Madam, are you leaving again?" Sofia's maid, Rossa, rushed to her as she spotted her entering her Lamborghini.
"Yes, Rossa. You know my life; I have to return to Metropole in the next three hours. I'm even behind," Sofia replied.
"You just got home about 30 minutes ago. You haven't had any food or water to drink. When are you going to rest, my love?" Rossa said, gently stroking Sofia's cheeks.
"There is no true rest until one dies, Rossa," Sofia sighed, touching Rossa's shoulder. "I have to go. Take care of the mansion while I'm away."
As Sofia was about to enter the Lambo, Rossa stretched out a lunch box to her. "Take this with you. I've included all your favorites," Rossa said with a smile. "Why don't I just come with you to take care of you over there?" she pleaded.
With a slight giggle, Sophia nodded and took the lunchbox from Rossa's hands. "See you in a month's time," she added as the car drove away.
"In a month's time, oh my goodness," Rossa muttered to herself in dismay. "Mr. Mandrego, what have you created?" she said, looking up at the sky and then back at the Lamborghini as it drove towards the high golden gate.
She shook her head, feeling worried. "This game she is playing is too dangerous for her. Please protect your little princess," she said with a sign of the cross before walking away.
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In the prestigious ballroom of the Grand Metropole Hotel, a high-profile gala brought together the city's most influential business figures. The room was filled with laughter as powerful billionaire men and women, who held great power in society, gathered for the annual business met gala. Their identities were concealed under masks, allowing only the closest associates to recognize them.
They appeared luxurious as they adorned themselves in their finest clothes.
"This year, I hope I get the highest bid offer so I can take it all home," boasted a chubby billionaire as he sipped his wine.
"Tony, my good friend, let's see about that. I have 50 million dollars for that," Mr said, leaning closer.
"Just that? I don't want to raise your blood pressure before the program begins, my friend. You may end up in the hospital. May the best man win," Tony said with a wink before walking away, accompanied by two beautiful ladies.
A woman in a stunning blue gown, paired with a gold mask, stepped into the center of the hall, commanding attention with a raise of her champagne glass.
"We are about to start shortly. Please gather around and make your best bids," she announced, her voice carrying command and elegance in equal measure.
The lights in the hall were turned off.
Descending gracefully from the top with a spotlight illuminating its glory. All eyes were tightly fixed on the masterpiece that hung in the mid-air.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you 'Masked Opulence,'" the woman announced, pointing to the object as it hung gracefully in the air.
At first glance, it appeared to be a simple golden mask, but as one inspected it closer, its intricacies unfolded.
"May the best bid win," she said with a bow before exiting the stage, leaving the crowd murmuring with anticipation.
"Two million dollars!" a Chinese businessman shouted, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd as he made his first offer for the golden mask.
"Three million dollars here," said a suave businessman.
"Four million dollars!" another exclaimed, raising his wine glass with a grin.
"4.5 million dollars," Mr. Tony announced, turning to look at his friend, Mr. Waler.
"5.1 million," Mr. Waler countered, giving him a mischievous look.
Everywhere fell quiet for a moment, and then the host took over. "5 million dollars, going once, going twice..."
"7 million dollars!" Mr. Tony interjected, winking at his friend.
"Going, going, goooo!! Give it up for Mr. Tony the Waveman!" the host announced as the crowd erupted into applause, cheering for him as one of his guards went up to claim the golden mask.
Mr. Waler looked up in shock as Mr. Tony approached him. "I told you I came prepared. I'm taking everything home today. These young rich dudes don't stand a chance. I'm patiently waiting for the last offer for tonight," he said with a laugh.
"You sure are with how you've started," Mr. Waler replied.
Another rare artwork was presented for auction, a masterpiece by a renowned artist who commanded millions of dollars.
After several bids, Mr. Tony the Waveman once again emerged victorious, securing the artwork with a staggering twenty-five million dollar offer.
After continuous back-and-forth bidding, Mr. Tony the Waveman and a few other billionaires claimed other offers and took it home.
"As the final offer for tonight was presented, anticipation reached its peak. All eyes were fixed on the culmination of the evening—a chance to embark on a transformative journey with a global business venture."
Tension hung heavy in the air as some drank it off to cool down, while others smoked it off…The stakes were high….
"I will bid 10 million dollars for this, a chance to expand my business across the world," one billionaire with a cat mask said as he raised his stake.
"20 million here," another declared, raising the stakes even higher.
The bidding war intensified, as it reached 50 million dollars
The room fell silent as Mr. Bomber held the leading stake offer.
Meanwhile, Mr. Salvador Everest Vanguard, a prominent figure in the business world known for his striking looks, commanding presence, and reputation for being aloof and distant, sat quietly in the corner observing without a word.
"60 million dollars," Mr. Tony Wavemen announced after a few minutes on his phone, a smile spreading across his face as he became the leading bidder.
"80 million dollars," Mr. Salvador declared loudly and clearly, immediately after Mr. Tony's bid, not giving him much time to celebrate.
"85 million dollars," Mr. Tony responded, glancing over at him (Mr. Vanguard)
"95 million dollars," Mr. Salvador countered, slightly bowing to Mr. Tony as he threw a glance his way.
Both went back and forth until the bidding reached a staggering 120 million dollars.
The auctioneer, poised at the front of the room, called out the latest bid with a steady voice.
Before Mr. Salvador Everest Vanguard will take it home.
''180 million dollars'', a voice echoed through the air with that bid.
Gasps and murmurs filled the room as everyone looked around, searching for the source of the voice.
After several tense minutes of scanning the room, the sound of a lady's heels was heard approaching. The crowd fell silent, eager to see where the mysterious bidder would emerge from.
The door of the hall swung open, and all eyes immediately shifted to the entrance. A lady of 5'6 height, wearing a silver shimmering mask and a stunning gold and silver gown, walked in accompanied by four muscular guards.
"180 million dollars," she announced loudly and clearly again as she walked towards them.
"200 million dollars," Mr. Drake immediately stood up from his seat and walked to the center.
Without any hesitation, the lady yelled, "300 million dollars."
The intensity in the room continued to rise as people reacted with a mixture of awe and shock.
"320 million dollars," Mr. Tony said, his grin widening slightly.
"350 million dollars," Mr. Salvador responded with an eye roll.
''900 million dollars'', the lady calmly stated, sending shivers down the spines of everyone in the room as it escaped from her lips.
Mr. Tony The Waveman clenched his fist tightly, his frustration boiling over as he sternly stared at the lady.
Mr. Drake gulped hard, realizing that he had been bested in this high-stakes competition.
"Gooo!!" the auctioneer exclaimed, acknowledging the winner of the final bid of the night, "Ms. Sophia Mondrego!!!"
All eyes turned to her as she stood in the centre with amusement her identity shrouded beneath the mask she wore except those who knew her knew who she was.