"Payment isn't an issue, Mr. Winston. All bidders signed agreements upon entry."
Julian Roscente had been observing the scene with amusement, but now his brow furrowed slightly as he offered an olive branch.
It wasn't that he distrusted Sophia Sullivan. The Decagon's exclusivity made even VIP cards difficult to obtain.
If the card bore someone else's name, the situation could become awkward.
Remembering how she'd saved Ethan Sullivan, Julian decided to shield her from humiliation.
"Rumor has it your standing in the Winston family is precarious. Why overextend yourself here?"
His narrowed eyes glinted like honed steel.
"This is Radiant Beauty Group's event. Outsiders shouldn't presume to interfere."
The auction manager caught Julian's subtle cue and signaled security to prepare for escalation.
Chloe Evans seized the opportunity to strike.
"Authenticity aside, if sister truly has the funds, why not place a hundred million deposit?"
Her dulcet tone dripped with poisoned honey.
"Don't misunderstand—we're just concerned for you."
Chloe sighed theatrically.
"I simply adore this token, so Liam promised to win it for me. Even if you're jealous, reckless bidding could land you in prison for breaching a three hundred million contract."
Her barbed words painted Sophia as a spiteful woman driven by envy.
Liam Winston, rather than being cowed by Julian's warning, grew more convinced of foul play.
Why else would Julian rush to her defense?
"Mr. Roscente misunderstands. I merely dislike pretenders putting on airs."
He was determined to expose Sophia's deception before the elite crowd.
Especially with so many influential guests present—this humiliation would ruin her.
Chloe's eyes sparkled with malice.
"Can't sister even scrape together a hundred million? Need seven days to gather pennies?"
She could already envision Sophia's spectacular downfall.
A scandal involving The Decagon would ensure this woman never recovered!
Sophia's sudden laughter cut through the tension.
"Frogs in a well."
With effortless grace, she extended a platinum card between two fingers.
"Process the payment."
The room froze as the staff accepted the card.
Every gaze locked onto the payment terminal's screen.
Liam's nails dug into his palms as he stared at the device.
Thud. Thud.
His pulse hammered against his ribs like war drums.
Through gritted teeth, one thought consumed him—
Which powerful man had become her patron?