Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 674

"Tonight, Everwood Villa Estate is going to fall right into the lap of the Patrick Group." Whitney thought of Jason's defeated figure, and it left a sour taste in her mouth.

"How do you know that?" Sandy asked, curiosity knitting her brows.

Whitney lowered her voice, sharing the scene she had witnessed earlier.

Sandy's eyes widened in outrage. "That Wade is shameless. Everwood Villa Estate, such a sprawling piece of land, rumored to be in a prime location-how many tycoons dream of owning it? A mere 30 billion wouldn't even scratch the surface! They're really strong-arming here. What if we step in, hike up the price to, say, 50 or 60 billion?"

Whitney couldn't help but laugh at her righteous indignation. "And what if no one else bids after us? Are you buying, or am I?"

Sandy's face turned red.

She mused, her gaze admiring Whitney's beautiful eyes, "Sis... if you really despise that scoundrel Ludwik, let's not get involved. Mr. Nelson did say we're just here to watch the drama unfold. Besides, I heard Wade plays dirty. If he finds out we're inflating the price, he won't let us off easily."

The subtext was clear: don't invite trouble.

Whitney remained silent.

-

Soon enough.

The auctioneer's voice boomed from below, "Next up, we have the most prestigious estate in Harmonia Country, second only to the Presidential Mansion. Spanning over a million square feet, nestled against snow-capped mountains and beside a serene lake, with its own golf course and airstrip, not to mention the stables and orchards that boast year-round beauty. Introducing the Lippert Resort, the epitome of luxury, where even the simplest vase is worth millions. Surely, every successful magnate dreams of such an estate! Bidding starts at 30 billion!"

The auctioneer finished with confidence.

A bid came from a box immediately, "30 billion and one hundred dollars."

"Who's that? Ha, you're too stingy! I'll go 30 billion and two hundred," another chimed in, topping the previous bid by a mere hundred dollars.

Villa Estate, that's

flushed with embarrassment, had never encountered such a scenario-million-dollar mansions being bid up by

mocking and jeering in unison, seemed

her fist on the table. "I wonder if any of the Lipperts are here? Hearing their estate being mocked like this must be infuriating." Whitney looked

had the money, I'd offer 40 billion!" Sandy

them would genuinely want to buy if not for

30 billion and

rang out, and Sandy didn't catch on,

voice... it sounded like

of change in her expression,

knowing Bryce for years, she

surprised he attended the auction

Bryce was a gentleman, much like her grandfather. Even if he detested Ludwik, bidding just ten thousand more seemed beneath him, a move to kick someone

one dared to raise the

on the verge of tears, having expected the

more bids? 30 billion

Whitney suddenly spoke up, disguising

bid sent shockwaves through the crowd, all eyes turning toward her shadowy box, though

neighboring box, surely Wade warning

too high! What if, like you said, Wade backs out? 60 billion, can you afford that?" "Cough.

"You're really not afraid of crossing the Patrick

back, clearing her throat, "I'm just inspired by your sense of justice. Besides, if

sound, "Sis, you're a

billion and one hundred dollars!" came

Wade," Whitney said

out loud. Wade, now the richest man in Harmonia Country, and he bids a hundred dollars?

climbed his way up through deceit and manipulation will always be stingy once he's made it." "To