?Chapter 1088:


    “Nine million.” A calm voice rang through the room. A hush fell over the crowd.


    “It’s Cedric!” someone whispered in surprise.


    Alexander’s expression darkened. “Fifteen million!”


    Cedric remainedposed. “Twenty million.”


    Alexander’s jaw tightened as he shot Cedric a sharp look. “Twenty-one million!”


    Cedric didn’t flinch. “Thirty million.”


    At Cedric’s offer, the entire hall buzzed with astonishment.


    “Are they out of their minds? Thirty million!”


    “Is Cedric just throwing money away? This tiny bowl isn’t worth more than five million at best!”


    “What are Cedric and Alexander even fighting over? Does the bowl have some hidden value we don’t know about?”


    “Wow! A showdown between the former and current richest men in the country.”


    “Now, this is entertainment!”


    “What a spectacle!”


    Carol leaned in towards Dani. “Alexander made over fifty billion off you and thinks buying this little bowl will win your favor. But what about Cedric? I heard Cedric was in aa for three years, and Phillips Group has been struggling. Dropping this kind of money now must be putting serious pressure on them, don’t you think?”


    Alexander stood apart from Cedric, sitting on a mountain of wealth, with over five billion to his name. Spending a couple of million? That was just a piece of cake.


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    Dani’s eyebrows subtly furrowed, her expression barely shifting.


    The auctioneer, however, was ted.


    “Thirty million on the table! Mr. Phillips is raising the stakes!”


    He then turned to Alexander, a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. “Mr. Bet, would you care to increase your offer?”


    Alexander was visibly annoyed. It was just a small bowl. Blowing a few million for Dani’s sake was still within reason, but over ten million for its acquisition? That seemed ludicrous. Even with his deep pockets, reckless spending wasn’t his style. Was Cedric losing his senses?


    Alexander was known for being shrewd, always looking for value for money. As a businessman, he lived by the pursuit of profit. He tightened his lips and cast a quick nce at Dani, who appearedpletely disinterested.


    Alexander considered raising his bid one final time, ready to concede if outbid. After all, it was just a small bowl. If Dani truly desired it, he could always arrange another purchaseter. Just an ordinary piece—nothing to get worked up over.


    But Cedric was fiercely determined to im victory. Alexander aimed to make that victory less straightforward. With a deliberate edge to his actions, he raised his paddle high and dered, “Forty million.”


    Eyes twinkling with mischief, Alexander watched Cedric intently, curious to see how he would respond.


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