"The item up for bid is Phoenix Island," the Auctioneer announced, his voice trembling with excitement. "A private paradise in the Pacific Ocean. 500 acres. Fresh water springs. Legend says the water has healing properties."
A giant screen showed the island. It was beautiful.
"Bidding starts at $100 Million!"
The room was silent. $100 Million was a lot, even for this crowd.
"Five hundred million," a raspy voice spoke from the front row.
It was Duke Sterling. He didn't raise a paddle. He just spoke, expecting obedience.
The crowd gasped. He had quintupled the price instantly.
"The Duke wants it," a man whispered nearby. "We shouldn't bid. You don't cross the Sterling family."
The Auctioneer looked nervous. "I have $500 Million from Duke Sterling. Going once..."
"One Billion," Alex said from the balcony.
The room erupted.
Duke Sterling slowly turned around. He looked up at the VVIP box. His monocle glinted in the light.
"Young man," the Duke said, his voice dripping with authority. "You are playing a dangerous game. I require that island for... personal reasons. Do not interfere."
Alex leaned over the railing, swirling his wine. "Personal reasons? You mean the rumor that the water cures cancer?"
The Duke's face went pale. How did he know?
"I don't care about your health," Alex said coldly. "I just think the island looks nice. I want to build a summer house there."
"You..." The Duke slammed his cane on the floor. "Insolent brat! You think money is a toy? Two Billion!"
The crowd screamed. Two billion dollars for an island? That was the GDP of a small country.
Alex didn't blink. "Three Billion."
The Duke stood up, shaking. "Do you know who I am?! My family has ruled Europe's diamond trade for three centuries! I have liquid assets you can't imagine! Four Billion!"
The Duke was panting. $4 Billion was his limit. He would have to sell assets to cover it. But he needed that water. He didn't want to die.
Alex yawned. He looked at Luna.
"Luna, pick a number."
"Seven is a lucky number, Master," Luna said calmly.
Alex nodded. He pressed the button.
"Seven Billion Dollars."
Silence.
Absolute, suffocating silence.
The Duke froze. Seven billion? That was half his net worth. He couldn't liquidate that much cash in time. It was impossible.
"You... you are bluffing!" The Duke screamed, pointing a shaking finger. "Check his funds! He is lying! No one has that kind of cash!"
The Auctioneer looked at his console. He contacted the bank.
A moment later, the Auctioneer looked up, his face pale as a ghost.
"The... the bid is valid. The funds are verified."
The Duke collapsed into his chair. He looked old. Defeated. He realized he wasn't going to get his cure.
"Sold! To Mr. Alex for $7 Billion!"
[DING!]
[Massive Expenditure Detected!] [Spent: $7,000,000,000.] [Reward: +70,000 Tycoon Points.] [Current Balance: 90,000 TP.]
Alex stood up. The entire room was looking at him with fear and worship.
"Sebastian," Alex called out.
"Yes, sir?"
"Go sign the papers. And tell the construction crew I want a castle built on the north side. Make sure it has a pool."
Alex looked down at the defeated Duke one last time.
"Duke Sterling," Alex said. "If you wanted the island that badly, you should have worked harder."
He turned and walked out, leaving the stunned billionaires behind.