The massive sum of twenty million dollars hung in the air like a heavy thunderclap. Gasps echoed across the grand auction hall as rich buyers jumped out of their velvet seats, turning their heads in disbelief to stare at Silas. Up in the VIP balcony, Victor froze, his jaw dropping open so wide his drink almost slipped from his good hand. The smug smile on his face vanished completely, replaced by pure shock and terrifying confusion.

The auctioneer stood frozen behind his wooden podium, his eyes wide and his mouth open, holding his heavy gavel midair as if he had lost his mind.

"Twenty million dollars!" the auctioneer gasped into...