Highest Bidder (Part 1)

"A hundred million?" the Chief Auctioneer, Phillips Sotheby, asked in surprise. He took an uncertain step towards the young bidder. "Did I hear a hundred million, mister? Are you sure?"

Victor nodded, and the crowd gasped in unison. "What are you doing?" Claire mouthed at him. Even though Victor had revealed himself as an extraordinary, influential man, a hundred million dollars was no joke. Even with a large inheritance, Claire couldn't afford to spend that amount in a random auction. She had won a few middle-tier items worth less than two million through bids.

"Have you lost your mind?" Rose exclaimed, pulling at Victor's sleeve. "These are serious people who don't take offenses lightly. Derek Shepherd is a powerful man you shouldn't cross!"

"I know what I am doing," the man replied coldly. His aura had transformed by then into one of authority. His words prompted the beauties to stay silent.