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.

Everwood Villa

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

jeering in unison, seemed to be there

are here? Hearing their estate

money, I'd offer 40 billion!"

naivety charming, saying, "Those tycoons bidding just now, all of them would genuinely want to buy if not

the other box, 30 billion

voice rang out, and Sandy didn't catch on, but Whitney paused

voice... it sounded

change in her expression, but the boxes

for years,

the auction without mentioning it. Somehow, it

detested Ludwik, bidding just ten thousand more seemed beneath

fell. No one dared

auctioneer was on the verge of tears, having expected the estate

30 billion and ten thousand, going

billion!" Whitney suddenly

the crowd, all eyes turning toward her shadowy box, though no one could see clearly who

scoff came from a neighboring box, surely Wade warning

Sandy gasped, "Sis, that's way too high! What if, like you said, Wade backs out? 60 billion, can you

really not afraid of crossing the Patrick family now? You still want

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

sound, "Sis, you're

billion and one hundred dollars!" came a voice

Wade," Whitney

"I'm so close to cursing out loud. Wade, now the richest man in Harmonia Country, and he bids

Jason's incompetent uncle. A man who climbed his way up through deceit and manipulation will always be stingy once he's made it." "To think someone like him is the richest in Harmonia Country. It's a travesty. Ludwik should remain