidding will start at one million dollars," the auctioneer announced, their voice calm but firm, the perfect tone to command attention.

Immediately a brief silence followed as the room held its collective breath, everyone calculating their moves.

Then, a man near the center raised his hand confidently. "One-point-five million dollars," he declared, his tone carrying an air of triumph.

At that moment he leaned back in his chair afterward, crossing his arms as if to say, That's how it's done.

However Ethan smirked faintly, recognizing the man's arrogance for what it was.

'He thinks he's already won,'

Ethan thought, observing the subtle smugness in the man's demeanor. He has no idea what he's up against.

However before the auctioneer could even acknowledge the bid, another man stood up, his voice louder and more commanding. "Two million dollars."

At that moment the first bidder shot him a sharp glare, his confidence momentarily shaken.

The second bidder, in contrast, returned to his seat with a satisfied smirk, his posture exuding self-assurance.

Then Ethan's gaze flickered between the two men, noting the tension already brewing.

Without being told he knew this is just the beginning, settling deeper into his seat. He remained quiet, his expression calm and unreadable, but his mind was already strategizing.

'Let them fight it out for now. When the time comes, I'll make my move.'

Ethan thought to himself.

The room buzzed with murmurs of approval and surprise at the quick escalation, but Ethan's focus was solely on the necklace, its brilliance reflecting the stakes of the moment.

He knew this wasn't just about money—it was about power, perception, and making a mark.

At that moment the room fell into a tense, almost reverent silence after the last bid, the air thick with anticipation.

Immediately all eyes turned toward Robert Wesley as he rose from his seat with an air of practiced confidence.

His movements were deliberate, calculated, as if he were performing for an invisible audience.

"Three million dollars," Robert declared, his voice smooth and firm, carrying across the room with ease. The weight of his reputation filled the space, and for a brief moment, it felt as though no one dared challenge him.

But then, from a seat close to Robert, another man rose. His demeanor was equally commanding, though his smile carried a sharper edge. "Three-point-nine million dollars," the man said, his voice dripping with calm defiance.

It was Nicholas Austin, another titan in the business world.

Upon hearing what Nicholas just said.

The whispers began almost immediately.

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"It's going to be between Nicholas and Robert," one attendee murmured. "This will be a battle worth watching," another replied.

Nicholas Austin remained standing for a moment longer, his eyes briefly meeting Robert's in a silent challenge before he began to lower himself back into his chair. But just as he did, Robert's voice cut through the air again.

"Four million dollars."

Immediately the escalation was so swift, so audacious, that the room collectively drew a sharp breath. Even Nicholas paused mid-movement, his expression flickering between annoyance and intrigue.

At that moment a ripple of murmurs spread through the audience, the tension palpable.

Nicholas turned to Robert, his tone sharp but tinged with amusement. "You're not going to let me have this one, are you, Robert?"

Robert let out a low chuckle, leaning back in his chair with the smugness of a man who believed he was untouchable.

"Not a chance," he replied, his words deliberate and heavy with meaning.

The room seemed to hold its breath, the atmosphere electric with the unspoken question of who would make the next move.

And then, breaking the rhythm of the back-and-forth, Ethan stood.

Immediately all heads turned toward him, the young man who had been so quiet until now.

His expression was calm, his voice even, but his words were like a lightning strike.

"Ten million dollars."

At that moment the room erupted in gasps and whispers, the shockwave of his bid rippling through the crowd.

The murmurs were laced with disbelief.

"Did he just say ten million?" one attendee whispered, their tone incredulous.

"Who is he?"

Immediately Robert's smug grin faltered, his eyes narrowing as he tried to assess the newcomer.

Then Nicholas Austin's expression hardened, a flicker of frustration crossing his face as he sat back in his chair.

Ethan stood steady, his gaze fixed on the auctioneer, completely unbothered by the chaos his bid had unleashed.