Chapter 1348:


    “After today, Maia will definitely bebeled the most valuable jewelry designer of the century.”


    “I can’t believe how wealthy these people are—bidding like it’s nothing.”


    When the price reached sixty million, the number of bidders noticeably decreased.


    Then, out of nowhere, a calm male voice echoed through the venue. “One hundred million.”


    The entire room erupted in shock.


    The livestreamments erupted instantly.


    “One hundred million dors? What on earth is happening? Who is that guy?”


    “Are you kidding me? It’s just a jewelry design!”


    “Someone pinch me—this is insane! I’m utterly envious.”


    Even Kiley hadn’t imagined anyone would be this reckless. Everyone turned simultaneously, searching for the person behind the outrageous bid.


    A spotlight swung over the crowd. There, a strikingly handsome man lounged with his legs crossed—tall, blond, with sharp features—holding up his bidding paddle as if it were nothing. Surrounding him stood more than ten tall men in identical suits and sunsses, clearly his private security team.


    People frowned in confusion. Who was this man to bring such arge entourage? Tonight’s event required real-name invitations. Even top-tier guests were allowed only one or two bodyguards with extra approval.


    Yet he had brought a small team. He looked less like a bidder and more like someone preparing for a confrontation. And starting the night with a 100-million-dor bid? Only someone truly formidable could pull that off.


    Maia stared at him, her brow slightly furrowed. He seemed familiar, yet she couldn’t ce him.


    Then the man slowly rose to his feet. He scanned the hall with a cold, superior gaze before raising his index finger. His voice was icy. “Is anyone else bidding?”


    The hall fell silent. He made a gesture which signaled an open-ended bid. By making it, he was dering that he would keep raising his offer, no matter the price, until the item was his.


    In theory, others could keep bidding to drive up the price. In practice, the opposite often urred.


    Once bidders recognized the determination behind such a bid, many preferred to withdraw rather than provoke conflict. No one wanted retaliatory trouble over a single auction item.


    Besides, making such an aggressive move was considered taboo in these circles. Doing it too often was a sure way to alienate everyone present.


    With many lots still avable, there was little point in fixating on this one.


    Those imposing bodyguards alone gave anyone pause. Still, several high-status attendees were unwilling to back down.


    “Who do you think you are? Making an open-ended bid on the first item? Do you even know the rules?”


    “A hundred million and you call that an open-ended bid? Are you mocking us?”


    “So he has a few bodyguards—does he think that makes him invincible?”


    Some didn’t waste words. They simply raised their paddles.


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