**Annie** and **Enigma** hurried out to catch up with Adams and the rest of the group. The bustling crowd around the auction house watched with keen interest.
"Hello, lovely ladies," Adams greeted them with a charming smile. "You should stop running; it's inappropriate for a lady to be seen like that. How may I assist you?"
Enigma, visibly flustered, was the first to speak. "Mister, there might be a mistake with the Mana crystals you gave me."
Adams raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What mistake?"
Enigma continued, her voice trembling slightly. "There are 100 billion top mana crystals in the spatial ring you provided. The value of what you intend to acquire is far less than this amount. The discrepancy is immense, like the difference between heaven and earth."
Gasps rippled through the crowd that had gathered to witness the commotion. The amount of mana crystals mentioned was beyond the wildest dreams of many, and the revelation shocked everyone. Who could afford to give away such an enormous fortune?
Mabel stepped forward with a wry smile. "Of course, he knows. He's merely trying to win your favor and show you there is even more if you choose to join him."
Enigma fell silent, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the situation. Mabel's words left her speechless.
Mabel continued, "Is this what you needed to hear? Don't worry; it's true. Even if you hadn't approached him, he would have sought you out later. So, what do you say? Are you willing to become one of his lovers?"
The crowd was stunned into silence. The idea of spending 100 billion top mana crystals to woo someone was audacious, and the implications of what he might offer if she became his lover were staggering. Even **Linda**, **Anderson**, and **Awar** were perplexed. They knew Mabel and Adams had a close relationship, so it was unusual for Mabel to be the one wooing another woman for him.
Jack's voice broke through the confusion. "What is going on here?"
Anderson shrugged, equally baffled. "I don't know. I'm as confused as you are."
Awar groaned, clearly irritated. "Sigh, let's go get the kids and come back. By then, this show will be over."
Jack agreed, "Janice and I will go get them so you all can wait here."
Awar sighed and left Anderson's shadow to join Jack's. "No way. The noise is unbearable. I can't stay here any longer."
Jack shook his head, exasperated. "I don't know what to do with you anymore."
As they departed, Linda tagged along, having learned they were heading to retrieve the children.
Enigma, still reeling, managed to say, "I don't know what to say right now. I can't accept this knowing your intentions. I'm just a businesswoman; I don't mix my personal life with my business. I'll only take what is rightfully mine and return the rest."
Mabel looked at her sympathetically. "I can see why he took a fancy to you. Although I wasn't the one who gave you the mana crystals, he was. So, you should meet him directly."
Adams, sensing her discomfort, said, "There's no need to return anything. Think of me as your largest investor in Biddersnest Auction House. What do you say?"
Enigma, stunned once more, was at a loss for words.
**Annie**, seizing the opportunity, approached Adams. "Young Master, I want to thank you for the star-breaking grass you gave me. How would you like me to repay you?"
Adams smiled warmly. "I don't need anything in return. I gave it to you because you needed it most, and I wanted to leave the auction quickly. There's no need for repayment. Excuse me now."
As Adams walked away, Mabel turned to Annie. "Don't worry, our paths will cross again. Until then, goodbye."
With that, Mabel left the auction house.
Outside, a group of hoodlums gathered, discussing their plans.
One of them said, "You need to get ready. I heard he's coming out soon, but I didn't catch the rest of the conversation."
Another replied, "Don't worry, young master. Everything is prepared and will proceed as planned. She will be in your hands very soon."
Laughter erupted among them.
**James**, watching from a distance, muttered, "Sigh, pesky brats pampered from a young age who don't know who to provoke. You'll curse your fate for plotting against the boss."
The leader of the hoodlums, sensing danger, demanded, "Who are you? Show yourself and stop hiding like a coward."
James chuckled darkly. "You still don't understand that you're already dead upon hearing my voice. I would have enjoyed playing with you, but I'm running late. So, die."
In an instant, the hoodlums and their leader met their end, leaving the young demon in a state of terror. He tried to flee but encountered a man with fiery hair.
"Please don't kill me!" the demon pleaded. "I'm the first son of Naburus, a Marquis of the Demon Empire of Lust. I can introduce you to him. Please!"
James's eyes narrowed. "You're a fool. A mere son of an emperor will bow to me in the near future. What is a Marquis to me? I'm not the one who will kill you. I'm just here to make it a little easier."
With that, James left the demon to his fate.