Clyde was caught off guard by my sudden show of strength. He froze, lips parted, too hesitant to speak.
That's when Everleigh, who had been keeping silent all this time, finally stepped forward.
"You wretched girl, this is an auction, not a game of numbers."
"Anyone can shout out a billion, but can you actually pay for it?"
The moment her voice faded, Clyde's eyes lit up as if she had handed him a lifeline.
"Secretary Everleigh is absolutely right. Why should I be forced to match every bid you throw out?"
Halfway through his words, he turned to me with a twisted grin.
"Azalea, don't say I didn't warn you. If you can't come up with that billion later, you'll be held legally responsible."
As soon as he said this, Everleigh immediately raised the microphone, her voice rising above the murmurs and cutting through the tension like a blade.
"President Mancini is right! We demand an on-the-spot financial verification!"
The manic glint in Everleigh's eyes was almost comical. I couldn't help but let my lips curl into a faint, amused smile.
"After all this trouble, you've finally asked the right question."
