The room buzzed with curses, but Andrew tuned them all out. Elsie, however, grew increasingly anxious. She was almost certain now that the guest in Suite No. 3 wanted her for himself.

In Chetvine, she was just a lowly auctioneer, and this city was crawling with powerful men. If one of them set his sights on her, escaping his grasp would be nearly impossible. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm.

No matter what happened, she would not give in. If she only had to smile or say something flattering, she could swallow her pride for the sake of her career. However, if it meant offering herself or being dragged to a hotel, she would never agree.

Finally, the three premium pills that Andrew had submitted began to be brought out. The first two to come up were a pair of eighth-grade Divine Pills. The two Divine Pills were being auctioned off as a bundle.

The starting price alone made Andrew raise an eyebrow.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please take a look,” Elsie announced with a confident smile. “These are two eighth-tier Divine Pills of exceptional quality. Their type and effects are all listed clearly on the big screen.”

Most of the guests, who had seemed rather disinterested moments before, suddenly perked up. As they glanced at the large screen in the center, their eyes immediately lit up with desire.

It was the perfect moment for Elsie to announce the opening bid. “The starting price is one hundred million. Each subsequent bid must be no less than ten million.”

There was no hesitation, no questions asked.

Almost instantly, a rough, booming voice called out from Suite No. 8. Dallas Rutledge introduced himself before saying, “150 million. These pills are useful to me, so I’d appreciate everyone’s courtesy.”

Andrew did not recognize Dallas, but the fact that he announced himself so boldly suggested he was someone of considerable importance. By trying to intimidate others with his status, he made it clear he was used to getting his way.

From Suite No. 5, Benny responded with a cold chuckle and placed the second bid. “Mr. Rutledge, you might get away with pulling rank on normal days, but not tonight. Everyone can see the quality of these pills. You want them, but so do we. No offense, but I’m bidding 180 million.”

Dallas refused to back down. “200 million dollars! Since Mr. Murphy insists, I’ll see just how much he can handle.”

Tension crackled invisibly between the two men.

Andrew found the whole situation somewhat frustrating. Benny really had no respect for anyone and just bulldozed through everything. It was becoming clear that this martial family had serious money behind them.

Benny had already spent close to 100 million across multiple items.

“230 million,” came another voice. It was commanding, measured, and calm. “Gentlemen, that’s enough. Do me a favor and let this one go. I’ll stay out of the rest of the bidding.”

The moment this person spoke, Benny went completely silent, as if someone had clamped his throat shut.

Dallas let out a cold grunt. “The Harding family doesn’t even lack eighth-tier Divine Pills. But since Mr. Harding Senior is interested, I’ll let it go this time.”

Andrew raised an eyebrow and glanced toward Suite No. 4, right beside his. So it was Sergio Harding, the patriarch of the Harding family himself.

That man was one of Chetvine’s deadliest figures. Rumor had it that ten years ago, he had already been on the brink of reaching the level of a martial god. No one knew how far he had advanced since, but his power was unquestionable. Even a real martial god would struggle to defeat him.

Reginald had once mentioned that the Harding family’s entire influence rested on Sergio’s shoulders alone. If Sergio died, the Harding family would drop at least two tiers in power. At best, they would be reduced to a top-tier wealthy family.

Nevertheless, as long as Sergio lived, the Harding family deserved to be called a dynasty.

The entire auction house fell silent instantly. With Sergio’s identity now revealed, not a single other bidder dared to continue competing.

Elsie felt a flutter of concern. If the two Divine Pills sold for only 230 million, it would not be a loss, but the auction house would still take a hit. They had deliberately placed these items near the end, aiming for at least 300 million.

At this rate, they were falling significantly short of that goal.

Yet, Elsie was only the auctioneer, and she had no power to influence the bidding price. Moreover, there was absolutely no way she could try any tricks in front of someone like Sergio.