Chapter 14 {Mencing}

A cold, calculating glint entered Stanford's eyes as he observed Echinacia's audacious bid. He hadn't expected such resistance, especially from someone who seemed so unassuming. A flicker of curiosity sparked within him – who was this mysterious woman daring to challenge the Volkov family?

He signaled to Alexei, his expression unreadable.

"Sixty million pounds," he announced through his assistant, his voice devoid of emotion. The declaration echoed through the hall, shattering the momentary silence and reigniting the bidding war. The subtle threat inherent in the Volkov name hung heavy in the air, a silent warning to any who dared to continue the contest.

"65 million pound."

Stanford's jaw clenched imperceptibly at Echinacia's persistent bids. Her refusal to back down was both irritating and intriguing. He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers as he contemplated his next move.

Alexei, noticing his employer's contemplative stance, whispered urgently.

"Sir, with all due respect, the herb's value doesn't justify such a high bid. We should consider withdrawing."

Stanford silenced him with a sharp glance, his eyes never leaving the stage where Echinacia stood defiantly.

"No," he said firmly.

"I want that herb."

He turned to the bodyguard who had been relaying their bids.

"One hundred million pounds," he instructed calmly, as if ordering a mere cup of coffee.

The room erupted in a collective gasp as Echinacia's bid of one hundred and sixty million pounds reverberated through the auction hall. The sheer audacity of the number stunned even the most seasoned attendees.

Lulu, despite her usual composure, couldn't contain her amusement. She stifled a giggle behind her hand, her eyes wide with a mixture of admiration and disbelief as she observed her boss's unwavering resolve. It was remarkable to witness such power and confidence emanating from someone so young.

In the private room, Stanford remained impassive, his expression betraying no emotion. However, his closest companions were visibly taken aback by Echinacia's escalating bids.

"Holy shit, that girl has guts!" exclaimed the redhead, his voice laced with a mixture of surprise and grudging respect. He turned to Stanford, expecting a reaction, but found his friend staring blankly ahead.

"Remember the Volkov family's request? The one about finding someone?"

Lulu nodded, her brow furrowing as she recalled the details.

"They asked for our help locating a specific individual. I never got around to it, but now..." Echinacia trailed off, her mind racing with possibilities.

She paused, turning to face Lulu fully. Her eyes flashed with a mixture of annoyance and determination.

"From now on, any business dealings with the Volkovs will start at ten times the market price. And whether or not we fulfill their request will depend entirely on my mood."

Lulu's eyes widened at the implications of Echinacia's decree. It was a bold move, one that could potentially strain their relationship with the powerful Volkov family. But she knew better than to question Echinacia's judgment.

"Yes, boss," Lulu replied obediently, falling into step beside her as they exited the auction house.

Maxwell looked up at his sister, sensing the tension in the air. He squeezed her hand gently, offering a small smile of support.

Echinacia was in a bad mood. A really, really, bad mood.

Her gaze was cold and her eyes were bloodshot.

She seemed to be shrouded in a depressive cloud.

Maxwell did not dare to provoke his sister, for he had never seen her this depressed.

The crux of the matter was that this piece of jade was of great importance to them.

Moreover, there was nothing his sister could not do or get. Until now.

He followed Echinacia out of the bar cautiously.

In front of Moon Light Auction House enormous entrance was a row of VIP parking spots that harbored dozens of expensive sports cars.

A few hedonistic young masters were sitting crosslegged on the hood of a convertible.

When Echinacia passed them, all of them jumped down and blocked her way.

They had noticed Echinicia when they were in the bar and had been waiting for her to come out.

The hedonistic heirs smiled sinisterly.

"It's late, girl. Want big bros to send you home?"

"That's right, girl, it's already so late. Don't go back home. There's a hotel right by us and big bro can book a topnotch suite for you to play with us."

"Big bro's sports car is really comfortable. Wanna try?"

Maxwell's gaze turned frosty, restraint in his large pretty eyes. A wicked smile flashed across his face.

Awesome, they had a death wish. Idiot fools his cousin sister is angry and they just about to annoy her to death!

Echinacia's eyes narrowed as the group of hedonistic young masters blocked her path, their lewd propositions hanging heavy in the air. She could feel Maxwell's gaze on her, his silent support a comforting presence at her side.

She took a deep breath, her fingers twitching slightly as she fought to control her temper. The audacity of these men to approach her so brazenly was infuriating, especially after the frustrating turn of events at the auction.

Slowly, deliberately, Echinacia turned to face them. Her eyes, usually warm and inviting, now burned with an icy fury that made even the bravest of men shudder.

"Move," she commanded, her voice low and dangerous.

"Before I make you."

The young masters exchanged uneasy glances, momentarily taken aback by the sheer intensity of her gaze. But their bravado quickly returned, fueled by alcohol and arrogance.

"Feisty one, aren't you?" sneered the tallest of the group, stepping closer to Echinacia.

"I like that in a woman."

Echinacia took off her jacket and slowly dropped it on the ground and then she sighed. Her eyes were blood shot red at this moment.

The scene erupted into a chaotic flurry of limbs and grunts as Maxwell's initial attack sparked a fullblown brawl. But just as the young masters began to recover from his surprise assault, Echinacia moved with a speed that defied her seemingly calm demeanor.

With a swift, decisive motion, she yanked her hair into a tight ponytail, revealing the fierce determination etched on her face. She vanished from her previous position, appearing almost instantaneously behind one of the remaining young masters. With a brutal efficiency, she seized his neck in a vicelike grip and slammed him forcefully to the ground. The impact echoed through the night, silencing any protests that might have been uttered.

As another young master attempted to flank her, Echinacia pivoted with lightning reflexes, unleashing a powerful kick that connected squarely with his knee.