#59 “Fifty Million.”
The second part of the auction had commenced, and a hushed anticipation filled the room as the auctioneer announced the next item up for bidding -a piece of land in the heart of the city, a cherished possession of the Williams family for over three decades.
This particular asset had been from those whom Sophia and Benjamin decided to bid for in the previous month. It was a truly magnificent piece of property, teeming with potential for various developments, from building structures to transforming it into a captivating attraction.
Sophia had meticulously researched this property, unearthing its history as an asset acquired during the early stages of the Williams family’s business ascent. It boasted a pristine record, having been purchased with duly declared profits from a prosperous year. Its documentation was immaculate, leaving no room for legal complications.
Furthermore, the property’s prime location in the bustling city center made it an irresistible prospect. The desirability was evident from the expressions on the faces of the participants, all vying for their chance to claim this golden opportunity.
The potential of this property was absolutely clear. With the right strategies for land use and consistent maintenance, it had the potential to see its value skyrocket, possibly increasing tenfold in the coming year.
When the bidding began at the starting price of $10 million, the room erupted with activity. Dozens of eager bidders raised their paddles, each one eager to claim this exceptional piece of real estate as their own.
Sophia’s gaze swept across the room, taking in the diverse array of participants in the auction. She noted the familiar faces of business tycoons, investors, and even some newcomers hoping to make their mark in the world of acquisitions.
Just as she was surveying the room, Sophia finally turned to Alexander, no matter that she was doing her best to ignore him, and saw that he himself was bidding. He had been relatively quiet during the early part of the auction, but now he seemed determined to enter the fray.
She leaned over to Benjamin and whispered discreetly, her voice filled with concern.
“Alexander joined in, be careful not to exceed the committed budget for this property,” she cautioned him.
Benjamin glanced at Sophia, his expression thoughtful, before turning his attention to Alexander, who was wearing a confident smile. The exchange of glances between the two rivals did not go unnoticed by Sophia. She understood the history between them and the competitive nature of their past dealings.
Sophia worried that Benjamin might be tempted to outbid Alexander, potentially exceeding their budget in the process. She knew her friend’s determination, and she also knew that Alexander had significant resources at his disposal.
As the auction for the city-center land escalated, the host’s voice filled the room again, raising the stakes.
Sophia and Benjamin exchanged a worried glance. They were approaching a dangerously tight budget, and the rapid increase in bids from Alexander was making them nervous. Alexander continued to raise the bids by hefty increments of five million, causing other participants to drop out one by one.
Even Megan, who had initially joined the bidding just for fun, had stopped participating and was now observing the proceedings with keen interest.
His eyes focused and determined, Alexander was in fierce competition with several other bidders. He leaned over to Benjamin, his voice filled with a touch of arrogance. “Benjamin, my friend, it seems this piece of land will be quite a prize. Are you ready to face defeat?”
Benjamin, equally determined, shot back with a sly grin, “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch, Alexander. I’ve been in tighter spots before.”
The two men continued to spar with their bids, each one trying to outmaneuver the other. Benjamin couldn’t resist the urge to make one last bold move. He shouted, ” Forty million!” Sophia, shocked by his sudden bid, immediately kicked him under the table.
Sophia sighed, realizing that her friend was pushing the limits of their budget. She gave him a stern look, silently urging him to reconsider.
“We agreed to stop at thirty-five,” she scolded him in a hushed tone.
Benjamin flashed her an apologetic smile but stood firm. Megan, sitting nearby, observed the intense rivalry between Alexander and Benjamin with a glint of amusement in her eyes. She couldn’t help but enjoy the spectacle of two powerful men vying for supremacy. Alexander, with a calculating expression, shot back, “Fifty million.”
The room was filled with gasps and murmurs of disbelief. Bidding had never escalated this quickly or dramatically before. Alexander was determined to claim this property.
Benjamin turned to Sophia, seeking her opinion, but she shook her head in disapproval. It was a bold move in her opinion for Benjamin to continue to race with Alexander.
Resigned to the situation, Benjamin reluctantly decided to withdraw from the intense bidding battle. He signaled to the auctioneer that he was out of the race, and all eyes turned back to Alexander.
The auctioneer’s gavel finally came down with a decisive thud, declaring Alexander as the winner of the city center property. The room erupted in applause and congratulatory remarks as he secured the valuable asset. Alexander, wearing a triumphant smile, turned to Benjamin. “Better luck next time, my friend.”
Benjamin chuckled, showing no signs of defeat. “Oh, this is far from over, Alexander. There are still plenty of opportunities out there.”
The auction continued with several more items, but none quite as intense as the city center property. Bidders came and went, each vying for their desired assets. Some found success, while others left empty-handed.
As the event drew to a close, the auctioneer announced the final item up for bidding. It was a rare piece of artwork, an exquisite painting that had been in the Williams family collection for generations.
After fierce competition, the painting was sold to a passionate art collector who had been eyeing it for years. With the final hammer strike, the auction came to an end. Attendees began to mingle, discussing their acquisitions and losses.
After the auction concluded, Megan, wearing a practiced smile, approached Sophia and extended her hand. ” Sophia, it was a pleasure to meet you,” she said with feigned warmth. “I hope we can be friends in the future.”
Sophia, not wanting to appear rude, returned the handshake with a polite smile. “Likewise, Megan,” she replied, her tone cordial.
The two looked at each other. Neither of them looked away. Their smiles were fixed in place, but beneath the surface, there was not a hint of genuine happiness.
As Megan walked away, Alexander couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. ” Why did you agree to be friends with her?” he asked Sophia curiously.
Sophia let out a sigh and leaned in closer to Alexander. “Revenge is not my top priority at the moment,” she said, her voice filled with a mysterious tone. “I would rather have her close to me, observe her every move. Always be prepared, isn’t it?”
Sophia’s desire for vengeance didn’t dissipate. However, to expose even the slightest crack in Megan’s facade, one had to penetrate the depths of her being, peering into the very essence of her character. Sophia was resolute in her conviction that drawing nearer to Megan was imperative, sensing a sinister motive lurking beneath Megan’s supposed innocence. However, there existed no compulsion for Sophia to lay bare every detail of her plan to Alexander.
Alexander nodded in understanding. You always think ahead, don’t you?”
Sophia chuckled. “It’s how I’ve survived in the world of business.”
“Sophia, can you give me some time now? I want to talk to you.” Alexander asked her. Sophia didn’t want to, but finally, she nodded and followed Alexander as they moved away from the bustling auction floor to a more private corner where they could have their conversation.
