?Chapter 105:


    “What?” Erick, startled and embarrassed, struggled to process the information. It hinted at a pretense of wealth he couldn’t maintain.


    The staff member exined, “Mr. Thorpe, your current bnce is 1.93 billion dors. Miss Gordon’s purchases amount to 202 million. The Koenigsegg bid is 1.9 billion, exceeding your total funds, and this is before taxes.”


    Demi, misunderstanding the gravity of the situation, dismissively interjected, “Just 2 billion. Don’t underestimate Mr. Thorpe.”


    Erick found himself unwilling to engage in conversation with Demi, frustrated by her naive perspective.


    Just 2 billion?


    To maintain appearances, he had allocated nearly all his liquid assets for the auction. Now, with less than 100 million remaining, he found himself in a financial bind.


    If Demi hadn’t overbid, Erick might have managed to cover the expense. But with the current situation…


    Ellie, seizing the moment, addressed Erick. “No need to panic, Mr. Thorpe. The penalty for withdrawing a bid is only 40%. If the 1.9 billion is too steep, the 500 million penalty should be more manageable for you.”


    But the stark difference was clear: while 1.9 billion would secure a prized sports car, 500 million would simply vanish as a penalty, a bitter oue indeed.


    “Ellie, what nonsense are you talking about?” Demi’s retort was cut short as she noticed Erick’s ashenplexion, her voice softening with concern. “Erick, are you okay?”


    “Shut the fuck up!” Erick hissed, seething with frustration and embarrassment.


    Demi was the reason why he was making a fool of himself!


    Demi recoiled, feeling as though she had been metaphorically pped. Erick’s harsh scolding in public, coupled with his apparent financial predicament, left her humiliated.


    Spection and murmurs spread among the onlookers.


    More books avable at gα?ησv?ls


    “Does Mr. Thorpe really not have the funds?” someone whispered.


    “Hard to say. 1.9 billion is no small sum,” another replied, fueling the gossip. “We’ll see who’s truly wealthy when it’s time to settle the bill.”


    Erick, desperate to deflect, targeted Ellie. “You should be more concerned about your ownpanion,” he scoffed, doubting Kaiden’s financial capacity, especially after his extravagant spending.


    But the staff promptly rified, “That gentleman has alreadypleted his payment.”


    Kaiden’s swift settlement of the bill silenced any doubts about his means.


    Erick, pointing usingly at Kaiden, was incredulous. “How… How is this possible?”


    “Mr. Thorpe, it’s impolite to point while speaking,” Ellie intervened smoothly.


    Ellie’s remark subtly highlighted Erick’sck of manners.


    Erick, realizing his impoliteness, quickly retracted his hand. Hisplexion alternated between pale and flushed, his gaze still intensely focused on Kaiden.


    He was baffled. Where did Kaiden get that much money?


    .


    .


    .