Chapter 4
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The auction continued without pause.
After a brief intermission, staff wheeled out a large display stand featuring detailed blueprints for a prime piece of real estate.
The auctioneer cleared his throat and announced the starting bid.
While others still calculated risks, Emelia decisively raised her paddle.“225 million!”
Samantha’s face paled at the figure, her eyes widening in disbelief. How dare she bid so aggressively!
270 million!” a competitor countered.
285 million!” another voice followed.
“315 million!” yet another challenger persisted.
The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly tense as bidding escalated, making the crowd excited.
Just as the price was about to settle at 315 million, Emelia raised her paddle again.
This time her voice rang out firm and resonant.“375 million!”
Emelia’s bid landed like a blow, freezing the previously competitive bidders in place. They exchanged uncertain glances, their eyes filled with hesitation and deliberation.
Within moments, the raised paddles lowered and disappeared.
Before the auction, numerous astute investors had coveted this prime property.
The previous owner’s urgent overseas relocation created this rare commercial opportunity, making the land particularly desirable. The Sutton family had initially shown strong interest but withdrew upon learning of Justin’s determination to secure the plot. With their families already connected by marriage, they reasoned it didn’t really matter who bought the land
Yet Emelia knew better than to let such profit fall into Justin’s hands.
“Mrs. Pittman bids 375 million!” the auctioneer’s voice boomed across the hall.“Do I hear any higher offers?”
The auctioneer’s gavel hovered mid–air as if anticipating one final twist.
His announcement plunged the room into complete silence, with no one daring to speak.
Only Emelia responded, her lips curving into a confident smile as she rose gracefully.“Actually,” she corrected in a clear, measured tone, “I’m not here as Mrs. Pittman today. I represent the Sutton family in this bidding.”
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