CHAPTER 11 THE BID

As Fred returned inside, the atmosphere the restaurant was filled with excited chatter and the clinking of wine glasses as the bidding war began. Fred's friends, Steve and Jake, huddled around a table in the corner, eagerly watching the action unfold. It was time for the special bid. "Ten dollars for this beautiful Bordeaux!" called out the auctioneer, his voice booming over the crowd. A chorus of bids erupted, each higher than the last. "Thirty-five!" "Forty-five!" "Fifty!" Fred remained silent, his eyes fixed on the wine, assessing his chances. The auctioneer nodded, acknowledging the latest bid. "Do I hear fifty-five? Fifty-five for this magnificent vintage?" The bids increased, with voices calling out from all corners of the restaurant. "Sixty!" "Sixty-five!" Fred leaned in closer to his friends. "I'm going in," he whispered. Steve and Jake exchanged glances, a mixture of awe and amusement on their faces. "Seventy!" Fred's voice rang out, clear and confident. The biddi