The auction went on for several minutes, but Alrik never bid on any item. Vaida mocked him for this, especially after Kaden bid on a fancy perfume for her worth ten million. Eliza’s family chimed in to mock her as well when they saw that she also wasn’t bidding.
"After all your efforts to steal my company, you’re still penniless? How pitiful. At least beg your husband to try bidding even if he will lose, just to save face. I warned you that you would only be humiliated by remaining here among elites like us." Her grandfather said with a chuckle.
She wasn’t bothered. While they were in the car, on their way to the event, Alrik already told her that he had a special gift for her. She trusted him, and she was patient.
"And the last item is very special indeed. The CEO of Crestview Group had these specially made for his beloved wife. Three jewellery sets made from the only Alairas gems ever mined in the country. In their uncut form, each gem costs about 4 billion each, but after being refined into such elegant pieces, their prices have now doubled. The CEO submitted a bid of ten billion dollars on each jewellery set, and he is confident that no one can outbid him. Is he right? Or is there anyone in the crowd who wishes to prove him wrong?"
"There has to be a mistake. Those cannot be the only Alairas gems in existence here. I own an Alairas gem. In fact, I’m wearing it right now." Henry Pratt said and raised his wrist high, proudly showing off the gem he had been gifted on his birthday by his grandson, Marco.
"Unfortunately, that is a fake. And it can be easily proven. Real Alairas gems glow in the dark. Turn the lights off please." The auctioneer said, and the lights were turned off.
The guests began to murmur, and gasp as the three jewellery sets set on the stage each began to glow faintly.
"Beautiful." Eliza said with a smile, and squeezed Alrik’s hand.
She knew the gifts were for her. She had never expected such extravagant presents, but she had to admit that they were stunning. Each jewellery set consisted of a necklace with a centrepiece of varying design, a bracelet, earrings, and two rings. Eighteen altogether.
When the lights came back on, Henry Pratt’s face was red with shame, and he kept his wrists down. His shame became anger, and he glared at Mario who got him the gift. Now everyone knew it was a fake.
"Thirty billion dollars for the three jewellery sets. Going once."
No one dared try to bid higher than that. There were very few who had wealth enough to that level, but how could they bankrupt themselves just for jewellery. The rest didn’t even have that much to spare. Everyone began to speculate on the true wealth of Crestview.
"Going twice. Sold! T the CEO of Crestview Group. Thank you sir for your generous donation. You may claim your prize."
Alrik stood, and all eyes turned to him. At that moment, his inner circle emerged from behind the stage curtains, and took up their positions while Alrik walked to the stage.
"Impossible!" Kalen spoke with eyes wide, and sweaty palms. ɪꜰ ʏᴏᴜ ᴡᴀɴᴛ ᴛᴏ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴍᴏʀᴇ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs, ᴘʟᴇᴀsᴇ ᴠɪsɪᴛ noⅴelfire.net
Eliza’s family had all turned pale as they watched Alrik smile, and turn to face the crowd.
"Good evening Ladies, and Gentlemen. I am Alrik Crest. The founder and CEO of Crestview Group. I’m sure a lot of you have been dying to see me, while the rest are probably wishing I remained unknown." He chuckled at that before he continued speaking.
"But the star of tonight is my beautiful wife, Eliza Crest. Darling, these gems are a token of my affection. For your love, and loyalty, and standing beside me. Your love cannot be quantified, but eleven digits is a starting point at least. So which of your new gifts would you like to wear tonight?"
He asked, as he stretched his hand towards her. She stood, and approached him with a smile. Then pointed at the third set. While everyone watched, he first fastened the bracelet around her wrist, then the rings, then the earrings, and last, the necklace.
The reporters by the corner that hadn’t paid attention to Alrik and Eliza at the beginning, began to take pictures like crazy. Their cameras flashed as she smiled and turned so everyone could see how one of her gifts looked on her.
They held hands and walked down from the stage, with the rest of Alrik’s inner circle, and then took their seats. Gaya stared at Kalen with a look that promised vengeance. Of all of them, she held the most grudge against him, because he was responsible for Dagon’s death. Dagon was the love of her life, even if they never went public with their relationship before his death. She swore that Kalen’s life would end by her hands, but made sure none of her hatred showed on her face as reporters took their pictures.
"Alrik, how could you give her those precious gems? A woman like her doesn’t deserve..."
"Watch your mouth, or I will personally drag you out of here by your hair." Gaya warned as she interrupted Vaida’s complaint.
Vaida saw that she couldn’t get Alrik’s attention, because all his focus was on Eliza, so she decided to cause a scene. The guests present stood to share a toast to the concluded auction, and then Vaida fainted while everyone took their seats. There were some gasps from the crowd, and a few turned in her direction, but Alrik didn’t bother.
"Bruno, announce the names of the companies selected for the partnership now, please." Alrik ordered, and Bruno nodded.
Once he climbed the stage and began the announcement, no one cared about Vaida anymore. They were all more interested in finding out if they made the list.
"Enough with this tantrum. You’re embarrassing me." Griffin snapped as Kalen tried to resuscitate Vaida.
"There’s a reason you were rejected by the theatre club back when we were in school, Vaida. You’re a lousy actor." Eliza chuckled, and Vaida finally opened her eyes.
"You bitch!" She yelled and pushed her chair aside as she stood.