The acquisition of this plot of land meant not just expansion but domination—a decisive blow to the Denvair family. Elias Malavant was determined. He wanted to see them cornered, powerless, and humiliated.
The Port Square land was no ordinary piece of property. For Lyria, it was a lifeline for her company. After dinner, she immersed herself in its details until exhaustion overtook her. She fell asleep at her desk, surrounded by documents.
Kael Renforth entered their room quietly, his gaze softening at the sight of her peaceful face. Her delicate features, framed by loose strands of hair, stirred something protective within him. Gently brushing her hair aside, his eyes fell on the documents on her desk.
Port Square?
Kael's expression darkened as he leafed through the papers. This land, located on the outskirts of Port Avallon, was a strategic goldmine: nestled between mountains and waterways, well-connected to major cities, and surrounded by assets owned by the three great families of Port Avallon. It was a game-changer.
"Are you awake?" Kael asked softly as Lyria stirred.
She opened her eyes slowly. "Hmm," she murmured, her response distant.
Kael studied her carefully. Despite his quiet financial support, he had remained largely uninvolved in her family affairs. This time, though, he sensed a pivotal moment approaching.
"Are you going to the auction tomorrow?" he asked.
Lyria hesitated. Her company lacked the resources to compete, and the odds were grim. "I haven't decided yet," she admitted.
"You should go," Kael said, his tone calm but resolute.
Lyria blinked, startled by his certainty. Over the years, Kael had become increasingly enigmatic, and his confidence now seemed almost unnatural.
"All right," she agreed quietly, curiosity and trust battling within her.
The next day, Port Avallon's elite gathered at the opulent Garden Hotel for the auction. The air buzzed with tension and whispered calculations. Most were there not for the land itself but to observe the players in this high-stakes battle.
Elias Malavant held court amidst a circle of sycophants. As the head of the Malavant family, he exuded confidence. The Malavants had weathered recent setbacks, but Elias intended to reclaim their supremacy.
When Lyria arrived, accompanied by her team, Elias noticed immediately. His sneer was evident as he whispered to his secretary, loud enough for others to hear:
"Small companies like hers shouldn't even bother. The starting bid alone will make them a laughingstock."
Chuckles rippled through the crowd. Elias reveled in their mockery, determined to crush any hope the Denvair family might cling to.
Before the auction began, Elias was approached by Eldrin Denvair, an estranged member of the Denvair family. Disheveled and desperate, Eldrin sought to sell information in exchange for a quick payday.
"Elias, I've got a tip about Lyria. Ten thousand for it," Eldrin proposed, his voice low and wheedling.
Elias regarded him with disdain but threw him a check for twenty thousand. "Speak," he ordered curtly.
Eldrin leaned in, his voice conspiratorial. "Lyria has over thirty billion in liquid funds," he revealed. "That money came from Deven, who took over the Malavant family's underground businesses after your brother Enoc's death. It's Kael Renforth's doing—he's the one who gave her the funds."
The revelation hit Elias like a punch to the gut. The betrayal and loss of his family's fortune fueled his fury. Kael Renforth again. Always Kael.
He dismissed Eldrin with a wave but resolved to exact his revenge in the auction hall.
As the auctioneer called for the opening bid, Elias wasted no time. His secretary raised their paddle:
"Twenty billion."