NOVEL NEXT Chapter 10: GAME!
As the auction resumed downstairs, chaos brewed in the shadows. Luna, sharp and cunning as ever, had already foreseen the rising concerns over the herb being auctioned. Discreetly, she sent a message to her highly skilled team known as phantom under the alias Dr. Elena.
"Keep the herb safe in today's auction," she instructed. "Check it thoroughly and ensure there are no discrepancies."
Within moments, a reply flashed on her device:
"Understood. Be careful—there are many snakes lurking around tonight. Some even have a bounty on you. We'll keep you secure."
A dangerous glint flashed through her eyes as she read the message. Her lips curled into a menacing smirk. "Since when do eagles fear snakes?" she murmured.
The auction progressed, and as it neared its climax, the second-to-last item—a miraculous pill—was revealed.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the host announced, "a breakthrough from the Miracle Scientist, beneficial for chronic illnesses! Bidding starts now!" The starting bid is 10 million.
The room buzzed with excitement. The bidding escalated quickly, and the pill was sold for a staggering 100 million to Alexander.
High above the scene, Aurora watched through narrowed eyes, her expression flickering between guilt and disdain. "A miracle pill?" she sneered softly. "It's just the leftover waste from the original pills, sold for a mere 5 million in the black market. And now it fetches a hundred million? What a farce."
Her attention shifted as the final and most valuable item—the coveted herb—was unveiled on stage. A spark of anticipation lit up her eyes.
The host elaborated on the herb's significance, and a wave of excitement swept through the audience. Among the attendees were elite scientists, many of whom had come specifically for this herb.
"The starting bid is 50 million!"
The bidding war erupted. The price surged rapidly—300 million, 400 million, and then 600 million. By this point, only a few determined bidders remained.
The bidding war intensified, tension crackling in the air like an electric storm. Aurora's gaze flicked to the closed private booth across from her, where the man who kept matching her bids remained hidden. Though she couldn't see his face, his intent was unmistakable. The moment she raised her paddle with confidence and called out "650 million," the attendant in the booth announced his counter almost immediately.
"700 million."
Aurora blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Her brow furrowed slightly as she considered the possibility. "Perhaps he needs the herb just as desperately as I do," she thought. Steeling herself, she raised her paddle again, her voice steady and resolute.
"800 million."
Gasps rippled through the crowd below, a symphony of murmurs rising in the grand hall.
"Unbelievable."
"Who are these people? This is insane!"
"Most of us down here don't even have a net worth close to a billion dollars," someone muttered in awe.
The enigmatic bidder in the private booth didn't falter. A cool, calculated voice announced his next move.
"900 million."
The bid escalated further between only two of them the numbers climbing with every passing moment. Aurora's paddle rested in her hand, poised for the next move, but her instincts were already tingling with unease. After a few more rounds, the pattern became clear.
"He's toying with me," she thought, her brows knitting together as suspicion tightened its grip on her mind. "Why? Does he know me? Is he my enemy?"
A dangerous glint sparked in her eyes, the predator within her awakening. Her mind raced with possibilities, but none offered an easy solution. Walking away wasn't an option—not when this herb was vital.
"I need this herb," she mused, her expression hardening. "If I don't secure it here, I'll have to contact my team. That would not only delay everything but also increase the risk of exposing my situation. And then what would I even say? 'Oh, by the way, I've swapped souls'? It sounds like a bad fantasy film!"
Her fingers gripped the paddle tighter as the weight of the predicament bore down on her. "No," she thought firmly, a dangerous resolve taking shape. "If I keep playing into his hands, he won't back off. Let's check what he have in store.
"1.2 billion! Going once, going twice—sold!"
The enigmatic man smirked in his booth, then stood up. "Let's deliver this herb to our little friend," he said. "I need something from her, after all. And it wouldn't be polite to show up empty-handed."
A gentle knock sounded on Aurora's door.
"Come in," she called, her voice steady despite her anticipation.
The door opened, and her eyes widened in shock. "Sebastian Harper?" she whispered under her breath, her mind reeling.
He stepped inside with calm, commanding presence. "Dr. Elena," he began smoothly, "may we have a word?"
Aurora nodded, composing herself. "Sure."
Sebastian placed the herb on the table in front of her. "I can give this to you," he said, "but everything comes at a cost." He gestured subtly toward his assistant. "Liam," he said, his tone calm yet authoritative.
Liam stepped forward, placing a neatly prepared file on the table in front of her. Aurora picked it up cautiously, her fingers brushing the edges of the crisp paper. As she flipped through the pages, her eyes scanned the details with practiced efficiency.
Sebastian's voice broke the silence, steady but carrying an undercurrent of urgency.
"This is my sister's case file. She's been battling a chronic illness for five years. None of the doctors we've consulted have been able to help her. I've been searching for you for four years, Dr. Elena, and now I finally have the chance to meet you."
Aurora's eyes flicked back to him briefly before returning to the file. Each word carried weight, yet her face remained impassive as she processed the situation. "So that's why he's here," she thought, but she kept her suspicions and thoughts tightly guarded.
Aurora leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, her tone laced with mockery as she was unhappy with him for toying her earlier.
"You have a rather... extravagant way of giving gifts and asking for help Mr.—"
The man's lips curled into a polite smile, his posture relaxed yet commanding.
"Sebastian Harper," he interjected smoothly.
Aurora closed the file and stood her expression unreadable. "I'm sorry, Mr. Harper," she said, her voice firm. "Your sister's condition is critical, and her chances of survival are low. I can't take the risk."
Sebastian's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. He rose to leave but paused at the door. "Liam, leave the herb with Dr. Elena. It's a gift."
Aurora's eyes widened. "Mr. Harper, I can't accept this—it's far too costly."
Sebastian smiled faintly. "It's of no use to me. Besides, I bought it as a gift for you. Please, keep it."
His sincerity disarmed her. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded cautiously. "I'm not in the right state to treat anyone now, Mr. Harper. I need time to recuperate. But once I'm ready, I'll consult on your sister's case. No guarantees, but I'll try my best."
Sebastian's expression softened, though he masked his relief. "That's all I ask. Thank you, Dr. Elena."
Meanwhile, Alexander lingered in the corridor, waiting for Aurora. He noted the presence of numerous bodyguards and wondered, "Who's the high-profile guest?"
Lost in thought, Alexander caught a glimpse of a familiar figure from the corner of his eye. He turned sharply but dismissed it as impossible. Scanning the second-floor booths, he noticed no women among the attendees—except the one who had vanished.
Heart pounding, he sprinted toward the exit, only to see a sleek car speeding off into the night.
"Damn it," he muttered, frustration simmering. The fleeting familiarity lingered, leaving him unsettled and full of unanswered questions.