?Chapter 103:


    Kaiden, reclining casually, signaled Ellie to proceed.


    Ellie coolly stated, “We’ll raise by another hundred million.” The stalemate persisted.


    Erick, consumed by fury, rashly bid, “Two hundred million more!” He couldn’t bear losing his treasured car to Kaiden.


    Kaiden’s hand gently met Ellie’s, holding the auction paddle.


    It was a sign to cease bidding.


    This tender act momentarily stiffened Ellie. She discreetly withdrew her hand, crossing her arms defensively. It was a clear sign of difort.


    Kaiden’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully.


    The auctioneer, thrilled by the escting bids, announced, “Congrattions to bidder number seven for acquiring the Koenigsegg at 1.9 billion dors!”


    His excitement was fueled by his own gain from their extravagant spending.


    Erick wore a smug smile, casting a triumphant nce at Kaiden and Ellie.


    Yet, Ellie caught a fleeting smirk on Kaiden’s lips.


    Piecing together Kaiden’s aggressive bidding and sudden withdrawal, she whispered in realization, “Could it be that he doesn’t actually have the funds?”


    It was a rhetorical question since she already knew the answer.


    “How did you figure that out?” Kaiden asked, ncing at her.


    “Because of my bidding, Demi spent two hundred million, and with the car at 1.9 billion, the total exceeds two billion, not even ounting for taxes. Erick has assets butcks immediate cash flow.” Ellie reasoned that Erick couldn’t possibly afford the car.


    She noted that Kaiden never wasted efforts. Like with the winery, he would have outbid others decisively if he truly wanted it.


    As Ellie spoke, her eyes gleamed with the thrill of outsmarting someone and the satisfaction of her own acumen.


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    Kaiden had the impulse to pinch her cheek.


    But he held back, recalling her earlier defensive gesture.


    “Does Erick’s predicament please you?” Kaiden asked, assuming she’d be upset.


    Ellie’s eyes sparkled with delight.


    Seeing her ex-fiancé in distress brought her undeniable joy.


    The final item was unveiled: a set of diamond bracelets.


    The allure was immediate, eclipsing the previous items in desirability. Wealthy bidders prepared to vie for it, possibly as avish gift. Kaiden, without hesitation, raised his paddle. “Two billion.” His bid cast a hush over the crowd.


    “What the hell? Two billion right off the bat? Did he even leave room for others to bid?”


    Someone whispered, “Who is that man? The one next to Ellie!”


    “I don’t have a clue! But such extravagance… he’s richer than Erick!”


    “That’s Kaiden Thorpe, isn’t it?”


    “Impossible! Kaiden isn’t favored in the Thorpe family and doesn’t have that much money. Plus, Erick didn’t even greet him when he got here.”


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