“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Before we begin the auction today, let me go over the rules first.” Eddie went up to the stage and started to act as the auctioneer. The auction was not really legitimate. It was organized by Rove themselves and they did not seek the professional service of an auction house, so Eddie took the role of auctioneer. “The rule is simple. Rove will be auctioning 20% of our shares and the highest bidder wins!” 20% of the company shares were considered high. Lee Investment only had 5% of shares and they were already the biggest shareholder with the power to hold a shareholder meeting or dismiss the chairman. Rove was a family business, so the Lyfe family held the majority of the shares, which allowed them to still be in power. 20% of shares allowed one to have power in the shareholder meeting and could also make strategic decisions to determine the future of the company. The management of Rove must have been desperate. To acquire large funding,
Then, Dakota shot his frosty gaze at the few individual investors who were not part of his alliance. The individual investors were startled and instantly alarmed. They were reminded that they were just here to fill in the numbers. They struggled internally for a moment but ultimately decided to stomach their grievance when they sensed the dangerous glares from Dakota and his alliance. They sat quietly and decided not to call against South Hill Holdings anymore. Some even got up and left the venue. “With Tulip Corporation behind my back and an alliance of more than ten powerful investors, nothing can stop me today!” Dakota was happy with the result. He had the entire auction under control after he eliminated all the competition. After the little incident, no one dared to call against him anymore. The auctioneer, Eddie, said, “810 million once.” “810 million twice.” “Last call.” Eddie smiled as he raised the mallet high in the air. “810 million thrice…” “Hold
Both Eddie and Dakota were surprised for a moment before their expressions turned heavy. Rove clearly stated that Hudson Investment Firm was not allowed to invest but then Kaze attended and participated in the auction in his own name, as an individual investor. Looking at Eddie’s grim look and pursed lip, Kaze smiled. “Mr. Fork, don’t tell me Rove is not big enough to house another investor in the auction. If you can’t afford that, you can tell your big boss to set up another rule for me alone, and hold an emergency shareholder meeting if you have to. You can ban me from attending or participating in the auction in any form. “But do be careful this time because I am good at exploiting loopholes.” Kaze’s smirk was a punch in their guts. Even Darcy had the urge to slap him for his snarky remarks, let alone the others. They were all frustrated. “Kaze Lee, are you sure you want to oppose us? Do you know what the consequences are?” Dakota bellowed coldly as he glared at Kaze
Kaze was a madman for raising the price against South Hill Holdings. South Hill Holdings could have gotten Rove’s shares with just 810 million, but after Kaze’s interruption, the price went up a billion. “Kaze Lee, are you really doing this?!” Dakota shouted angrily. His eyes were burning with anger. He wished he could skin Kaze alive. He had been in the business for decades and no one had ever embarrassed him so directly. Yet he hit a snag in a supposedly controlled situation because of Kaze and his unexpected actions. A nameless, useless man challenged him repeatedly, provoking him in front of everyone. Dakota really wished he could strangle Kaze with his own hands. Kaze scoffed. “Hey, don’t look at me like that. I’m bidding with what I have. Don’t tell me you can’t accept it. Are you calling? If not, I will be taking the 20% shares of Rove.” He then looked at Eddie on the stage. “Why are you standing there? Start the countdown.” With a bitter look, Eddie started
Eddie sounded generous when he mentioned the rounding up. “Hahaha! Congratulations, Mr. Lee! 20% shares of Rove for 6.3 billion is quite the deal!” As soon as Eddie’s voice subsided, another loud voice came from behind, gloating at Kaze. Dakota, who looked gloomy earlier, came in with loud laughter. Behind him was his investor alliance, all gloating at Kaze. Darcy’s heart skipped a beat. “Eddie Fork! You colluded with South Hill Holdings to trick Kaze?!” She was furious when she finally knew what happened. At first, when Kaze said he wanted to participate in the auction as an individual investor, Eddie refused to accept it. However, after a brief argument, Eddie agreed and even asked Kaze to pay a hundred million deposit. It looked like Eddie and Dakota were trying to give Kaze a hard time but it was a trap to lower his guard. It was to make Kaze and Darcy think that they were cornered and were forced to accept Kaze’s participation. Then, Dakota challenged Kaze
“Young Master Sieg!” The proud and arrogant Eddie instantly turned into a loyal puppy, hopping over to Sieg and bowed like one. “Young Master Sieg, long time no see.” Dakota and the others greeted Sieg as well. “Sieg? Sieg Lyfe?” Kaze scrutinized the young man but he did not seem surprised. As a matter of fact, he came to the auction just to meet with Sieg. “Yes, in the flesh.” Sieg nodded and then smiled. “So, you are Kaze Lee who broke my cousin’s arm and leg, am I right? I have to commend your courage. You already know I have Rove under control and you still dare to show up at the auction today.” “Why wouldn’t I?” Kaze asked. Sieg nodded. “You are indeed bold. Very well. Now that the auction has ended and you’ve gotten 20% of Rove’s shares, you should pay up now. “But I have to say, not even I can fork out 6.3 billion at once. I admire your audacity, Mr. Lee.” Sieg curled his lips into a smile and continued, “If you can’t pay up and decide to turn away from t
“I have named my conditions. Now it’s up to you two to make the decision,” Sieg said with a laugh. He sounded stern and indubitable despite his light tone. In the end, Sieg was after Kaze and Darcy’s companies. Being one of the Geranium Four, he was interested in Sky Ocean Corporation, Shangrila Group, and others. Darcy’s expression turned bitter. “Sieg Lyfe, don’t you cross the line!” “You think it’s too much?” Sieg smiled and continued, “Alright. Since we are on the mainland and not Geranium, I’ll tone it down a bit. If we are in Geranium, your stupid husband is already swimming with the fishes.” He became the embodiment of arrogance and power when he said that. “Kaze Lee, what is your choice?” Sieg asked again and looked at Kaze with a wicked grin. Kaze looked at him and said coldly, “Get out of my face!” “You’re not choosing? It’s not up to you now!” Sieg grinned and said, “No one can take advantage of me and walk away!” “Who do you think you are?” Kaze went
“You wouldn’t dare, would you? If I die here in Lilyrose, Geranium will go to hell and many people will go down with me! “Your wife, your family, and your friends, and even Hart Lyfe and his family. You know them, right? Do you know how they are doing? Are you going to put their lives at risk by killing me?” Sieg laughed frantically. He was not like Astral or the others who cried at the moment of defeat and started to beg Kaze. Even though Kaze’s foot was on his chest, he continued to provoke Kaze. “You think I’m afraid?” Kaze looked at Sieg coldly. He grabbed the young man by the neck and lifted him into the air like a little animal. Suffocation started to attack Sieg and he began to feel the fear of death. “Ugh…” Sieg struggled in the air, his tongue was out, his eyes were red, and he was losing his breath. “What happened to Hart and his daughter?” Kaze slightly released his grip to allow Sieg to speak. Sieg’s legs were able to touch the ground, which gave him