Chapter Nineteen
The billionaires' battlefield; wealth is the only weapon 3
Jeff woke up seriously invigorated. Mr. Morris and Leon made sure he rested and fed well. That day, he was energized and was prepared to face the week. They were all set for their various activities. Mr. Morris decided to walk from home. Kelvin and his aid accompanied Leon to school. Jeff drove his clunker to the venue with his grandfather's aids and security, who always followed from a reasonable distance.
They got to the bidding venue – the Ministry of Trade and Commerce at about 8:30 am and parked. His aids and security parked beside him. When he got out his car, he was greeted by Mr. Ferguson and his team, who came incognito. Jeff wanted to greet him, but he dismissed him with a sign. Jeff understood, they were not to be identified together. Shortly, they were in the hall.
There were about one hundred people in the gigantic hall. Mr. Brooklyn was sitting in the hall already. Eighty percent of those seated were his men. Mr. Ferguson and his team took their seats far away from Jeff. By this time, the news of the Island Auction Sales was on social media courtesy of the CFOGG Media team. The publicity was loud that the Ministry was in a precarious position as they got incessant calls demanding why they failed to make the event known to the public.
"Can we apply now?"
"We are interested."
"How can we be part of the bidding?"
The minister answered their questions with one sentence.
"We are sorry, the application had closed."
The aim of the publicity had been achieved because there would be transparency; hence all eyes were on the ministry and there was going to be livestreaming. Mr. Brooklyn, who did not expect it, was surprised when his team member called his attention to the internet.
"We are doomed if that is the case."
He said with fright written all over his face. But another team member corrected him."
"I don't think it is a bad case for us boss, they are not admitting new applicants."
Mr. Brooklyn was relieved. When it was 9 am prompt, the event began. The Host took over the stage while Mr. Ferguson began to live-stream.
At the Endless Love, Arcadia.
Madam Sica Ray was disappointed in her staff for not being smart enough to apply when she discovered it was already too late to apply. She decided to watch the live-streaming on the internet all the same.
At the Morris Ancestral Manor.
Mr. Morris was in his suite. He relaxed on the couch and rested his legs on the center table with his Organic Tea beside him.
In the fifty-two counties where Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group had presence, despite the differences in the time zone, they were watching the event. The Presidents and Prime Ministers of these countries, were also tuned in, and they were all making one comment or the other.
The International Vice Chairman was at ease at this point because it was obvious that it was only the highest bidder that would win. He would not mind if the Cherry Fields Oil and Gas Group fails, but at least, they made an attempt. The Host began.
"I want to welcome you all to this … Can the bidders for today move to the stage please?"
The bidders walked up to the stage where there were ten seats with their code tags. Most of them were males. The two women among them were not appealing because there was no substance of wealth written on them. They could be representatives of some higher-ups. Jeff was the youngest, with a mask and plain spectacles. His seat was the third on the stage, he walked up and sat up straight with confidence. Mr. Ferguson and his team were busy with the livestreaming.
Mr. Brooklyn and his fictitious bidders were the only aged elderly. They felt awkward, but he consoled himself with the victory that lay ahead because the minister must have informed the Host on what to do. The Host continued.
"Thank you all for coming. We are going straight to the bidding. Who is bidding first?"
Just as planned, one of Mr. Brooklyn's men bade ten billion. There was an outburst of laughter in the hall and murmuring here and there. Mr. Brooklyn became jittery. He looked at the Host for an eye contact, but he pretended to be too busy. From the behavior of the crowd, to pull their tricks may not be easy.
"Ten billion, going. Next person please."
"Twenty billion."
From Jeff, just as he was instructed. The audience clapped. They were not just clapping for the amount but for not wasting their time by topping with one or two billions.
"Thank you. Next person."
"Twenty one billion."
"Thank you. Twenty-one billion from a lady. Next person."
"Thirty one billion."
"Yes, we are moving, thirty-one billion from the youngest bidder. Next."
Now, all eyes were on the youngest bidder. At the Eagles City University, Prof. Wood, who was following the livestreaming, had a strange feeling when he saw Jeff.
'He looked very much like Jeff.'
He thought. He focused on his phone because he had shown him his phone sometime. But he could not catch a glimpse of the phone.
At the Endless Love Arcadia
Madam Sica Ray became confused.
'This person looked like Jeff, but what would a student be doing in a bidding event. She was still brooding over her staff inability to get the information.
At the bidding Hall
"Yes, thirty-one billion going."
"Thirty three billion."
"Wow. Thirty-three billion from another female bidder."
Mr. Brooklyn felt he would say something. After all, even if he cannot pay at once, he could make an installment payment.
"Thirty four billion."
"Thirty four billion going."
"Forty four billion."
The Host was thrilled.
"Wow,' the youngest ten billion difference bidder' meant business."
The crowd laughed. Mr. Brooklyn who was at the back cast a supercilious look at Jeff, with one intention. Kidnap him after the event and get ransom from his parents.
"Forty four billion."
"That is good. We are moving."
The crowd was already predicting Jeff. They were hoping that he would add another ten billion. Mr. Morris did not have a problem with the money, but with his business acumen and sense of judgment. He waited to hear him add another ten billion.
His parents were of different opinion. They felt he should have been wiser. That is always the difference between the children raised by grandparents and biological parents. To everyone's dismay, Jeff bade again.
"Fifty billion."
"Wow! Fifty billion going."
The crowd helped the host to shout.
"Gone."
The host was expecting more bidding, but the crowd was on him. Mr. Morris clapped for Jeff for his sense of judgment. His parents were proud of him. The Host had no choice but to close the bidding.
"Fifty billion gone."
The audience cheered up the more and rushed to the podium to congratulate him, but they were disenchanted. Just like lightening, a human barricade had been formed roundabout Jeff. Mr. Ferguson who was by the stage too followed by his teammates who was livestreaming. His job would not be complete if he did not cover up to the point he left safely.
The disappointed audience withdrew and congratulated him from afar. It was time to sign papers and make payment. The host brought the occasion to a close.
"Thank you very much for your time. We appreciate you for coming. This meeting is hereby declared closed."