A cold sweat drenched The Lead Auctioneer's back. Desperate, he tried to
aggressively force the event to a close. "Ladies and gentlemen, it seems our system verification is experiencing severe anomalies. Our technical team is running emergency repairs. As per our regulations, tonight's auction has definitively concluded. Now"
Suddenly, the communication interface from the VIP suites flared to life.
A smooth, mildly amused voice cut through the hall's audio system, echoing clearly
in everyone's ears and completely talking over him. "That is hardly an appropriate way for management to handle things, is it?"
"The system verifications have cleared, and the asset is already locked into the final sequence."
"What's this? Has Project Zero-Transit suddenly decided not to sell after all?"
Julian sat comfortably on the opulent sofa. His refined, elegant features held not a trace of aggression. Even the smile curving his lips seemed warm and perfectly polished.
But the words he delivered sent a terrifying chill through the room.
Especially the phrase "after all." It was a brilliantly subtle jab.
He was flawlessly mocking the organizers' earlier, vehement denials regarding the existence of any secret assets.
By stepping in now, Joker was cementing the fact that this supposed glitch was, without a doubt, the exact item they had been trying to cover up.
And Julian's smooth, smiling voice continued, "Or perhaps management simply enjoys making a mockery out of its buyers?"
The Lead Auctioneer forgot how to breathe. Sweat poured down his face as he scrambled to explain. "Mr. Joker, this is genuinely an unforeseen system anomaly. Our team received absolutely no documentation for Specimen Fourteen, nor were any late addition requests submitted."
"To protect the interests of our guests and maintain the flawless integrity of this auction, we are obligated to pause proceedings and conduct a thorough investigation into this asset."
"Once we complete the audit and guarantee its safety and authenticity, we will certainly "
"System anomaly? Pause?" Julian let out a low chuckle. "According to the immutable laws of Project Zero-Transit, once an asset is locked into the final presentation protocol, every buyer present is entitled to a fundamental inspection."
"As we can all see, its identity verification cleared, transit clearance passed, and protocol integration is flawless."
"Yet you are standing there, telling us the auction must be paused?"
Julian chuckled again.
Though his laughter sounded
smooth and effortless, it carried an impossibly suffocating pressure. "Or am I to understand that the revered rules of this establishment only apply when it's convenient for you to follow them?"
The Lead Auctioneer turned absolutely deathly pale.
Those words mercilessly threw the entire organization into the fire.
The one thing Project Zero-Transit prided itself on above all else was its unyielding rules.
And now, Joker was using their own sacred laws to gag them.
The Lead Auctioneer was completely paralyzed, entirely unsure of how to salvage the situation.
Before he could even begin to fabricate a response.
The communication indicator for the most exclusive VIP suite flared to life.
A lazy, commanding voice echoed
from the speakers. "Since the item is already on its way up, bring it out for us to see. content belongs FindNovel.net
It was a simple, casual sentence, yet the crushing weight it carried overshadowed any
interrogationnet
FindNovel.net
It was The Sterling Sovereign.
aggressiveel
belongs to
The man holding the absolute highest tier of The Raven-Plume Pass.
On one side, Joker. On the other, The Sterling Sovereign.
With the two most powerful buyers demanding action.
Could Project Zero-Transit possibly talk their way out of this?