?Chapter 147:

    Earlier, Lise was under pressure, but now the auctioneer’s words had shifted the focus onto Neil as well.

    Neil, with a stern look and a n in mind, smirked and dered, “I’ll bid higher. How could I let such a rare treasure slip away?”

    As he made his statement, he confidently lifted his bid card. “710 million.”

    What Neil considered a defensive move, Katelyn saw merely as pretense.

    During her college years, Katelyn interned at the Bailey Group, so she knew a thing or two about business management. Recently, Vincent had been assisting her with various inquiries as well. She knew the influence of the Wheeler Group was diminishing.

    Vincent cast a chilly look at Neil. “Don’t overextend yourself,” he warned, lifting his own bid card. “250 million.”

    The auction had turned into an intense rivalry between the two men, though both remained outwardly calm.

    Neil clenched his teeth, frustrated. The auctioneer was undoubtedly the most pleased person here, having never expected such a fierce bidding war between the titans. Imagining the heftymission, the auctioneer grinned broadly, goading Neil further.

    “300 million,” Neil responded, raising his bid card again.

    Lise, momentarily overtaken by anger, quickly pulled at Neil’s sleeve. The Wheeler Group’s finances were tight, showing only roughly a billion with many pending payments, and yet Neil was recklessly spending in a bidding contest with Vincent.

    Was this an attempt by Neil to show Katelyn he was Vincent’s equal?

    Lise, struggling to control her anger, felt a growing despair over theck of prudence from the Baileys and Neil. To them, appearances mattered much more than the actual funds avable.

    Taking a deep breath topose herself, Lise advised Neil in a calm, soothing voice, “Neil, please rx and think this through. The auctioneer is just baiting you to increase your bid. Ultimately, he’s the one who stands to gain the most.”

    Read exclusive content at g?lnσν???s

    Neil’s gaze hardened as he dered icily, “Step back, woman—I’ve got this.”

    As he spoke, he raised his bid card once more. “500 million!”

    The surge of anger nearly overwhelmed Lise. She thought, exasperated, Why must everyone act so irrationally? Why did no one heed my warnings?

    Neil was fully aware of Lise’s apprehensions but found himself trapped in the momentum. Cornered by the auctioneer’s provocations, he had no alternative but to continue, knowing any sign of hesitation would fuel the rumors swirling around him.

    While Neil was fraught with anxiety, Vincent looked on serenely, a faint smile curling his lips, clearly enjoying the moment.

    “600 million!” announced Vincent, confidently lifting his bid card.

    His bid sent a wave of astonishment through the crowd once again.

    Katelyn feltpelled to step in, leaning over to whisper urgently in Neil’s ear, “Halt your bids. It’s far too costly already.”

    She had previously calcted the auction’s value at around 300 million, but now, as the bid reached 400 million with no end in sight, the stakes were climbing unexpectedly high.

    Vincent, as cool as ever, remarked softly, “Let’s see how long he can maintain this pace.”

    As Neil readied another bid, Lise felt herself teetering on the brink of despair. She thought, If only the world were devoid of such folly. My advice has been unequivocal.

    Why couldn’t Neil see the peril? Was he really willing to gamble their funds on a chase? Did he desire to see his enterprise crumble?

    The chasm in understanding between them only deepened Lise’s vexation.

    With finality, Lise warned, “Neil, listen to me—stayposed and avoid his bait. The entire future of yourpany rests with you. Don’t squander it on a whim.”

    .

    .

    .