CHAPTER 398: CHAPTER 398: BET -1

"Well then," the elegant woman said with a quiet laugh, "if that is the case, perhaps you should introduce yourself before saying anything more."

Aurora’s chuckle was soft but steady. She looked at both of them and said, "I am Ms. Dawn."

For a moment, silence fell between them. The businessman’s eyes widened, and the elegant woman’s calm expression wavered slightly.

Everyone in the investment world knew the name Ms. Dawn.

She had once been seen as a novice, a wealthy woman who did not know where to put her money.

Some of her early investments had been lucky hits in rising tech startups.

But in the last six months, her choices had grown sharp and decisive. Almost everything she touched began to flourish, as if her presence alone brought good fortune.

Her net worth had soared in just a few months. People whispered that she had some secret insight, some unseen power that guided her to success.

Her reputation as a golden investor was now so strong that even those who doubted her before treated her with deep respect.

The businessman stared at her with renewed hope in his eyes. "Are you truly Ms. Dawn?" he asked, almost unable to believe it.

Before Aurora could answer, the elegant woman laughed again, a soft, dismissive sound.

"I recently read about a woman who pretended to be Ms. Dawn to trick people. You will understand if I do not believe you so easily."

At once, the light of hope in the businessman’s eyes dimmed again. His shoulders drooped slightly, and he looked at Aurora with new doubt.

Aurora raised one eyebrow slightly and let out a short laugh.

"If that is the case," she said evenly, "then I can prove that I am who I say I am. But if I do, what reward will I receive?"

The elegant woman tilted her head, a hint of amusement flickering in her eyes. "Do we need a bet for that?"

Aurora’s chuckle held no warmth. "I have no interest in making bets with someone who isn’t even serious and makes baseless accusations."

She turned her gaze back to the businessman. "What about you? What will you offer?"

The businessman hesitated for a moment, then said carefully, "If you can prove that you are Ms. Dawn, I will give you ten percent of my company’s shares."

Aurora nodded slightly. "Since you are willing to put that much on the line," she said, "then I will match it. If I am not truly Ms. Dawn, I will pay you one hundred million dollars. That is roughly the current liquid value of ten percent of your company."

For a moment, both the businessman and the elegant woman stared at Aurora as if they were staring at some sort of ghost.

The figure of one hundred million dollars was no small amount. It was enough to make even the most confident people hesitate.

The elegant woman, however, recovered first. Her lips curved into a faint smirk.

"Anyone can say such words," she said in a cool tone.

"People often promise great sums. But when the time comes, they do not leave proof. They walk away as if nothing was said."

Aurora’s smirk mirrored hers. "That is good," she replied calmly.

"Then we make a contract, I was going to suggest it anyway. That way, no one can go back on their word."

Her tone was light, as if she were talking about toppings on pizza.

The businessman looked a little uneasy. He was not sure how this would turn out.

The elegant woman’s gaze grew narrow, her long lashes shadowing her eyes as she stared at Aurora.

In her heart, she wondered if Aurora was bluffing.

Yet there was no proof to accuse her.

She tilted her head slightly, then said, "If that is the case, then let us proceed with the bid."

The man suddenly lifted his hand and said in a firm tone,

"I do not want to go with a contract. I believe she is Ms. Dawn, and I am ready to work with her."

Both women turned to look at him in surprise.

The man’s expression was steady. He gave a small smile and said, "Sometimes you have to trust your instinct. I believe her."

The elegant woman raised one brow at him and let out a soft laugh. "You are going to face a huge loss," she said.

"You are backing away from the deal for just one hundred million dollars."

The man gave a short laugh in return. "Maybe so," he replied. "But at least I will have no regret. I will not have missed an opportunity."

Aurora stayed silent and only smiled faintly.

The elegant woman’s eyes glittered, and her tone turned sharper. "Perhaps this is a play the two of you have staged to trick me," she said.

For a brief moment, both Aurora and the man were surprised. Then they both laughed.

Aurora’s laugh was soft, almost as if the thought amused her, and the man chuckled as well.

"If that is the case," Aurora said lightly, "then so be it."

She then turned her gaze back to the elegant woman and said, "Would you be willing to exchange seats with me? I would like to talk with him in peace."

The elegant woman crossed her arms and said calmly, "No. I am not ready to move."

Aurora nodded without a change in her expression and turned to the businessman instead. "Then you can come over to my seat."

The man hesitated only a moment before he nodded and stood up.

As he moved, the elegant woman let out a quiet laugh. "You are going to feel very miserable later," she said to the man.

He turned his head slightly and gave her a polite smile.

"Then at least I will have no regret that I did not trust someone," he said. "It is better to try than to do nothing."

The elegant woman’s face stayed calm, but her eyes showed a glint of displeasure.