Conquering Ladies With My 10x Rebate System-Chapter 44: The showdown

"And this will be our next item!"

On the screen, the item was displayed.

Lot 10: The Red Helix – Synthetic Ruby Laced with Nanite Intelligence.

Starting Bid: 1,000,000

"Ladies and gentlemen, feast your eyes on Lot Seventy-One — one of the rarest synthetic artifacts ever to grace this auction block..."

"The Red Helix."

"What you see before you is no ordinary gem. Fashioned in a closed-lab environment and laced with nanite intelligence, this synthetic ruby contains a fully functional AI — a prototype designed by the late and infamous Verus Korr."

"Yes, that Korr."

"This singular intelligence can analyze vast datasets in seconds, decrypt Class-A military encryption, and, if interfaced properly... run an entire defense grid with precision beyond current command protocols."

"It is self-learning. Adaptive. Some say it speaks in Korr’s voice, others claim it evolves with its wielder. What is certain: the Red Helix does not just process information — it thinks."

"This is not a weapon. It is an empire in waiting."

"Starting bid is one million credits. Increment by fives. Proceed with caution... and conviction."

The Auctioneer spoke with a grin.

This was the most expensive item on the list—and the main reason they were all here.

This wasn’t just about money.

This was ’the mission.’

’Impress the father.’

It was finally time for the Monrrow siblings to show their father just how far they’d come—how independent they’d each become over the past few years.

Julia smiled as she glanced toward the VIP boxes.

All seven were occupied.

This wasn’t just an auction—it was a showdown.

"Well, good luck, brother... I won’t be joining this one," Julia said calmly, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Caleb glanced over at her. "Me neither."

Julia blinked, caught off guard.

"What? This is a perfect chance to show Dad how much you’ve grown—especially since you only just got back on his radar," she said, frowning in confusion.

She couldn’t understand why Caleb wouldn’t jump at the opportunity.

Did he have another plan?

"For once... I want to enjoy watching the others struggle," Caleb replied, a knowing smile tugging at his lips.

"Besides, impressing someone isn’t only about how much money you can throw around."

Julia looked puzzled. She turned to Naya, who mirrored her confusion.

Both women were curious. What was Caleb really planning?

Just then, as the Auctioneer prepared to begin, a voice cut sharply through the room—

"10 million!"

A hush fell over the crowd.

Gasps echoed through the hall as all eyes turned toward the VIP boxes, searching for the source.

Sitting behind their father, Nate wore a dark expression.

His gaze was fixed on the item below like a predator eying its prey—intense, calculating.

His brown eyes gleamed with determination.

’None of you are winning this,’ he thought, grinding his teeth.

Even the Auctioneer was momentarily speechless.

Nate had just done something insane.

He’d opened the bidding at 10 Milliken, immediately launching the auction into billionaire territory.

No one from the general audience dared to respond.

That amount alone was likely more than their entire companies were worth.

And from the fierce look in Nate’s eyes... it didn’t seem like he was done yet.

The other siblings were visibly shaken by the number.

Even Caleb was impressed.

"That guy really went all in. Couldn’t even wait a few bids before dropping that kind of money?" Caleb muttered, clearly amazed.

Julia frowned, clearly unsettled by her brother’s recklessness.

She sighed and shook her head.

"I guess this whole thing’s gotten to his head," she murmured.

"Good thing I’m not part of this madness. I ’hosted’ the auction, remember? Let him keep going—he’s only making me richer."

She tried to sound indifferent, but Caleb could tell by her eyes—she was worried.

She’d never admit it aloud, but Julia deeply cared for her siblings.

She was the most affectionate of them all—always willing to help, as long as it was within her power.

Seeing Nate throw around such an absurd amount of money?

It didn’t sit right with her.

"Well, he’s definitely shown us who the richest Monrrow is," Naya added from the side.

It was a family rivalry, and she knew it wasn’t her place to interfere.

She hadn’t said a word since the auction began.

She wasn’t even interested in the item.

But this item—the one being auctioned now—was something remarkable.

It could analyze data, decrypt information, and produce strategic results.

If a firm or corporation acquired it, it could shift the balance of power entirely.

A true game-changer.

And it would drastically reduce workload—while maintaining high efficiency and accuracy.

Of course, anyone would want to get their hands on something like that.

But after Nate’s dramatic stunt, even Naya was reminded of the vast financial gap between herself and most people in the room.

The Auctioneer was so stunned, he momentarily forgot to initiate the countdown after Nate’s bid.

It took him a few seconds to recover.

"The item is going for... t-ten million dollars. Going... Going..." he stuttered, each word feeling like it dragged his mouth down under its weight.

Not even Eldora had pulled a stunt like that.

And no one else in the room dared to make another bid.

Ten million? On a single item?

That was more than most people’s entire life savings—with change left over.

Nate had essentially claimed the prize before the game even began.

He had certainly amazed everyone...

Everyone except one man.

Jin Monrrow’s face remained unreadable.

No smile. No amazement. No shock.

If anything, his expression leaned toward... disappointment.

Nate turned his gaze toward his father, eyes burning with frustration.

’Why?! Acknowledge me, you old geezer!’

He was practically seething.

He’d done everything—climbed to the top by any means necessary.

He’d just thrown ten million down without blinking.

Still—nothing.

No recognition. No nod. No pride. Just that same cold indifference.

’Can’t you see I’ve won? No one else is even bidding!’ Nate thought furiously, eyes locked on his father as the Auctioneer moved to call the final count.

"Going, go—"

"15 million."

The room snapped to attention.

Heads turned. Gasps echoed once more.

Another shock.

Jason Monrrow wasn’t finished.