Chapter 120

"Three billion is our current bid from Suite 201 on the second floor. Do we have any other bidders?" Nathan's calm, unhurried voice carried through the hall. "3.2 billion!" "3.5 billion!" The bids came steadily, one after another, each voice more composed and deliberate than the last. The real heavyweights had finally entered the game. The earlier frenzy of bids from the lower levels had been nothing but a warm-up—a chance for the smaller players to get their moment before the true powerhouses stepped in. "3.7 billion." This time, the voice was older. It carried a hint of grit yet was still steady and measured. "Four billion!" "4.2 billion!" "4.5 billion!" The newest bidder spoke with an air of finality and a tone that sent a ripple through the hall. The audience on the main floor stared in stunned silence as the bids appeared on the screen. Each new number seemed more surreal than the last. "4.8 billion!" "Five billion!" By now, even the most