Kael Renforth's calm, commanding voice echoed through the grand auction hall, freezing the room in stunned silence.
"He represents Denvair Corporation," Lyria announced softly, her words cutting through the tension like a blade. Though her tone was quiet, it carried a weight that demanded attention.
The auctioneer, visibly unsettled, hesitated mid-motion with the gavel still poised.
"Denvair Corporation has bid fifty billion," Eleanor Thorne interjected, her voice a hypnotic blend of allure and authority as she stood unwaveringly by Kael Renforth's side. "Is there a problem with that?"
Her tone was cold yet magnetic, exuding an unassailable dominance that silenced further objections.
"N-no," the auctioneer stammered, quickly regaining composure.
Across the room, Elias Malavant seethed. His grand scheme to crush the Denvair family and seize Port Avallon's prized Port Square had unraveled spectacularly. Now, his carefully laid plans were in jeopardy.
"You think you can waltz in here and play games?" Elias growled, his voice laced with venom. He clenched his fists tightly, his thoughts consumed by the memory of his sons, Valen and Enoc, and the vengeance he swore against Kael Renforth.
"I doubt he even has fifty billion!" Elias spat, pointing an accusatory finger at Kael. "Kael Renforth is nothing but a fraud!"
Before anyone could react, a sharp crack echoed through the room as Eleanor's hand struck Elias across the face.
"Mind your tongue," she hissed.
The force of the slap left Elias momentarily stunned, his cheek reddening as murmurs of shock rippled through the crowd. Eleanor didn't stop there. Without missing a beat, her hand lashed out again, delivering a second slap that rang even louder.
"Insults have consequences," she declared, her eyes cold as steel.
Port Avallon's wealthiest man—Elias Malavant—had been publicly humiliated. No one else dared to utter a word.
"Let's proceed," Kael said nonchalantly, breaking the heavy silence.
Eleanor, ever poised, returned to her place at Kael's side.
Lyria couldn't help but steal glances at Kael, her emotions a maelstrom of relief and apprehension. She hadn't expected his sudden appearance, nor the audacity he displayed.
The auctioneer hesitated but managed to address Kael directly. "Sir, for the sake of procedure, may we verify your account?"
Kael gave a slight nod, gesturing to Eleanor. She reached into her coat and produced a sleek, black card etched with gold.
The moment the card was handed over, the auctioneer's hands trembled. Even the briefest glance at the emblem engraved on its surface was enough to send a chill down his spine.
"Kael Renforth!" Elias sneered, still nursing his bruised pride. "You're bluffing. You don't have the money. This is all a ruse!"
Kael's lips curled into a faint smile. "You're right. I had to hire someone to help… someone your entire Malavant fortune couldn't even hope to hire."
Elias's bravado faltered, his eyes darting nervously toward Eleanor. He instinctively took a step back, dreading the idea of incurring her wrath again.
"I'm telling you, this is a sham!" Elias barked, his voice breaking under the weight of his own insecurities. "When they find out he can't pay, they'll throw him out!"
The crowd murmured, their whispers carrying skepticism and curiosity.
"Is he really Denvair's secret weapon?"
"Fifty billion is an outrageous sum. No one bids like that unless they're bluffing."
"The Denvair family must be desperate to disrupt this auction. It's a stalling tactic at best!"
The tension in the room grew unbearable as the seconds dragged on. Everyone watched the staff, waiting for confirmation of Kael's ability—or inability—to pay.
Elias's mind churned with hatred and frustration. His need for vengeance burned hotter than ever. He had to destroy Kael Renforth and the Denvair family at all costs.
Finally, the staff member returned, walking briskly toward Eleanor with beads of sweat glistening on his brow. He stopped, bowed deeply, and presented the card back with trembling hands.
"My apologies for the delay," he said, his voice quivering. "The account has been verified."
The room erupted into a stunned silence.
The emblem on the card had revealed everything. It wasn't just any card—it was a Thorne family insignia.
Eleanor Thorne herself was the cardholder.
The realization hit the room like a thunderclap. Eleanor Thorne, the legendary matriarch of one of Calvarion's wealthiest and most powerful families, stood by Kael Renforth.
Port Avallon's elites now understood: Kael was no mere "useless son-in-law." With the Thorne family's backing, his presence was nothing short of formidable.
Eleanor's calm, predatory smile returned as she gazed at Elias. "Now, let's finish this auction, shall we?"