PopularNovelChapter 96 Brian was not faring much better. On the surface, he maintained his composure, but the anxiety in his eyes was becoming increasingly apparent.
The Cole family had pooled a substantial amount of resources for this auction. A failure would deal a significant blow to their business empire.
Ethan gritted his teeth. "Eighty-five billion." Before he could finish, Liam immediately raised his paddle. "One hundred billion." The room fell into a prolonged silence.
Ethan and Brian exchanged a glance, each seeing the resignation and defeat mirrored in the other's eyes. They knew they had lost this battle.
"One hundred billion once, one hundred billion twice, one hundred billion thrice! Sold!" The auctioneer announced with excitement as the gavel fell, marking the official transfer of the Eastborough estate to the Foster family.
The mood among the Linwood and Cole families was at an all-tlow. Nathan was fuming with anger, but the occasion demanded he restrain his temper.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEthan slumped into his chair, feeling utterly dejected.
As they had anticipated, the Fosters of Northcrest, a family with a century-old legacy, could throw a hundred billion on the table without batting an eye.
Father and son exchanged another glance, accepting their fate with a heavy sigh.
It seemed the only way to get involved in the Eastborough Project was to arrange a marriage between Claire and Sean.
Ethan took a deep breath, stood up, and straightened his attire, trying to maintain a semblance of dignity. He approached Sean with a friendly demeanor, extending his hand. "I've heard much about the Foster family's reputation, and today confirms their formidable strength." Sean's expression remained neutral, but he shook Ethan's hand politely.
Nathan, suppressing his displeasure, forced a smile and suggested, "Now that the auction is over, why don't we continue our conversation in the banquet hall? What do you say, Mr. Foster?" Sean gave a slight nod of agreement and, as he was leaving, exchanged a knowing look with Liam.
Liam understood instantly and followed the auctioneer to handle the paperwork for the Eastborough estate transfer.
When they arrived at the banquet hall, Claire had just arrived as well.
A driver spotted Vanessa and quickly approached her, discreetly handing her an item. "Vanessa, here's what you asked for," he whispered.
After completing the handoff, the driver swiftly departed.
Vanessa glanced at Claire, who was observing the banquet hall.
Casually, Vanessa picked up a glass of juice, mixed in the powder the driver had given her, and stirred it well. She then signaled a waiter.
"Please deliver this drink to her," she said, nodding in Claire's direction.
The waiter nodded in agreement and carried the drink over to Claire.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmClaire didn't think much of it. It was typical for waitstaff to serve drinks at such events. Besides, she was feeling a bit hungry, having not eaten dinner, so she took the drink and headed to the pastry area, nibbling on sweets while sipping her drink.
Vanessa's eyes glinted with malice as she watched Claire take a sip.
Swaying her hips, Vanessa approached Claire.
"You look like you've never seen a decent meal in your life. How embarrassing," she sneered.
Claire was about to take a bite of her cupcake when Vanessa's irritating voice reached her ears. "Vanessa, do you really want to provoke me?"
"You better keep your distance, or do you wantto smeart mear this cake all over your face? Then we'll see who's embarrassed."
Vanessa's face turned an ugly shade, clearly wanting to claw at Claire's alluring face, yet she managed to stay composed. Recalling the spiked drink Claire had consumed, Vanessa's mood lifted.
"You might feel smug now, but it won't last." Claire caught the undertone in her words. "What do you mean? Spit it out."
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