Chapter 71: Engagement

As the attendees waited impatiently at the bidding event, the expected individual failed to appear. Muttering filled the room. “What do you think Miss Vivienne means by this? Has she abandoned the auction?”

“I wouldn’t jump to conclusions. Word is that Sinclair Group, under Miss Vivienne’s direction, is determined to secure the southern district land.”

“Women rarely stand toe-to-toe with men in our field. Maybe the pressure was too much for Miss Vivienne.”

A light-hearted voice countered, “Miss Vivienne was Benjamin Sinclair’s handpicked successor. She could comfortably live off her inheritance without lifting a finger. These assumptions are baseless.”

Austin Reid pushed up his glasses, peering at the empty chair reserved for the CEO of Sinclair Group, then subtly at Derek beside him. “I was eager to meet the Sinclair heiress today, but it seems that won’t be happening.”

Caleb Vaughn turned to Derek. “During your stay in Lyhaton, did you ever meet the Sinclair family’s heiress?”

Derek’s stoic face remained unchanged. “Yes, I have seen her.”

Intrigued, Caleb leaned closer. “So? What does she look like?”

Austin, noticing the subtle shift in Derek’s expression, observed the intrigue in his demeanor. “Having second thoughts about the marriage arrangement with the Sinclair family?”

Derek’s initial purpose in visiting Lyhaton was to dissolve his engagement. However, Austin perceived a change in Derek’s demeanor, suggesting a reconsideration of his plans. While Derek’s reasons remained unclear, he was clearly not rushing to end the engagement.

Unable to elicit a response from Derek, Caleb exclaimed, “It seems even the unyielding can be swayed by beauty!”

Their discussion was interrupted by the auctioneer: “Let’s begin the auction for the southern district land, spanning 177,000 square feet. The opening bid is eighty million.”

Bids escalated rapidly: ninety million, one hundred and twenty million, two hundred million. The stakes were high, and the attendees were eager to capitalize on this opportunity. Tension mounted with each bid.

Then, a calm voice cut through the rising tension: “Five hundred million!”

All eyes turned to Derek and Milo. Whispers spread, everyone questioning which company could casually make such a substantial opening bid.

Just as the auctioneer was about to finalize the bid, Vivienne subtly nodded to Scarlett.

“One billion,” Scarlett announced, raising her paddle.

Vivienne touched her temple, her eyes flicking to a group in the lower left corner, a mysterious smile playing on her lips.

From the third row, Warren spun around, shocked by the audacious bid. In the shadowy back, a woman’s striking features shimmered in the dim light. Who could she be?

The auctioneer, curious yet composed, cleared his throat. “One billion. Do we have a higher bid?”

Before the question faded, a soft voice from the left responded, “1.2 billion.”

Receiving another nod from Vivienne, Scarlett smoothly countered, “1.5 billion.”

Caleb leaned forward, peering at the back row. “Looks like the Sinclair family might lose their top spot as the richest in Lyhaton!”

Austin, unable to contain his curiosity, glanced at Vivienne. “Who’s brave enough to go up against Derek?”