Chapter 69

Everyone was dumbfounded. Several business owners, who had earlier taken digs at Kyle, frowned. They couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Wasn't the calligraphy casually done by a young man? Why would the noble lady offer $66 million for it? That seemed far too high a price simply to curry favor with the Rivas family.

Furthermore, the last few bidders were wealthy and prestigious, holding seats at the main table. While not on par with the Rivas family, they didn't need to show such overt support.

Belle couldn't contain herself. "What's going on here? Sixty-five million dollars? Are they crazy?"

She'd found the initial million-dollar bid ridiculous, but the bidding war among the truly wealthy and influential completely blindsided her.

Belle knew Kyle was capable, but his calligraphy, while wonderful, was purely decorative. What other function did it have?

Was it because Kyle had said he would officially owe the buyer? However, these people were at the top of Kerdonia's food chain. Why would they desire a favor from him?

Nearly everyone shared Belle's disbelief. They unanimously thought the business owners were out of their minds.

Elisa bowed politely, offering an apology. "I guess many people still recognize art when they see it. The Rivas family owned the event, and I shouldn't have competed. However, I loved the calligraphy too much to resist."

"Enough games. One hundred million dollars," she announced, stunning everyone.

"Huh? Why? Is there some hidden mystery about the calligraphy?"

"I have no idea. Did I hear that correctly? One hundred million dollars?"

Belle and Chloe, who had earlier laughed at Kyle, now looked like the joke. Belle pinched Chloe's shoulder hard. "Explain this, Chloe. What the hell is going on?"

Belle couldn't believe what she'd witnessed. Chloe, initially dumbfounded, mulled it over before replying with a furrowed expression: "Is it possible someone orchestrated this entire dinner? The Rivas family, wanting to showcase their wealth and power, used Kyle. The bidders are likely in cahoots with them, showing support to boost the Rivas family's image. And Ms. Rivas's 'favor' means they'd owe her."

Belle remained skeptical. "Perhaps you're right, but we need to investigate properly."

Chloe nodded. "Mr. Rivas said Kyle did them a favor, Belle. Maybe this is repayment. The Rivas family is incredibly wealthy. The stall they auctioned off has made them a fortune, so this is a wonderful opportunity for a charitable donation—gaining both money and reputation."

"That's probably it," Belle conceded. "Keep an eye on Mr. Rivas. I noticed his expression earlier. No one else might know about Kyle, but he certainly does. I bet he's sick of Kyle, too. All Kyle did was make a test of everything; if he's actually capable, Mr. Rivas would have approached him instead of giving him a dirty look."

The more they analyzed the situation, the more convinced they became. However, Belle remained troubled. "Why Kyle? Using anyone else would have yielded the same result. I'm going to expose them and make Kyle dump him. I won't stand by and let them have their happiness."