In Lasnain.
In the auction hall, the bidding for the last item had reached a price of 1. 58 billion.
Matilda signaled Kareem to continue increasing the price. However, instead of doubling the previous increments, this time they only raised it to 1. 585 billion.
The representative from the Hank family was seething with anger and held deep resentment towards the mysterious person in the VVIP room.
Initially, they were certain they would win this item, and they had planned to offer a maximum price of 300 million. Moreover, they had already made arrangements, ensuring that everyone would step aside and allow them an easy victory.
They never expected someone to come along and challenge them, as if deliberately provoking them. No matter how much they increased the price, this person would match it exactly.
When they raised the bid to 1. 3 billion, they finally showed some restraint.
The Hank family members thought this ignorant person would eventually be unable to keep up with their financial resources and they would emerge victorious.
However, their opponent changed tactics and started increasing the price by five million. It seemed like a deliberate effort to compete with them and play mind games.
This only fueled their anger.
Several times, members of the Hank family stood up from their seats, wanting to rush to the VVIP room and confront this person. They wanted to know who he was and why he was so insistent on obtaining this item, even if it meant quoting a price they couldn’t afford.
But they couldn’t do that.
If they took such action, everything would fall apart.
Matilda casually swirled her wine glass, observing the contorted expressions of the Hank family members, and sneered.
She suddenly became mischievous and said to Kareem, “So, for the next price increase, let’s add just one dollar.”
“Matilda, that’s not a good idea,” Kareem turned to look at the enchanting woman. He was genuinely worried that this would escalate further.
Asa, who was beside them, regarded Matilda as an adversary. He used to believe that dealing with Aimee was challenging, but now Matilda had proven to be just as difficult. He felt like his worldview was crumbling after spending a long time with them.
Matilda nonchalantly replied, “What’s wrong? If they can’t handle it, it’s their own psychological problem. It has nothing to do with us.”
“But when will this end?” Kareem asked.
Increasing the price by 5 million to reach 1. 6 billion would take considerable time. With such increments, the auction would continue well into the next year.
Matilda took a sip of her wine, pondered for a moment, and said, “Forget it, let’s add another ten million.”
Asa questioned, “Why not increase it directly to 1. 59 billion, so they can reach 1. 6 billion immediately? Why drag it out?”
Matilda explained, “You don’t understand. It’s called the frog-boiling effect. Besides, we’re not in a hurry. What we want is to test their patience.”
Asa’s mouth twitched, and he suddenly didn’t feel like doing anything for Aimee anymore.
Aimee could have achieved this without even showing up. If she had, ending the situation would have been much easier.
Seeing Asa’s troubled expression, Matilda chuckled and said, “Alright, let’s finish this quickly. I’ll go and make the necessary arrangements.”
The auction itself was not the most critical part.
If the Hank family knew how to stop and negotiate with her to obtain it early, things would be much simpler.
But this family was adamant about not giving her any peace.
Matilda raised her head and finished her glass of wine before leaving the VVIP room.
Just a while ago, she had received the roadmap sent by Aimee, along with the Hank family’s personnel information.
It was astonishing to see how the Hank family had squandered all their money on such a worthless endeavor. They even went as far as hiring thirteen mercenaries, including some of the deadliest killers from the dark web. They were certainly leaving no stone unturned.
Little did they know, they had unknowingly crossed paths with Aimee.
Among her many talents, Aimee had personally trained assassins who surpassed the skills of those mercenaries and killers.
That was precisely why Aimee kept them hidden. Otherwise, those aspiring to climb the ranks of the killer hierarchy would have fiercely hunted them down.
Matilda straightened her attire before getting into the car.
She couldn’t help but send a message to Aimee, “You’ve gone through so much trouble for Patrick. By delegating this task, it means you won’t be present. Otherwise, it would have been a top-notch affair.”
Aimee quickly replied, “Enough chit-chat. Just handle the matter properly for me. And if anything goes wrong, I’ll hold you accountable.”
Matilda’s lips twitched, thinking about how considerate Aimee was towards that man, and yet inhumane enough to threaten her just to ensure his treatment.
She wanted to remark that Aimee had changed, that she was no longer the naive girl who didn’t comprehend the nature of men.
Suppressing her desire to tease Aimee, Matilda adjusted her equipment and patiently waited.
Kareem’s voice resonated through her earphones, “Matilda, we have eyes on the Hank family. They are making their move and will soon go through the motions.”
“Alright, you and Asa should leave first. I’ll take care of the rest,” Matilda responded.
About thirty minutes later, the computer screen in front of Matilda displayed the movement of the Hank family’s car, as tracked by Aimee.
There were eight cars in total, each heading in a different direction, displaying an abundance of caution.
A mischievous smile formed on Matilda’s face as she eagerly anticipated the prey walking right into their trap. It had been a while since she felt this level of excitement.
Finally, as the target vehicle drew near, Matilda gave the command, “Initiate.”
Suddenly, from four directions, four vehicles collided with the target car.
Simultaneously, seven shots rang out, and Matilda received a report, “Matilda, target eliminated.”
Matilda stepped out of the car and gracefully approached the Hank family’s wrecked vehicle.
The car had been crumpled into a mass of metal. Looking through the shattered windshield, she could see the driver covered in blood, unconscious.
Matilda couldn’t see the person in the backseat, so the situation didn’t seem too promising.
She beckoned someone over and had them pry open the car door.
The vehicle had been mangled, and the fuel tank was leaking oil. Time was running out, and they needed to act swiftly.
Before long, the car door was forced open, revealing the man in the backseat. He clutched a safe tightly, glaring at Matilda with anger-filled, bloodshot eyes.
Matilda smiled and had him pulled out of the wreckage.
She approached and effortlessly took the safe from the man’s grasp, then reached into her own pocket and retrieved a black rose, placing it in the man’s arms.