Chapter 10

Haven laughed like he felt pity for me. His laughter stabbed my confidence like a knife. 

With that, he shook his head and leaned forward, leaning his elbow against the arm of the chair he was seated on.

"Who the hell would ever give you that kind of money, Johnson?" he sneered.

I kept my composure while lightly tapping the table with my fingers. I was increasingly certain that I had him just where I wanted him as he continued to speak.

However, Isabella… Isabella did not chuckle. Her fingers gripped the edge of her dress as if she were holding onto something much more delicate—her pride—and she was restlessly shifting in her seat.

I smirked, moving my head slightly to catch Haven's eye. "Haven, how about raising your bid? You would not want to let Mrs. June down just yet, would you? What would she think if she found out you promised her a house but could not keep your word?"

Haven felt uncomfortable at the moment, he was raging. I could see the anger and frustration burning in his eyes.

He was not the type of man who love being challenged, particularly in front of others. And everyone in the auction hall was watching today.

"Johnson, do not try to trick me," he said. His voice had become sharper and lower. "We both know you can not afford what you are calling. Stop pushing the price up."

I happily leaned back in my chair and laughed. "Then, if you are unable to pay, do not bid."

He was deeply affected by the words. The anger on his face came in three waves, causing his nostrils to flare and his fingers to tighten around his auction paddle.

He detested the thought of being pushed into a corner by someone like me, especially in front of others who had always viewed him as superior. I could almost hear his mind arguing with himself.

Then he raised his paddle with total poise and resolve.

"Two hundred and ten million dollars."

The room was filled with excitement. While some guests engaged in whispering, others just observed, their gazes darting back and forth between Haven and me as if it were a crucial game of chess.

I could see Isabella's relief—she actually thought they would run over me.

But I was not done yet.

As they maintained that pace, I picked up my paddle, prepared to continue setting the pace, and slowly and deliberately raised it high.

"Two hundred fifty million dollars."

It shook the room. There were gasps coming from everywhere. I felt as though a hundred sets of eyes were pressing down on me, anticipating Haven's response.

For an instant, his expression was one of shock. His fingers twitched briefly before he clenched his fist. He tensed all over, as if he wanted to jump across the table and choke me.

Isabella, however, grabbed Haven's arm right away and screamed loudly into his ear. "Put in another bid! Do not let him win!"

Haven did not respond immediately. He just sat there, perfectly still, his breathing slightly uneven.

Isabella was about to place another bid when he immediately grabbed her wrist, preventing her from raising their paddle.

"We are done," he whispered to himself. At the moment, he is in a very bad situation.

Her eyes went wide with surprise as she turned to face him. "What? No, Haven! No way can we let him win! My mom—"

"I said we are done," he said again, this time he was firmer.

Isabella's face contorted with annoyance. She hesitated for the first time that day, even though it was clear she wanted to continue fighting.

Haven was not as financially secure as he wanted everyone to think, and that hesitation told me all I needed to know.

Isabella—looking at me hatefully, her fingers digging into her dress in sheer rage. She had lost it because of me, even though her mother had wished for the house.

With the auctioneer's voice, the tension was finally released.

"Sold! Two hundred and fifty million dollars to the gentleman!

The deal was sealed when the gavel struck.

There was a round of applause, but I could tell that some of it was more of curiosity, rather than being appreciative. They were not only impressed, but I could see the questions in their eyes without then being asked. 

How had I won against Haven?

Isabella, despite her frustration, was not going to let me celebrate my victory so soon. She turned in her chair, staring at me.

"Tell me, Johnson," she said in an extremely mocking tone. "How exactly are you going to pay for that house? Do not tell me you have been saving your pocket change for years."

Haven grinned, obviously feeling more confident now that he knew I would be bankrupt. "That is right, let us see how he will pay two hundred and fifty million dollars."

I did not respond immediately. I just looked at Natasha, who had been observing the whole thing with composure, like a gladiator watching a fight.

She reached into her purse and took out a sleek, black card without saying anything.

Then she gave it to me with the dignity that only a person in her position could possess.

Once more, the room fell silent.

Haven and Isabella's expressions twisted in confusion.

"No way...!" Isabella whispered as her gaze shifted from Natasha to me.

Haven leaned forward and gave the black card I was holding a fierce look. "You… You did cast a spell on her, didn't you? I hope your poor self gets dumped by her."

I burst out laughing. The situation was too sweetly ironic.

A spell? Not at all, Haven. There was no magic here.

This was power!