All those factors stacked together like stones crushing against Alexander's patience.
Still…
Complaining changed nothing.
So the emperor merely continued discussing quietly with Quenric and Xander Cross beside him while adjusting strategies in real time.
Meanwhile, back near the podium, Kiara's excitement slowly rose as more paddles appeared.
Her eyes moved continuously across the hall, identifying bidders one by one.
Then...
Her gaze stopped.
At table number three…
Gideon Crescent had grabbed his paddle.
But…
He did not raise it.
Kiara narrowed her eyes slightly.
Ten seconds remained.
For a brief moment, it seemed the prince would participate.
Yet in the final seconds…
Gideon calmly placed the paddle back onto the table.
Kiara stared briefly before withdrawing attention.
Interesting.
Very interesting.
At table number three, Caleb Crescent finally asked what many were wondering.
