Felicia had arrived too early. In hindsight, she should have come later, just before the final item appeared. Distracting herself, she scanned the surroundings. Her gaze settled on a second-floor VIP room with an excellent view. Behind the screen, she noticed a tall, slender silhouette.

The moment she looked, the silhouette shifted slightly. Given the distance and obstructions, it was impossible to discern the person's appearance. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling the figure was looking at her. It had to be her imagination.

Felicia withdrew her gaze and yawned. Just as she considered a walk, the auction hall's lighting changed. An item was brought out, its photo and description—the Fuller couple's donated map—displayed on a large screen.

The host's introduction, mentioning the donors with gratitude, was followed by a dramatic recounting of the map's legend. To Felicia, it truly sounded like one. Even though it was just a map, the host's vivid storytelling made the legend almost real. Many participants adjusted their posture—a clear signal of significant interest.

She wondered if Stephan was present. If the map was his and he allowed the auction, there was… A surge of interest dispelled her drowsiness.

The map's starting price was a modest ten thousand. Bidding escalated rapidly, driven mostly by those at the back of the first floor. The wealthier bidders remained calm, waiting for the price to rise before participating.

In ten minutes, the price climbed from ten thousand to ten million, and continued to soar. Some bidders dropped out, others persisted. As more were eliminated, the real battle began. The price reached fifty million!

Felicia's eyebrow twitched. Only the wealthy could afford fifty million for a map linked to an uncertain legend. After more rounds, the first-floor bidders hesitated. Then, bells from the second-floor VIP rooms began ringing.

She watched silently. The room with the silhouette had yet to bid. Finally, at one hundred million, the host asked, "Any higher bids?" After two strikes of the gavel, a bell rang—from the VIP room where she'd seen the silhouette.