I swept a glance around the room, my lips curving slightly, amusement flickering beneath my calm exterior.
"Since the stage has already been set, it'd be a shame if I didn't play along."
"In that case, I'll listen to you. I agree with the divorce. However..."
The moment I uttered those words, Clyde visibly brightened, excitement flashing in his eyes.
Before I could even finish, he cut in eagerly.
"Azalea, as long as you agree to the divorce, everything else will be easy!"
"Go ahead, name your price. I'll do my best to meet your demands."
I waved a hand dismissively, a knowing smile playing on my lips.
"Clyde, don't be in such a hurry. We can talk about money later."
"Although I've agreed to divorce you, the auction must go on."
I leaned back leisurely. "I just placed a bid of twenty million and one. Does the mighty President Mancini plan to raise the stakes?"
I knew him well; his pride was his greatest weakness. True to form, the moment he realized I was still competing for the painting, his expression darkened.
"Azalea, I advise you not to refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit."
I arched an eyebrow, waving a hand lazily.
"Oh? So the great chairman of Mancini Group is backing down over a mere twenty million?"
His temper flared instantly, just as I expected.
"Fine! Let's see how long you can keep up this act!"
"Thirty million!"
"Thirty million… and one."
The muscles in Clyde's jaw twitched as he shot me a fierce glare.
"Fifty million!"
As the numbers soared higher and higher, a thin sheen of sweat gathered on his forehead. I chuckled softly, my voice slow and deliberate.
"Clyde, since we're all here for charity, why not go all in?"
"I bid one billion."
The moment my words fell, the entire venue erupted into chaos.
Although everyone present was a billionaire, having a billion in net worth was a far cry from holding a billion in liquid cash.
Clyde was caught off guard by my sudden show of strength. He froze, lips parted, too hesitant to speak.
That's when Everleigh, who had been keeping silent all this time, finally stepped forward.
"You wretched girl, this is an auction, not a game of numbers."
"Anyone can shout out a billion, but can you actually pay for it?"
The moment her voice faded, Clyde's eyes lit up as if she had handed him a lifeline.
"Secretary Everleigh is absolutely right. Why should I be forced to match every bid you throw out?"