They faced the risk of losing not just the storefront, but also theirpanies’ prestige and influence.


    Some individuals desperately tried to extract information from others, while some started to concoct


    falsehoods. This turned the venue into an intense field of conflict.


    As the moment of truth approached, everyone held their breath and directed their anxious stares


    towards the stage.


    The victorious bidder would im the storefront situated in the prime area of the new business district.


    Spection buzzed around the room about the identity of the fortunate individual.


    The audience was extremely anxious that they almost Leaped from their chairs as soon as Loraine


    emerged on the stage, carrying an envelope.


    With a smile, she broke the seal on the letter she held. Clearing her throat, she announced, “The victor


    of this bid is…”


    Representatives from the variouspanies rose, their hearts beating fast as they met her gaze.


    Ang’s Library


    But Loraine’s eyes moved beyond them.


    “Jennie Fowler from Fowler Jewelers!”


    “Yeah!”


    Even though Jennie tried to maintain a confident facade, she was still nervous. As the results were


    announced, she hopped around in exhration, shaking her assistant’s shoulder with such enthusiasm


    that it looked almost violent.


    “Can you believe it? It’s actually me! I knew I could pull it off!”


    Loraine returned her enthusiasm with a warm smile. “Congrattions.”


    But before the celebrations could fully take off, a man in the crowd stood up.


    “Hold on! Are you joking? Can you believe that a girl won the bid? This bidding process smells fishy!”


    Content protected by N?v/el(D)rama.Org.


    The protest came from a middle-aged, balding man. His appearance screamed nouveau riche, with a


    belly straining against his shirt and a gold chain around his neck.


    Loraine instantly recognized him as Hurley Castro, a recent entrant to the jewelry industry. Once


    married to a rich woman, he had started his jewelry business with her wealth. The Fowler family was


    his business rival.


    His antagonism towards the Fowlers had grown since he began raking in money from selling low-grade


    jewelry in thest two years


    A scowl formed on Cayson’s face as he sternly cautioned Hurley, “Mr.


    Castro, mind your words!”


    Marco rose and moved swiftly towards Loraine. Hurley instinctively recoiled when Marco shot him a


    cold nce.


    In a chilly tone, Marco retorted, “The bidding oue is unequivocally fair, as it honors only the highest


    bidder. If you didn’t win, it’s because your bid was inadequate. Jennie is from the Fowler family. Why


    are you questioning the integrity of the bidding process only after your loss?”


    Hurley’s face turned red with anger. When the people around him heard