Chapter 232 A USB Drive
Charity funds these days weren't really about charity anymore. They were more like tools for smart capitalists to snag benefits, dodge taxes, and ultimately, fatten their wallets.
Golden Valley didn't have an estate tax, but Evalia sure did, and it was a killer. A progressive system with the top rate hitting a whopping 40%. And that wasn't even the worst part. After the feds took their slice, the state government came in for theirs too. So, naturally, a lot of clever folks set up charitable foundations to protect their cash and cut down on taxes.
The rich in Evalia often threw big bucks at their own foundations. This move not only helped them dodge a ton of estate tax but also scored them a lower tax rate overall. And the cherry on top? After they kicked the bucket, their kids still controlled the foundation, keeping the family fortune safe and sound. Charity could be pretty darn profitable.
In Evalia, charitable foundations were a slick way to cut taxes and even make some money. In Golden Valley, the profit potential was even bigger.
"Chill out." Skyview laughed, leaning back with a smug look. "I went to Maplebrook Institute of Technology in Evalia. Anyone who knows Evalia gets how these foundations work." He paused, letting his words sink in. "I'm not dumb enough to waste money. I'm planning to auction something worth 200 million dollars!"
"Two hundred million?" Oliver nearly spit out his drink, eyes bulging. "Do you actually have something that valuable?"
Kaelen cracked up, shaking his head in disbelief. "A 200 million dollar auction item? Skyview, what on earth are you planning to auction?"
He couldn't wrap his head around it. Stuff worth that kind of cash was usually rare art or priceless antiques, and there weren't many of those around. Even with the Darkmoon Family's clout, getting something like that would be a huge deal.
"Kaelen, you crack me up with your arrogance," Skyview said, a sly smile on his face. "Did you really think I'd show up at the Brighter Futures Ball without a plan? Honestly, my main goal tonight is to help Willow see you for who you really are. I want you to feel totally outclassed, overshadowed by my all-around awesomeness!"
Kaelen scoffed, his face hardening. "Skyview, you're out of your mind! I'd love to see what you can possibly offer that's worth 200 million dollars!"
"Then watch closely," Skyview said, nodding towards Lily. "Donate that item, and make sure it's registered in Willow's name! The title of tonight's Brighter Futures Ball Charity Star will be my gift to her!"
Lily, her face giving nothing away, stood up and headed backstage towards the auction area. Kaelen felt a twinge of unease. 'Could it be that Skyview was actually prepared?'
Backstage at the auction.
Lily arrived at the donation table. After explaining her purpose, the staff looked at her like she was out of her mind.
"Mr. Scott wants to donate this. item for auction in Ms. Link's name?" the staff member asked, his voice dripping with disbelief. "With a starting bid of 10 million dollars? This... no one would buy this! Even if Mr. Scott is a celebrity, his personal belongings would fetch at most 200,000 dollars!"
Lily ignored the staff's skeptical look. "Just proceed with the auction. Mr. Scott is prepared; if it doesn't sell, he will cover the 10 million dollar starting bid himself. Here is his authorization letter." She handed over a signed letter from Skyview to the bewildered staff member.
"Alright." Seeing Skyview's official authorization, the staff member reluctantly agreed. The letter represented a potential loss of 10 million dollars, a sum they couldn't ignore. However, he couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "Do rich people always have such bizarre hobbies?"
Lily ignored the comment and turned to leave.
"Is it done?" Skyview asked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.
"With your authorization letter, it was taken care of quickly," Lily replied.
"Excellent." Skyview announced to Kaelen, a triumphant smirk spreading across his face, "My auction item has been submitted to the Brighter Futures Ball. Now, we wait and see how I donate 200 million dollars!"
"Let's hope you actually have something of value," Kaelen retorted, his face grim. He was starting to worry that Skyview might actually possess a valuable treasure. He suspected that Dylan's estate might have included some hidden gems.
Later, the auctioneer, looking utterly perplexed, stood before the crowd holding a small black box. "Next," he announced, his voice laced with confusion, "we have the most peculiar item in the history of the Brighter Futures Ball, a USB drive donated by Mr. Skyview Scott, chairman of the Twin Group, in Ms. Willow Link's name, with a starting bid of 10 million dollars!"
As the auctioneer spoke, he opened the box, revealing an ordinary-looking USB drive.
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