Chapter 26

• Richard’s POV
• The auctioneer’s final call was still ringing in my ears when the hall erupted into a chorus of murmurs and applause. I stood there, amidst the throng of tailored suits and gleaming cufflinks, with the faintest of smiles hiding the rush of adrenaline. The crowd parted for me, a sea of faces awash with astonishment as they came forward to shake my hand, to slap my back, to utter words of hollow congratulations.
• "Richard! That was a bold move!" exclaimed a portly man with a cigar wedged between his fingers, his eyes filled with respect.