As soon as Rory stepped out of the car at the underground auction venue in Fhongsoly, a staff member rushed over, bowing deeply with a practiced smile. “Ms. Miller, you’re here. We’ve prepared a VIP room for you on the second floor.”

Rory didn't even glance at him. “Lead the way.” The staff member, accustomed to her demeanor, remained impassive.

On the second floor, Yvette and Rory proceeded through the VIP corridor, bypassing the throng, and entered Room 201. The Kransbay underground auction venue was exquisitely designed for such events. From their second-floor vantage point, they had an unobstructed view of the entire first floor, including the displayed items. Attendants stationed at each VIP room door facilitated bidding. Once a bid was placed, the attendant would announce it, ensuring both safety and privacy for the VIP guests. Only the most prominent individuals accessed the second-floor VIP rooms.

Inside the room, Yvette stood at the window, hands in her pockets, surveying the bustling hall below, a space capable of accommodating thousands. The crowd was a diverse mix, each person holding a numbered bidding paddle. Beneath the display stands, numerous round tables and chairs awaited higher-tier bidders, each seat assigned a number.

Rory picked up a glass of red wine, took a sip, and wrinkled her nose. “This brand again? Same old wine.”

Yvette turned, casually taking a seat, her chin resting on the table, her lips pursed in apparent disinterest.

Rory sighed. “Yvette, your uncle struggles yearly to make a few million from our business deals. He’ll never experience a life like this. Even with his wealth, he wouldn’t get a first-floor seat at this auction. This is reality. You’re going nowhere returning to Dungo Village. Why not team up with me? I can elevate your status. Soon, even your uncle will look up to you. Isn’t this the life you want?”

Rory’s intense gaze fixed on Yvette, pleading for her agreement.

Yvette crossed her legs, her expression initially impassive, then a slight tilt of her head revealed a ghost of a smile. Her eyes gleamed as she replied casually, “You certainly know how to paint a pretty picture.”

Rory’s grip tightened on her wine glass, frustration mounting. She silently repeated, ‘Don’t get angry… Calm down…’

Yvette remained unperturbed, continuing her silent game while Rory simmered, her feelings finding no release. She ended up consuming glass after glass of red wine.

Half an hour later, the underground auction commenced. A glamorous woman emerged from the wings, striding confidently. The crowd erupted in cheers and whistles. The atmosphere was far more relaxed than in formal auction houses; most attendees seemed less focused on serious business.

The glamorous woman, clearly accustomed to such displays, flashed a seductive smile, tossing her hair. “Alright, everyone, I know you’re familiar with the rules of the underground auction. For our newcomers, a quick reminder: we only recognize cash, not names. The highest bidder wins. Let’s get started!”

The audience was barely contained.

“Let’s go! We’ve been waiting forever!”

“Yeah, bring out the good stuff! I’ve got cash ready!”

“Marina, what’s first? Last year it was a fifty-carat pink diamond. It better not be just jewelry this time!”

On stage, Marina observed the restless crowd, a hint of disdain in her eyes. Then, she glanced towards the second floor, and her expression shifted completely. The first-floor attendees were never the true target; the second-floor guests were the real focus.

Marina smiled into the microphone. “Alright, everyone, don’t rush. Our first auction item today is a magnificent beast, a gift from a mysterious donor in Southtoria: a lion.”

With a sharp clap, burly men entered, carrying a large cage. The sight of the sleeping lion inside caused disbelief among the first-floor crowd.

“No way, am I seeing this right? That’s a lion! Who in the world sent this thing?”

“Who would even bid on a lion? What are they thinking?”

“Hey, don’t knock it! Just because you’re not interested doesn’t mean the esteemed guests upstairs won’t bid.”

Marina’s voice boomed. “The starting bid for the lion is 300 thousand dollars.”

On the second floor, Rory and Yvette watched the clearly sedated lion. Rory remarked, “I bet that young mogul will love this.”

Yvette, hands in her pockets, raised an eyebrow. “I know a child at home who loves animals like that too.”

Rory dismissed it, assuming Yvette meant a younger relative. After all, what child wouldn't be fascinated by such a creature?

The lion was successfully bid on by someone in Room 201. The auction continued seamlessly, showcasing everything from porcelain and jewelry to rare herbs and potions. The variety was astonishing.

At the display stage, Marina watched the crowd with a knowing smile. She knew the final item would create a sensation. Indeed, if she possessed the funds, she would keep this treasure for herself.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” she announced, “our final item is always unique and precious. The starting bid is 30 million dollars.”

Gasps filled the venue. What could possibly warrant such a price? On the second floor, Rory was momentarily stunned. A thirty-million-dollar starting bid? The auction house must have discovered something truly extraordinary. Even she felt a surge of interest.

Marina allowed the suspense to build, then glanced at the staff. A cage shrouded in black cloth was hoisted onto the stage. Nothing was visible inside.

Marina surveyed the expectant faces before confidently approaching the cage. With a sharp tug, she removed the cloth.

A ten-foot-tall, solid gold cage stood revealed. The crowd on both floors stared in stunned silence, their expressions a mixture of amazement and disbelief. A hush fell over the room, broken only by the unspoken awe.