[25]

"Miss Helena, we've arrived," the driver announced as he pulled up to the hotel lobby. The auction was held at a five-star hotel in the city center tonight. It was exactly what Helena expected an auction event to be like—a bunch of people from different businesses. In the past, Helena had gone to events like this with Thomas or with her father to meet with his business partners. But she wasn't looking to stick around and mingle with other people for too long. It wasn't that she didn't like it, but Helena felt there was no sincerity, only a desire to support each other's businesses.

Eventually, Helena realized that this is how people who play a big role in the economy operate. They meet, see eye to eye, and form new partnerships. They exchanged greetings and kept an eye on each other. If you're not careful, you'll get overtaken by a company with more authority and a bigger role. And it's all thanks to the connections made at meetings like this.

"Thanks, Hans. Pick me up in about an hou