Brandon explained in more detail, "Strictly speaking, this isn't even a real auction. It's more like a highly private platform for swapping info and moving items, built around a specific circle. The organizers throw something like this together on short notice, borrow a venue, then bring in professionals to run it and appraise everything."
He paused, then continued. "The kind of auction you're picturing, huge venue, strict procedures, sky-high prices, that's for the social elite, top collectors, big-name commercial pieces. Stuff at that level might only happen once a year, just to keep up that exclusive, rare image. An auction house can't survive on that alone."
Brandon's tone took on a knowing edge. "They've got a massive network of clients and a constant flow of items moving through their hands. These smaller, highly private deals, underground or semi-underground, are actually the bread and butter of their business and how they keep their network alive. But to avoid messing with the image of their public auctions, this stuff only happens within small circles like ours, with very tight control over who knows what."
Finally, Brandon clapped Ethan on the shoulder, his tone certain. "So don't let the low-key setup fool you, whatever shows up here is guaranteed to be good. A lot of it is stuff you'd never even see on the open market, or stuff with a backstory that needs some 'special handling.' Not just anyone gets through this door."
Ethan nodded thoughtfully.
Brandon's explanation suddenly made things click for him, giving him a much clearer picture of this whole hidden channel for moving wealth around.
He thought to himself: the rules of the real world were way more complicated and secretive than anything in TV dramas. A lot of what goes on underneath the surface is stuff most people couldn't even imagine.
This little circle, built on deep connections and trust, was its own kind of invisible wall.
Right then, Kevin sat up and waved at the auctioneer. "Alright, let's get this going, stop stalling."
"Of course, since everyone's ready, we won't waste any more time." The young female auctioneer's smile stayed put as she gave a slight bow, her movements elegant and crisp.
She turned to face everyone, her voice clear and pleasant. "Today's first item is guaranteed to get the hearts of every speed-loving guy in this room racing."
She paused for a beat to build the anticipation, then revealed it. "It's the McLaren P1, one of the three legendary hypercars."
The middle-aged assistant behind her flipped open a tablet right on cue, and the screen lit up with stunning shots of the legendary supercar from every angle, along with a brief vehicle report.
The sleek, aggressive body, the butterfly doors, the carbon fiber gleaming coldly under the lights, instantly grabbed everyone's attention.
The female auctioneer continued, her tone full of professional admiration. "This P1 is in pristine condition. Limited to 375 units worldwide, and the car in front of us has under 60 miles on it since purchase, basically brand new. Comes with complete factory documentation and the original custom configuration sheet. The owner is letting it go for personal reasons, which makes this a true collector's piece."
She glanced around the room, her gaze lingering for a moment on Ethan and Brandon. "Starting bid is $1.2 million, minimum increase of $10,000."
She added the details on the handover. "Once the winning bid is confirmed, a specialist will deliver the vehicle safely to your location within three days and handle all the transfer paperwork. Now, let's begin."
The room fell silent, the only sound the deep hum of the yacht's engine.
Ethan stroked his chin, his eyes locked on the silver-gray beast on the screen. The McLaren P1's design and aggressive performance genuinely captivated him.
He glanced instinctively at Kevin, Preston, and Logan, and noticed they were all just watching, with no intention of bidding. Probably out of consideration for him, since this was his first time at something like this.
Ethan got it, and didn't hesitate. "$1.3 million."
A full hundred grand jump right out of the gate!
The bold move made Tony beside him instinctively flinch.
That price was already steep for a used supercar, even one with practically no mileage.
But for true collectors who weren't worried about money, the meaning was completely different.
Sure enough, Brandon's lips curled into a smile, like he saw this as an even match. He raised his hand, his eyes meeting Ethan's with a hint of challenge. "$1.35 million."
After bidding, he smiled at Ethan and said, "Sorry, Ethan, I've had my eye on these three legendary cars for a long time. Looks like we're gonna go head to head today?"
Ethan's expression stayed calm as he shrugged. "Let's see what we've got. Go ahead, Brandon, do your thing."
"Alright! Now we're talking!" Brandon's smile widened. "Let's see who loves this piece of machinery more."
Ethan didn't hesitate at all, jumping back in and pushing the price to a new level. "$1.5 million."
Brandon's eyes narrowed as he immediately followed, showing his resolve. "$1.6 million!"
Ethan seemed completely unfazed. The moment Brandon finished speaking, a clear voice rang out again. "$1.7 million."
The increments were still in the hundred-thousand range, and he had a firm grip on the pace.
This time, Brandon clearly hesitated for half a second.
$1.7 million, that was already past what he'd expected to spend.
He took a breath, one last test, one last push. "$1.8 million!"
At that price, there was a barely noticeable edge of tension in his voice.
But Ethan's response came back astonishingly fast, like $1.8 million was nothing at all.
He casually named a number that instantly silenced the room. "$2 million."
"Whoa..." A few gasps rippled through the lounge.
Even the female auctioneer, used to scenes like this, had her pupils widen slightly, her grip on the gavel instinctively tightening.
Her eyes swept quickly across the room, her voice rising with excitement. "This gentleman bids $2 million! McLaren P1, $2 million! Does anyone else want to continue?"
Her gaze landed on Brandon.
Brandon's expression shifted, finally settling into a wry smile, somewhere between resigned and relieved.
He shrugged and shook his head at Ethan. "You win, Ethan. This car... it's yours."
$2 million was no small amount, even for him. In the end, reason won out over impulse.
There are 130 advance chapters ahead in my Patreon. If you are interested can check it out.
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