The Billionaire's Mistake

MISTAKE 252

Chapter 252: An Auction

Vivian tossed and turned restlessly that night, unable to sleep as Mathew's proposition played over and over in her mind. On one hand, the offer was almost too good to be true - all of her debts wiped away, Maya's medical costs covered indefinitely, enough money to ensure her niece wanted for nothing. It was as though he was auditioning for fairy god parent position or sugar daddy.

But at what cost? Vivian had seen firsthand the brutality of Mathew's world, the violence linked to his shadowy underworld dealings. Could she really tie herself to that life, even if it meant security for Maya? What if she had to have her hand cut off one day? What if she has to cut a person's arm? She shook her head. What was she thinking. Money was the only thing she should consider. She was not sure if the surgery would go on if she rejected his offer.

As the first rays of sunlight peeked through her curtains like a stalker, Vivian made her decision. For Maya's sake, for their future, she would accept Mathew's offer. The little girl's life and health were her top priorities, no matter what personal sacrifices had to be made. Is it not just an arm?

Sliding out of bed, Vivian walked over to the small desk in the corner of her dingy studio apartment. There, she retrieved the glossy black card Mathew had dropped on the hospital desk. a number was printed in sleek silver lettering.

After staring at the card for several long moments, she pulled on jeans and a t-shirt and headed out into the city streets. Making her way to the high-end shopping mall nearby, Vivian wandered the various stores until she found a top brand she liked.

"I need something that looks like I could order to have an arm choped off," she told the snooty saleswoman, who eyed her doubtfully. Vivian pulled out Mathew's black card, raising an eyebrow in challenge.

Two hours and several thousand dollars later, Vivian emerged from the boutique in a nice black and white dress. She looked every inch the best friend of money and worn enemy of poverty.

Standing aside, she pulled out the black business card once more and tapped in the number printed on it. The line rang once before a smooth male voice answered.

"Hello, Ms. Greyson. I take it you've made your decision?"

She could hear the smirk in Mathew's tone and scowled. "Just tell me where to meet you."

"No need. I'll have my people come to you. Front entrance of the mall in fifteen minutes." The line went dead.

word, a sleek black sedan pulled up precisely fifteen minutes later, Mathew's bodyguard Joe emerging to open the rear door

her a respectful

instructed. You are to be attending

Enclave Hotel."

only hums a reply before

he simply nodded. He

character.

the city's ritziest district. Joe ushered her out of the car, two more bulky bodyguards falling into step beside them as they entered

dressed hotel manager was waiting for them,

Shaw, we've been expecting you. Right this

neutral as they were led away from the main lobby and down a secluded hallway toward a set of double doors. Only her eyes betrayed her inner nerves as they flitted around,

could covered the entire wall allowing her see what seemed to be an empty auction room, with rows of empty seats facing a small stage. "This is where you'll be viewing the auction from, Mrs. Shaw. Can I get you anything." The manager was overly attentive, clearly well-practiced at providing every amenity. She would have thought he was the perfect staff if she had

necessary," a new voice answered

40s entering the room, extending a

glanced at his hand before looking away. She tool a

till he

and two men in suits entered, placing a small table beside her chair. One poured a glass of deep red wine and set out a plate of fresh fruits and cheeses, as if they were in a

room.

be auctioned today," Levi

the list, her stomach turning queasily. This was all so blatantly illegal,

list fo things to

closed the leather folder and looked away from the windows, sipping her wine. Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out gratefully, relieved at any distraction. She kept to her charcter at all times, barely speaking unless she wanted to and it was geeting tiring. It was her high school group chat, filled with chatter about an upcoming 10-year reunion she hadn't even been aware of.

with...I actually ran into Vivian