Ultimate Tycoon: Building the Richest Empire with System and Heroines-Chapter 55: Grand Knox Auction Hall

Ethan stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his red suit for the fifth time. It wasn’t flashy,just the right shade of crimson to look sharp without being loud. The jacket hugged his frame perfectly, and the black shirt underneath gave it a bold contrast. A silver watch gleamed on his wrist, and his dark hair was neatly styled.

"Alright," he muttered. "Let’s get this auction started."

He stepped out of his room and headed downstairs.

The moment he reached the bottom, he stopped.

Natalie stood by the railing in a sleek navy-blue dress, one shoulder bare, her hair tied up in a soft bun. Her icy beauty was enhanced by the deep blue silk that hugged her figure.

Rhea stood beside her in a pastel lavender gown with floral embroidery running along the hem. Soft and elegant, it matched her quiet temperament perfectly.

And then there was Jasmine,in a black slit dress with a diamond choker, hair cascading in waves. She wore confidence like perfume.

Ethan blinked.

"...Wow."

All three turned to him.

Natalie raised an eyebrow. "Something on your mind?"

"You three look like you’re heading to a royal ball, not an auction."

Jasmine smirked. "And you look like a red rose trying to outshine us."

Rhea just gave a soft smile. "You look... nice."

Ethan chuckled. "Just ’nice’? Not even ’handsome’?"

Natalie rolled her eyes but smiled. "Don’t push it."

"Alright, alright," he laughed. "I know all moved by handsomeness, but we don’t have time."

All three of the rolled their eyes

Just then, Alistair walked into the hallway in a sharp grey suit, adjusting his cufflinks.

"Everyone ready?" he asked.

The three girls nodded. Ethan straightened up.

"What about the others?" Ethan asked.

"They’re not coming," Natalie replied. "They said it sounded boring."

"And Mina’s too busy stealing strawberries from the kitchen," Jasmine added casually.

Alistair pulled out his phone. "Albert, prepare the car. We’ll leave now."

"Understood, sir," came the reply.

A few minutes later, a sleek black luxury car rolled into the driveway. Albert stood by the passenger side, opening the door with a nod.

Ethan stepped aside as the girls entered one by one. Rhea sat near the window, followed by Jasmine and Natalie. Ethan sat beside Natalie. Alistair took the front seat.

As the car pulled out of the estate, the five of them sat in silence for a moment, the mood shifting slightly. The light teasing was done. Now it was business.

The moment their car pulled up to the entrance of the Grand Knox Auction Hall, Ethan leaned forward in his seat and let out a low whistle.

The building looked like a palace straight out of fantasy, gold-trimmed columns, a massive chandelier visible through the arched glass ceiling, and a red carpet stretching across the entire front walkway. Rows upon rows of luxury cars lined the sides, Bamborghinis, Lentleys, Balls-Royces,parked with precision by uniformed valets.

People in sharp suits and designer gowns strolled around with champagne glasses, chatting and laughing, their expressions proud and money-laced.

"Wow... too many people," Ethan muttered as he stepped out.

Alistair stepped beside him. "Of course. Virgil’s name isn’t a small one in this city."

Natalie nodded. "And now that people know about the Mosalina painting, it’s a hot topic. Many of them probably won’t bid... but they’ll still want to see it."

"Now , I’m also excited to see this painting," Rhea said softly, eyes scanning the glittering hall.

"Me too," Jasmine said, adjusting her dress.

As the five of them walked up the carpeted steps, more heads began turning.

Some whispered.

"Who are they?"

"Those girls are beautiful."

" That boy is also handsome."

"Wait, isn’t that Alistair Hayes?"

Ethan didn’t react, but inside, he was smiling.

Once inside, the grandeur only grew. The auction hall was massive. A marble staircase led up to the private VIP rooms. Below, the floor was arranged with plush seats in rows, facing a polished wooden stage with glowing lights.

Crystal chandeliers bathed the room in soft light. Waiters walked around with trays of wine, and soft classical music played in the background.

Virgil, dressed in a dark three-piece suit, stood waiting near the entrance to the main floor. The moment he spotted them, he opened his arms wide.

"Ah, the man of honor himself," he said with a grin, walking up to Ethan.

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "You look unusually excited."

Virgil shook hands with him and greeted the others politely.

Then, he leaned closer to Ethan, whispering behind his smile, "By the way... who are those two ladies with you? I don’t recognize them. I must say, I was not familiar with your game."

Ethan chuckled without answering.

They followed Virgil deeper into the hall.

Waiting near the staircase was a young couple. The man had sharp features and neatly combed hair, wearing a charcoal blazer. Beside him stood a graceful woman in a dark green gown, smiling warmly.

Virgil gestured to them. "This is my son, Arion, and his wife Elena."

Arion stepped forward and shook Ethan’s hand. "So you’re Ethan. Thanks to you, attendance today tripled. The Mosalina name alone brought in a storm."

"Glad to help," Ethan replied.

Alistair spoke up, his voice cool. "Where’s our seating?"

Virgil smiled. "Follow me. You’re in VIP Room No. 1. Out of ten VIP rooms, all are fully booked today."

As they made their way up the private staircase, Ethan looked around.

"Not bad, old man," he said. "I’m genuinely impressed."

Virgil smiled. "Of course. We’re the best in the business."

They reached the top floor. Thick glass panels overlooked the main auction stage. The VIP Room No. 1 had velvet sofas, a private bar, and a direct speaker feed for bidding. Rhea’s eyes lit up as she peeked over the edge.

Ethan, however, turned back to Virgil.

"Alright. Now tell me, why did this auction suddenly get rescheduled? You said it would be in a week."

Virgil’s smile faded slightly. He looked away.

"...Come with me," he said in a quieter tone. "We need to talk."

Ethan’s eyes narrowed. He exchanged a glance with Alistair, who nodded subtly, then followed Virgil out of the VIP room.

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