Chapter 11 Betting the Dunns' 50-Billion Investment

• Zachary's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.
• He was certain of his riding and shooting abilities, confident that he was unrivaled not only in Harmonfield but also on the Gold Coast.
• His love for these sports began in his youth, and he had accumulated numerous awards over the years.
• The previous year, he had won the national amateur championship in riding and shooting for adults.
• If Robin agreed to participate, it would be the perfect chance to publicly humiliate him.
• "Fantastic! How would you like to compete? Team event or individual?" Zachary inquired, giving Robin a disdainful look.
• "I can handle it on my own. You can choose whether it's a one-on-one or a team event," Robin responded coolly.
• "However, this competition feels a bit dull. If you're serious about competing, let's spice things up—let's place a bet!"
• Zachary's interest was piqued. This guy is about to meet his match in a bet on riding and shooting!
• "Alright! That'll make it more interesting. What's the wager? Mr. Ramsey, are you ready to bet a few bucks?" He chuckled, joined by Raymond, Alice, and Vera in laughter.
• Robin glanced at Shirley before continuing, "I'll wager the entire Dunns' investment in the Eastvale Ecological Project!"
• Shirley's body tensed, nearly spilling the glass of water she had just picked up.
• Trembling, she set it down on the coffee table, her mind racing. Is he serious?
• The Dunns' total investment in the Eastvale Ecological Project is nearly 50 billion!
• Offering that as a bet is nothing short of outrageous.
• This isn't a mere game.
• A loss in this competition that costs 50 billion, even with our immense wealth, would deal a serious blow to our resources.
• Robin's proposal stunned not just Shirley but also Zachary, Raymond, Alice, and the rest.
• Is he really serious about this?
• The 50 billion investment is far from trivial.
• The project's future returns were expected to be enormous.
• Many in Harmonfield would do anything for even a fraction of that, making it highly improbable that Shirley or the Dunns would agree to such a wager that Robin proposed so casually.
• After a moment of shocked silence, Zachary sneered at Robin. "Ms. Dunn, he's suggesting a bet on the entire Dunns' investment in the Eastvale project. Do you accept? Does Mr. Dunn Sr. approve?"
• Shirley was genuinely conflicted.
• Yet Robin had been the Dunn's rescuer.
• Her grandfather had said that even if it meant risking all the Dunns' assets, they would still consider it.
• Furthermore, Robin's bet was merely the 50 billion investment in the Eastvale project.
• Even if they lost, it wouldn't be completely out of the realm of reason for the Dunns.
• Determined, Shirley set her jaw and declared, "Of course! If Robin is putting it on the line, then I agree!
• "But are you bold enough to take on a bet of this scale with the Dunns?"
• Zachary and the others were taken aback.
• Shirley was right. A 50 billion wager exceeded their combined financial capacity.
• Seeing their hesitation, Robin smiled nonchalantly. "You don't have to bet that much. Just 300 million in cash will suffice.
• "If you're too timid for even this modest bet, then leave now and stop yapping!"
• Robin signaled to several staff members at the venue to bring over the betting contract.
• Daphne's Violetcrest Club, renowned for its luxury amenities and entertainment options, also provided betting services.
• Wealthy patrons often sought additional excitement in their leisure activities.
• They would typically ask the club to handle betting services and other gambling-related arrangements privately.
• This meant that specialized staff were assigned to manage contract signings, oversee match arbitration, and handle other administrative duties.
• Once a contract was finalized at the Violetcrest Club, it became legally binding.
• Failure to honor the agreement would lead to enforcement by the club's dedicated team.
• Daphne's reputation for managing such matters was well-established in Harmonfield, and no one dared to breach a contract there.
• 300 million dollars?
• Zachary wavered. While the Gills could afford that sum, betting it on a game was something his father would never sanction.
• However, since they had gotten to this point, backing out now would lead to embarrassment in Harmonfield's elite circles.
• In this social tier, maintaining one's reputation was crucial.
• Zachary looked at Raymond, Alice, and Vera, signaling that this bet involved them all.
• Each would need to contribute.
• Noticing their hesitation, Robin sneered, "If you're intimidated, just back out. If you can't handle a bet of this magnitude, then stop talking nonsense in front of me."
• Zachary and the others bristled at the thought of losing face in front of Robin, whom they considered beneath them.
• It's just 300 million dollars!
• We can endure some criticism from our families for the sake of maintaining our pride.
• Determined, Zachary said, "Raymond, I'll put up 100 million."
• Caught up in the moment, Raymond added, "Alright, I'll match that with another 100 million. Alice and Vera will cover the remaining 100 million."
• Alice, initially reluctant, felt she had no choice but to agree.
• The thought of being outdone by Robin was too much to bear.
• She still felt that Robin was a lowlife who wasn't on the same level as them.
• Hesitating on a 300-million bet wouldn't make sense.
• "Fine, I'll contribute 50 million," Alice and Vera said through clenched teeth.
• Soon, staff from Violetcrest Club's betting management brought the agreement to both parties.
• Shirley paused momentarily but signed the contract without delay, thinking, Robin, I hope you don't end up dragging my family down.
• Zachary, Raymond, Alice, and Vera looked at the contract with perspiration on their brows.
• Their hands shook as they signed.
• The stakes caught the attention of all patrons at the dart and archery center.
• Some quickly abandoned their activities to witness the unfolding drama.
• A bet of this scale was unprecedented at the Violetcrest Club.
• What was intended to be a simple act of humiliation had turned into a major spectacle.
• Zachary regretted the situation but felt trapped by his own arrogance.
• Despite his confidence in his riding and shooting skills, the enormous wager made him anxious.
• If he lost, he knew his father wouldn't easily part with the 100 million dollars, and he might lose his allowance altogether.
• Alice was equally apprehensive.
• 50 million dollars was a significant amount for the Millers.
• As the CEO of Miller Group, losing such an amount could attract severe criticism from her relatives and even threaten her position.
• Robin observed their unease with a private smirk.
• He had no intention of paying them any more attention, but their repeated provocations had made him determined to show them the sting of defeat.
• With the agreement signed, the Violetcrest Club's betting staff provided an official guarantee similar to notarization.
• This meant that if either party failed to honor the bet after the competition, the club would manage the recovery of the wager.
• A bet involving 50 billion dollars was a rare event, especially with Shirley, the heiress of the Dunns, taking part.
• This was a unique and exciting spectacle.
• Zachary was already well-known in Harmonfield for his riding and shooting skills.
• He had won the national championship in the adult amateur division last year.
• Few could rival his ability on the Gold Coast and even across Draconia, except for professional champions.
• Thus, many people were supporting him even before the competition had started.
• Once the contract was signed, Zachary quickly prepared himself for the match.
• Ten minutes later, he emerged from backstage in a stylish riding and shooting outfit, carrying a metal bow and arrows, and riding a magnificent white horse.
• His appearance was nothing short of impressive, showcasing the grace and skill of a seasoned professional.
• His entrance was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers.