Where Petals of Vengeance Bloom novel Chapter 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-time low. Nathan was fuming with anger, but the occasion demanded he restrain his temper.

Ethan 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.