Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom

Chapter 96

Brian was not faring much better. On the surface, he maintained his composure, but the anxiety in his eyes was becoming increasingly apparent.

The Cole family had pooled a substantial amount of resources for this auction. A failure would deal a significant blow to their business empire.

Ethan gritted his teeth. "Eighty-five billion."

Before he could finish, Liam immediately raised his paddle. "One hundred billion."

The room fell into a prolonged silence.

Ethan and Brian exchanged a glance, each seeing the resignation and defeat mirrored in the other's eyes. They knew they had lost this battle.

"One hundred billion once, one hundred billion twice, one hundred billion thrice! Sold!" The auctioneer announced with excitement as the gavel fell, marking the official transfer of the Eastborough estate to the Foster family.

The mood among the Linwood and Cole families was at an all-time low. Nathan was fuming with anger, but the occasion demanded he restrain his temper.

Ethan slumped into his chair, feeling utterly dejected.

As they had anticipated, the Fosters of Northcrest, a family with a century-old legacy, could throw a hundred billion on the table without batting an eye.

another glance, accepting their fate with a

only way to get involved in the Eastborough Project was to arrange a marriage between Claire and

a deep breath, stood up, and straightened his attire, trying to maintain a semblance of dignity. He approached Sean

remained neutral, but he shook Ethan's hand

and suggested, "Now that the auction is over, why don't we continue our conversation in the banquet hall? What do you say, Mr.

and, as he was leaving, exchanged a knowing look

the auctioneer to handle the paperwork

at the banquet hall, Claire had

Vanessa and quickly approached her, discreetly handing her

here's what you

the handoff,

who was observing the banquet

glass of juice, mixed in the powder

well.

deliver this drink to her,"

and carried the drink

was feeling a bit hungry, having not eaten dinner, so she took the drink and headed to the pastry area,