Chapter 184 Lower the Price
Oliver dared to make such a bold statement because he knew Kaelen could never produce a $2 billion donation. Even a billionaire like Erin couldn't casually part with such a sum!
Oliver's father, Ken, once lost a $100 million bet to Erin and never paid up. Despite Ken brushing off $100 million as a trifle, it was a significant amount of money.
Donate $2 billion?
Unless Kaelen had completely lost his mind, he would never donate $2 billion.
The truth was, the jade seal Kaelen had presented was acquired abroad at a bargain price. The previous owner had been unaware of its true value, and Kaelen, through a combination of coercion and persuasion, managed to secure it for a mere $100,000. The subsequent documentation and expert appraisals were all fabricated by people in Kaelen's employ.
Kaelen estimated the seal to be worth around $20-30 million, intending to use it to impress Willow. The fact that it had fetched $80 million at auction was beyond his wildest expectations.
Skyview's words left Kaelen momentarily speechless.
However, Kaelen was quick-witted and retorted, "I never said you both had to donate one-fifth of your wealth. It's perfectly fine if Oliver donates a bit less, but Skyview, you're a billionaire worth $50 billion, five times my net worth. Donating a mere $100 million isn't too much to ask, is it?"
"Not at all, not at all," Skyview replied with a faint smile. "Donating $100 million is a trifle for me. But tell me, does the person who donates the most tonight get to claim the 'Charity Star' title and bask in all the attention?"
"Precisely!" Kaelen declared proudly. "I donated $80 million, so I should rightfully secure the 'Charity Star' title for Willow. You're her boyfriend. If you truly care for her, why not donate $100 million to win her that title? If you can't even part with a measly $100 million, how can you claim to love Willow? Isn't that a joke?"
Kaelen was desperate for Skyview to make a donation.
If Skyview refused to donate $100 million, it would suggest he didn't value Willow that much, which would surely displease her. As understanding as Willow was, she wouldn't be completely indifferent.
On the other hand, if Skyview agreed to donate $100 million, he would be $100 million poorer. While spending such a sum might please Willow, she was already fond of Skyview, and the 'Charity Star' title wasn't a significant factor in their relationship.
Moreover, Kaelen's strategy to win Willow over with the 'Charity Star' title had already backfired spectacularly. He was out $80 million and fuming! If he could make Skyview lose $100 million as well, it would be a small victory.
To donate or not to donate?
That was the dilemma.
Donating meant losing $100 million!
Not donating, Skyview believed Willow would understand, but it would still leave a tinge of disappointment.
Willow suddenly realized that Kaelen was deliberately targeting Skyview.
She was torn. On one hand, she hoped Skyview wouldn't donate the $100 million, refusing to fall into Kaelen's trap and give him the satisfaction. On the other hand, she yearned for Skyview to prove his affection for her outweighed any sum of money.
"You're despicable!" Oliver, perceptive as ever, had also caught on to Kaelen's scheme. "Kaelen, you're nothing but a snake!"
Even Calliope felt a flicker of apprehension towards Kaelen.
All eyes were on Skyview, awaiting his decision.
He seemed to be in a vulnerable position.
"It seems you all think $100 million is an astronomical sum. What's money, anyway? As Erin once said, I'm not interested in money!" Skyview laughed, appearing completely at ease. "Forget $100 million, I'd gladly donate my entire $50 billion for Willow! But donating such a sum would be far too ostentatious, so I'll keep it low-key today and donate a mere $200 million instead!"
"Are you serious? Are you crazy? That's a complete waste of $200 million!" Oliver exclaimed. "Skyview, you need to understand that charity donations aren't as simple as they appear!"
Oliver, fearing Skyview might act impulsively, decided to take a risk and reveal some of the inner workings of these charity events.
Charity funds, he explained, were often structured in a way that benefited the super-rich participants. The initial contributions from these wealthy individuals lent credibility to the cause, encouraging ordinary people to donate as well. However, in the end, the money donated by the super-rich was often returned to them, while the contributions from ordinary people were divided among everyone according to predetermined proportions.
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