Chapter 199 The World I Conquered
"If that's the case, their chances of success are much higher." Natalie kept a polite smile, but inside, worry gnawed at her. Maybe this trip would be a waste. Still, she wasn't ready to give up. She signaled Aaron to keep going, determined to solve the mystery.
"Forty-five billion dollars," Aaron announced. The room went silent. The real bidding had just begun, and the serious players were stepping up.
Lillian shot a sharp glance at Natalie and quickly placed her bid. "Forty-eight billion dollars."
Any higher, and it would be close to Natalie's limit. Even if the Clark Group could afford it, the land wouldn't be profitable for decades, making it a risky buy.
After a moment's thought, she turned to Aaron and nodded. "Forty-nine billion dollars!" This was their final offer.
Lillian's side started to waver. Natalie could tell their limit was probably around the same number.
She glanced sideways, seeing Lillian and Brad whispering. Brad started texting someone—no doubt Gabriel.
"Forty-nine billion dollars, second call—"
Lillian raised her paddle again, looking tense. "Forty-nine point three billion dollars—"
Natalie lowered her eyes, deciding not to push further. A losing deal wasn't worth it.
"Forty-nine point three billion dollars, second call—"
Natalie stayed silent, and Lillian visibly relaxed. Just as the deal was about to close, Charlie, standing next to Natalie, suddenly spoke up. "Fifty billion dollars!"
The room buzzed with astonishment. Natalie stared at him, shocked. "Are you crazy?"
Charlie smirked but said nothing. Lillian was stunned by Charlie's bid, clearly taken aback. Fifty billion dollars was beyond Lillian and Gabriel's budget.
"Fifty billion dollars, first call—"
"Fifty billion dollars, second call—"
"Fifty billion dollars, third call—congratulations to the Walker family, Mr. Walker."
The room erupted in applause.
The Walker family won! Charlie stood up gracefully, waved to everyone, and walked straight up. Natalie and Aaron exchanged a glance. The result was clear and beyond everyone's expectations. The typically low-key, non-competitive Walker family had bid fifty billion dollars for this land? Since when had they become so interested in land?
As people gradually finished their congratulations and left, Lillian and Brad were clearly lingering, intending to stay behind. Natalie, uninterested, walked off with her bag. She hadn't gone far when someone grabbed her.
"Why are you leaving so fast?" Charlie's smile was charming and mischievous, his eyes twinkling like stars. Natalie was momentarily stunned but quickly regained her composure.
"Are you waiting for me to congratulate you?" Natalie said, thinking, 'He spent fifty billion dollars! Does he not do a budget evaluation beforehand?'
Charlie chuckled, "No need for that, you should congratulate yourself."
Natalie was puzzled while Charlie leaned in close to her. "Didn't you want this land? I'll sell it to you for forty-nine billion dollars," said Charlie.
In an instant, Natalie froze. Lillian and Brad, who had followed, also looked shocked and surprised. Lillian's face was pale, and she was barely holding back. Unable to resist, she stepped forward and asked, "Mr. Walker, what does this mean? You don't plan to do this project yourself?"
Charlie glanced to the side, a casual smile on his face. "I'm not really into it. I was actually thinking of giving it to Natalie." His smile was indulgent, and he winked at Natalie.
"How can you do this? Are you treating the company's money like a joke?" Lillian's eyes widened in disbelief, her tone cutting through the air.
Charlie's expression darkened, a hint of displeasure crossing his features. He suppressed his smile and cast a glance in Lillian's direction. "My family's money is none of your concern, is it?" he said coldly.
After he finished speaking, he looked at Natalie's shocked expression and smiled tenderly. "I could give it to you for free, but I think you'd feel bad. How about you marry me? All my assets will be yours," said Charlie.
