The air buzzed with a thick mixture of excitement, envy, and satisfaction as Aaron settled back into his seat. The final number had been called—seventy million dollars. And the winning paddle had been his.

A hush had briefly fallen over the crowd after the gavel slammed down, followed by a wave of murmurs and scattered applause. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. After the fierce head-to-head bidding war with Lucas, Aaron could finally exhale. This wasn’t about the car. It never ...