<h4>Chapter 87: Mysterious Man</h4>


    The emcee, clearly flustered, tried to regain control. "Sir, have you perhaps mistaken Ms. Briena for Ms. Natalie?"


    The mysterious man’s voice cut through the room, firm and unyielding. "I know exactly who I bid on. Ms. Natalie is the one my boss wishes to dance with tonight."


    Another wave of murmurs rippled through the hall.


    This rich and handsome looking man who they thought was some bigshot, imed to have his own boss. <i>Who must be the person?</i>


    <i></i>Natalie’s confusion deepened. <i>Justin... could it be him?</i><i>He’s the only rich man I know, who would go to such lengths to protect me or to be precise to help me.</i><i></i>


    The emcee, still reeling from the shock, hesitated before asking, "May I ask, who is your boss, sir? Which esteemed figure will be gracing us with a dance alongside the beautiful Ms. Natalie?"


    "That is not for you to know," the man replied coldly, his expressions and tone arrogance. "In fact, no one here is worthy of knowing him."


    His words left the entire room in stunned silence. The arrogance, the confidence—it was unlike anything they had ever heard.


    Before anyone could react, the doors of the event hall swung open, and in walked several bodyguards, dressed in sharp ck suits. They lined up on either side of the aisle, creating a path.


    Then, an imposing figure appeared at the entrance, nked by more security. The man was tall and powerfully built, exuding an air of control and mystery. He wore a sharp suit beneath a stylish trench coat, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. His inky ck hair fell slightly forward, almost covering his forehead, while his piercing gaze remained fixed straight ahead—directly on Natalie.


    But what shocked the crowd even more was that his face, from the eyes down, was covered by a sleek ck mask, which only added anotheryer of mystery to him.


    Without acknowledging anyone else, the man strode forward, his presence radiating authority. Every step he took seemed to silence the murmurs, as if no one else in the room mattered to him. His focus was solely on Natalie.


    Natalie, standing frozen, felt her heartbeat quicken. <i>Could it really be Justin?</i><i></i>


    Briena seethed with jealousy as the unexpected turn of events .


    Tonight, she was supposed to be the star of the g, the one everyone admired and praised. Yet here was Natalie, once again stealing the spotlight with this mysterious bidder who had wagered <i>one billion</i> on her.


    <i>’How could this happen?’</i> Briena thought, her eyes shing with fury. ’<i>There must be a mistake. He can’t possibly know who Natalie really is!’</i>


    She signaled to her friends with a subtle nce, and they quickly gathered around her, ready to take action.


    Meanwhile, Ivan was equally shocked. He would never dream of bidding billions on anyone—not even Briena. But this man had done so without hesitation for Natalie.


    <i>’Who is he?’ </i>Ivan wondered bitterly, his fists tightening. ’<i>Another man she’s been involved with behind my back?’</i>


    Natalie, still frozen in ce, studied the approaching figure intently. Her mind raced as she tried to read every detail of his movements, her gaze never leaving him.


    Before the mysterious man could reach her, a group of women, led by Lily, stepped into his path. Their presence forced him to stop, his eyes narrowing with displeasure.


    "Sir, how do we know you’re really some wealthy man and not faking it on Natalie’s order?" Lily’s voice was full of suspicion. "Everyone knows no one would want to be associated with <i>her.</i> Did she arrange this to save herself from embarrassment?"


    The man responded with a cold, piercing re, his expression unmoved by the usation. Without a word, he nced at his assistant.


    The assistant, quick to understand, spoke up. "Two billion for a dance with Ms. Natalie Ford," he announced tly. Then, turning to the emcee, he added, "You’ll have the payment in five seconds."


    The emcee’s eyes widened as he signaled to the staff handling the donations. Within moments, their devices beeped, and the confirmation came through. The donation had been made. Everyone stared in disbelief.


    "The money is there," the emcee confirmed, his voice barely concealing his astonishment.


    Lily and her friends stood frozen, their smug confidence evaporating. They nced at Briena, who was equally stunned. This man wasn’t just pretending to be wealthy—he was the real deal. Have they just offended someone they should not have.


    Quickly regaining herposure, Briena stepped forward, adopting a soft, innocent tone. "Sir, please forgive them. They didn’t mean any harm. We’re all just honored to have someone as generous as you here tonight. We simply want to know more about you, nothing more."


    The man’s eyes, however, remained cold, his focus shifting only slightly as he dismissed Briena’s attempt at charm. He was here for one purpose—and it wasn’t to make introductions.


    Instead of the man, his handsome assistant spoke, "Ladies, please step aside so my boss can proceed to his chosen dance partner. He’s a busy man and does not waste his time on random people."


    Lily and her group of friends stood frozen, their faces turning crimson with embarrassment. They were used to being treated with respect and deference, but now, they were publicly dismissed.


    ra, seething from the humiliation and knowing that their n to embarrass Natalie was crumbling, stepped forward. Her voice sharp, she called out, "Sir, I’m sure you don’t know who you’re bidding on. She’s not worthy of starting the dance this evening. You should reconsider your decision. This is the woman with shameful scandals, and allowing her to begin the dance would disrespect us all and tarnish the noble cause of charity!" ra nced around, appealing to the crowd. "Tell me, who here would be happy to let her start the dance of honor?"


    The assistant remained unfazed and replied coolly, in stead of his boss more. "Madam, if Ms. Natalie didn’t deserve to be here, why was she invited? Why was she included in this bidding? Was this a genuine charity bidding with noble intentions, or was it a scheme designed to humiliate certain individuals?"


    ra was taken aback, her confidence faltering as the man seemed to see straight through their scheme.