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

only way to get involved in the Eastborough Project was to

trying to maintain a semblance of dignity. He approached Sean with a

expression remained neutral, but he shook Ethan's hand

over, why don't we continue our conversation in the banquet

as

auctioneer to handle the paperwork for the

they arrived at the banquet hall,

spotted Vanessa and quickly approached her,

you asked

completing the handoff, the driver

at Claire, who

of juice,

stirred it well.

her,"

agreement and carried the drink

didn't think much of it. It was typical for waitstaff to serve drinks at such events. Besides, she was feeling a bit hungry, having not eaten dinner, so she took the drink and headed