Chapter 231 Charity Gone Wrong
Oliver threw out that bold statement because he knew Kaelen couldn't cough up a 2 billion donation. Even someone like Erin, with all her billions, wouldn't just drop that kind of cash on a whim!
Oliver's dad, Ken, once lost a 100 million bet to Erin and never paid up. Even though Ken said a hundred million dollars was a small goal, in reality, it was a lot of money.
Kaelen would have to be out of his mind to donate 2 billion. The truth? That seal Kaelen showed off was a steal he got overseas. The previous owner had no clue about its real value, and Kaelen, using a mix of sweet talk and a bit of pressure, snagged it for just $100,000. All the paperwork and expert appraisals? Totally faked by Kaelen's crew.
Kaelen figured the seal was worth around 20-30 million and planned to use it to impress Willow. The fact that it sold for 80 million at auction? That was way beyond his wildest dreams.
Skyview's words left Kaelen speechless for a moment. But Kaelen was quick on his feet and shot back, "I never said you both had to donate one-fifth of your wealth. It's cool if Oliver donates a bit less, but Skyview, you're a billionaire worth 50 billion, five times my net worth. Donating just 100 million isn't too much to ask, right?"
"Not at all," Skyview replied with a faint smile. "Donating 100 million is nothing for me. But tell me, does the person who donates the most tonight get to claim the 'Charity Star' title and soak up all the attention?"
"Exactly!" Kaelen declared proudly. "I donated 80 million, so I should rightfully secure the 'Charity Star' title for Willow. You're her boyfriend. If you really 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 itching for Skyview to make a donation. If Skyview refused to donate 100 million, it would look like he didn't value Willow that much, which would definitely tick her off. As understanding as Willow was, she wouldn't be completely indifferent.
On the flip side, if Skyview agreed to donate 100 million, he'd be 100 million poorer. Sure, it might make Willow happy, but she already liked Skyview, and the 'Charity Star' title wasn't a big deal in their relationship.
Plus, Kaelen's plan to win Willow over with the 'Charity Star' title had already blown up in his face. He was out 80 million and fuming! If he could make Skyview lose 100 million too, it would be a small win.
Willow suddenly realized 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 wanted Skyview to show that his love for her was worth more than any amount of money.
"You're despicable!" Oliver, always sharp, had also caught on to Kaelen's scheme. "Kaelen, you're nothing but a snake!"Even Calliope felt a flicker of unease towards Kaelen. All eyes were on Skyview, waiting for his move. He seemed to be in a tight spot.
"It seems you all think 100 million is a huge sum. What's money, anyway? As Erin once said, he's not interested in money!" Skyview laughed, looking totally relaxed. "Forget 100 million, I'd gladly donate my entire 50 billion for Willow! But donating that much would be too flashy, so I'll keep it low-key today and donate just 200 million instead!"
"Are you serious? Are you nuts? That's a complete waste of 200 million!" Oliver exclaimed. "Skyview, you need to understand that charity donations aren't as simple as they seem!"
Oliver, worried Skyview might act on impulse, decided to spill some of the behind-the-scenes details of these charity events.
Charity funds were often set up in a way that benefited the super-rich participants. The initial contributions from these wealthy folks gave the cause credibility, encouraging regular people to donate too. But in the end, the money donated by the super-rich often found its way back to them, while the contributions from ordinary people were split among everyone according to prearranged proportions.
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