As the crowd was congratulating Anabel, Desmond's mind whirled with questions.
"How the hell did she get the money to bid a hundred million? Is she really Anabel Orton? What secret is she hiding from me?" She stared at Anabel, who was smiling at the people congratulating her. Some other people are trying to know who she really is. How can the highest bidder be unknown?
It got to a point Desmond could not hold it any longer. His face reddened with skepticism. He had analyzed everything and concluded that her bid was not real.
"She is not real!" He spoke up. "She doesn't represent anyone or have any business," he declared, his voice echoing through the conference hall. "She can't possibly have the funds to back up that bid. She doesn't just want me to get it because of personal issues."
Anabel didn't look disturbed or startled. Her expression remained serene, but a hint of amusement danced in her eyes. "I assure you, Desmond, this is real, and you have lost already. Just accept it and forget about it."
Desmond snorted. "I won't. You don't have any money and no lover; not even the impersonator can pay that amount of money. You just want to get back at me with this. You have to prove you can pay up. Pay for the Smithson Corporation now, in full."
Marcus Thompson, a rival businessman, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Desmond is right. No one knows who she is or her background. She doesn't represent any business or company. Let's see the money."
Other business leaders murmured in support, their faces reflecting varying degrees of curiosity and suspicion.
Anabel's smile grew wider. "I don't need to prove anything to you, Desmond. The auctioneer will verify my funds. I will surely be paid."
The auctioneer, caught in the middle, hesitated. "Well, actually, we do require immediate payment—"
Desmond interrupted immediately. "See? She can't pay!"
Anabel's voice remained calm. "I can, and I will."
Just as the argument escalated, the auctioneer's phone rang. He excused himself to answer the call. A moment later, his face transformed from uncertainty to surprise.
"Gentlemen, I've just received confirmation." The auctioneer said, and the room went silent. "The payment for the Smithson Corporation has been paid in full."
The room fell silent. Everyone was shocked. What is happening?
"Who paid?" Desmond asked in curiosity.
The auctioneer smiled. "It was paid by a businessman who chooses to remain anonymous."
The room erupted into shocked murmurs. Who is behind her? Who is backing her up? They began to look at themselves. At this point, everyone was a suspect. Desmond's face darkened. "This is ridiculous. Who is behind this?"
Anabel's smile grew enigmatic. "Perhaps you should focus on your own business, Desmond."
Marcus Thompson whispered to Desmond, "Looks like you underestimated Anabel."
Desmond's eyes never left Anabel's face. "This isn't over." Anabel's gaze met his, a challenge sparkling in her eyes. "I'm counting on it. But trust me. You don't have what it takes to challenge me."
"It will only take time." Desmond replied. He was determined to uncover the truth behind Anabel's mysterious backer.