Chapter 142 Doing This On Purpose
“Four million.” A potbellied man raised his paddle.
Akio did the same. “Six million.”
Just like that, the price was raised by whole two million.
No one dared to outbid him for the simple reason that he was Akio Ono, Chief of Pollerton Translations. The power and influence that man had in Pollerton were beyond imagination. Outbidding someone like him essentially meant stepping on his toes, and that would be seeking death.
“Six million, going once, going twice…”
“Ten million,” Rupert said suddenly.
He directed a smirk at Akio. “I’m rather fond of this item. However, if Mr. Ono likes it too, I’m happy to concede.”
The meaning behind his words was clear – despite the wealth and power Akio held, Rupert was not intimidated by him, much unlike the others.
Akio smiled in return. “Fifteen million.”
Rupert got the cue. “Well, I offer my congratulations then, Mr. Ono,” he said with a shrug.
“Fifteen million, going once, going twice… Last chance to place your bid before the hammer falls,” Sixten called.
Akio swept his gaze across the room, expression haughty. There was no mistaking his purpose here tonight – to assert dominance. Anyone who dared oppose him would face severe consequences. He would make sure of that.
Donald chose this moment to speak up. “Twenty million,” he said without looking up, casually prodding at some cake with a silver fork.
Everyone turned their attention to Donald. Many of them were eyeing him with varying degrees of surprise and skepticism.
Jennifer was stunned. Twenty million? Where did he get so much money from?
Akio’s gaze turned steely as he gave Donald a sharp look.
All the guests at the charity gala tonight were prominent business leaders in Pollerton, and every single one of them was deferential to Akio.
The business leaders all knew that the charity gala was supposed to be Akio’s show. He would do something like this every year as a means to flaunt his power. It was hence surprising to see someone with the audacity to publicly embarrass Akio.
The same thought crossed everyone’s mind: Who is that young man? Is he for real?
Upon seeing Donald, Sixten contemplated for a moment before breaking into a cold smile.
Akio followed up with another bid. “Twenty-two million.”
Donald held out three fingers. “Thirty million.”
He glanced at Akio, looking calm and at ease.
The latter, on the other hand, was anything but. His expression darkened dangerously at such an overt gesture to challenge his authority.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Akio asked in a low voice.
“Absolutely,” Donald replied.
“All right then.” Akio said nothing else and sat down.
In the end, the cup was sold to Donald at a price of thirty million. The guests began murmuring among themselves.
Everyone was curious about Donald’s identity. Whoever he was, they knew that he was not anyone ordinary since he was sitting with big shots like Lana and Wynter.
“Do you have the money?” Reina asked in concern. “There’s money in this card. Why don’t you take it?” She took out a credit card and slid it across the table toward Donald.
The guests, many of whom were dubious of Donald’s capabilities, had a knowing glint in their eyes upon seeing the scene.
“Oh, so he’s a deadbeat. And here I thought he was the son of some rich family,” someone made a snide comment.
“He has the good looks of a gigolo. It’d be a shame if he weren’t one.” Another one snickered.
Donald pushed the card back. “It’s okay.”
Thinking he was refusing out of pride, Reina smiled and left the card alone on the table.
The auction continued. The second lot was a bronze slab dotted with ancient glyphs.
“This is a bronze slab of religious text made during the Vallo Dynasty,” Sixten introduced. “The opening bid is five million, and each bid increment must not be less than a million.”
“Six million.” Rupert raised his paddle.
“Eight million,” Akio said. Then his tone turned icy. “I suppose a certain someone won’t fight me for this item, will he?”
With that, he cast a warning glance at Donald.
The latter only smiled. Wiping his mouth with a napkin, he said, “Ten million.”
Akio’s face clouded with anger at once. He’s doing this on purpose!
