The Ex-Con Who Conquered the World novel Chapter 133

A faint blush crept across Megan's luminous face. She tried to pull her left hand back, but Stefan wouldn't let go. She couldn't struggle too obviously—someone might notice.

Stefan felt her tugging. He ignored it, acting as if nothing was happening.

He'd reached for her hand earlier to signal her not to bid on the Quintessence Elixirs. Since he'd refined them himself, giving some to Megan—this charming widow—was no problem.

He'd already given one to Janet, Nina's bodyguard. In his eyes, Nina and Megan were equally important. Couldn't play favorites.

Nina leaned in, her voice low. "Stefan, these Quintessence Elixirs are causing a real feeding frenzy."

Stefan casually released Megan's hand. Wouldn't want Nina to catch them holding hands—that'd be awkward to explain.

Stefan responded, "The bidding is higher than I expected."

Megan noticed Stefan let go the moment Nina leaned in to whisper. She bit her lip, casting a slightly reproachful glance his way.

This man. So greedy.

He'd only let go because he didn't want Nina to see. That realization annoyed her.

Megan leaned in too. "What are you two whispering about?"

Nina's eyes flicked toward her. "It's none of your business."

Megan smiled, "Nina, dear, I recall you practice martial arts. Why aren't you bidding on these elixirs?"

"Since when do my affairs concern you?" Nina's tone was cool. Then she shot back, "Your Spencer family has martial artists too. You're not bidding either."

The moment the words left her mouth, Nina's eyes widened. She turned to Stefan with a questioning look.

Stefan stared intently at the auction stage, as if he hadn't heard a thing.

Megan chuckled softly and said no more. She'd made her point—whatever Nina got from Stefan, she'd get too. Knowing Nina's sharp mind, she'd figure it out.

"Four hundred million dollars!"

"Four hundred twenty million dollars!"

"Four hundred twenty million dollars!"

"Four hundred fifty million dollars!"

"Four hundred seventy million dollars!"

The price climbed. Marcus panicked and jumped in. "Five hundred million dollars!"

He stood up, copying Farkas from earlier. "Everyone, my family really needs this elixir. Do us this favor, and the Winters won't forget it."

Snickers rippled through the crowd.

Sure, the Winter family topped the four major elite families, with the Blooms second. But Farkas was the Blooms' number two—a real power player.

Marcus? Just a spoiled rich kid. Not the same weight class at all.

People might do Farkas a favor. Marcus? Not so much.