"Go ahead, name your price. I'll do my best to meet your demands."
I waved a hand dismissively, a knowing smile playing on my lips.
"Clyde, don't be in such a hurry. We can talk about money later."
"Although I've agreed to divorce you, the auction must go on."
I leaned back leisurely. "I just placed a bid of twenty million and one. Does the mighty President Mancini plan to raise the stakes?"
I knew him well; his pride was his greatest weakness. True to form, the moment he realized I was still competing for the painting, his expression darkened.
"Azalea, I advise you not to refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit."
I arched an eyebrow, waving a hand lazily.
"Oh? So the great chairman of Mancini Group is backing down over a mere twenty million?"
His temper flared instantly, just as I expected.
"Fine! Let's see how long you can keep up this act!"
"Thirty million!"
"Thirty million… and one."
The muscles in Clyde's jaw twitched as he shot me a fierce glare.
"Fifty million!"
As the numbers soared higher and higher, a thin sheen of sweat gathered on his forehead. I chuckled softly, my voice slow and deliberate.
"Clyde, since we're all here for charity, why not go all in?"
"I bid one billion."
The moment my words fell, the entire venue erupted into chaos.
Although everyone present was a billionaire, having a billion in net worth was a far cry from holding a billion in liquid cash.
Clyde was caught off guard by my sudden show of strength. He froze, lips parted, too hesitant to speak.
That's when Everleigh, who had been keeping silent all this time, finally stepped forward.
"You wretched girl, this is an auction, not a game of numbers."
"Anyone can shout out a billion, but can you actually pay for it?"
The moment her voice faded, Clyde's eyes lit up as if she had handed him a lifeline.
"Secretary Everleigh is absolutely right. Why should I be forced to match every bid you throw out?"
Halfway through his words, he turned to me with a twisted grin.
"Azalea, don't say I didn't warn you. If you can't come up with that billion later, you'll be held legally responsible."
As soon as he said this, Everleigh immediately raised the microphone, her voice rising above the murmurs and cutting through the tension like a blade.
"President Mancini is right! We demand an on-the-spot financial verification!"
The manic glint in Everleigh's eyes was almost comical. I couldn't help but let my lips curl into a faint, amused smile.
"After all this trouble, you've finally asked the right question."
