Chapter 15 : The Underdog's Triumph

Amaya became sarcastic as soon as her surprise faded. Her eyes glowed with incredulity, and then she laughed sharply, grabbing the attention of people around her. 

"Oh, this is rich," she sneered, glancing at Clinton before returning her attention to Rowland. “Twice the amount? Are you trying to look foolish in front of all these people, Rowland? You cannot possibly afford such an outrageous bid, you and I know that."

The people around them murmured, some exchanging skeptical looks. Rowland's bold proposal had startled them, but Amaya's remarks appeared to hit home with the assembly, as several heads nodded in agreement.

Amaya got up from her chair, her dress glistening in the lights, and she walked up to the auctioneer, her tone brimming with conceit. 

"Something has to be wrong. Surely, you do not expect us to believe that he"—she pointed dismissively at Rowland—"can actually pay for this ring. Why not ask him how he intends to pay?”

Clinton stood up and chuckled darkly. "Amaya is correct," he said, his tone mocking. "This is simply a sad attempt to remain relevant. Rowland, everyone knows where you live. Attempting to play in our league is laughable."

The auctioneer paused, obviously taken aback by the confrontation. He looked from Rowland to the two figures who were standing, his brow furrowed. "Mr. Rowland, are you ready to pay for the ring now?"

The audience was waiting impatiently to see Rowland give way under the strain. Amaya crossed her arms and waited for his inevitable retreat, her expression smug.

However, Rowland remained calm, his posture unaffected by their taunts. He studied her for a moment before reaching into his jacket pocket and removing a small but distinctly large object, a sleek black card. He held it up so everyone could see it shimmering in the lights.

There was silence in the room.

Shouts of surprise broke out as people who understood the meaning of the card looked at each other with disbelieving eyes. Nobody in the city could casually wield a black card, which was uncommon and only available to the very wealthy.

When Amaya realized what was happening, her eyes widened and her smile wavered. 

"A black card?" she murmured, barely above a whisper. The shock of what she would mocked set in, and soon her disbelief gave way to panic.

Clinton's face became intensely red as his jaw tightened. His knuckles went white as his fingers tightened their grip on the back of his chair. 

"How...?" he stammered, unable to comprehend how Rowland, of all people, could be so wealthy. The arrogance that had previously fueled his confidence vanished in an instant, leaving him confused and humiliated.

Rowland remained composed as he handed the card to the auctioneer. "I believe this should be enough," he said calmly. "You can begin the transaction as soon as you are ready."

The auctioneer, clearly agitated now, gave a quick nod and accepted the card with shaking hands. Now all eyes in the hall were on Rowland, who appeared utterly unfazed by the commotion he had just created.

Amaya staggered back, shock twisted across her face. "But—this does not make sense!" she exclaimed. "How did you... I am certain you stole that card! How could you afford it?"

Clinton's gaze shifted between Rowland and the card, still trying to process what had just happened. "This is not possible," he insisted. "How did you—a nobody—get your hands on something like that?"

Rowland met Clinton's gaze, his expression composed and composed. "You undervalue people when you think their value is solely based on what you see," he stated, his tone measured but clearly triumphant. "You have been too busy looking down on others to notice that power does not always manifest itself."

As the transaction was confirmed, the crowd mumbled in amazement. With a respectful bow, the auctioneer returned the black card to Rowland and said, "The gold ring is officially sold to Mr. Rowland Fence."

Clinton's enraged expression twisted. He had planned to purchase the ring as a grand gesture for Amaya, an engagement ring that would symbolize his control over her heart and anyone who dared to challenge him. Now, the man he had so conceitedly denigrated was taking that symbol from him.

Amaya was too shocked to say anything. Her confidence shattered, she looked at Rowland as if she had never seen him before. She was no longer smug; instead, her expression was one of confusion and resentment.

As Rowland approached the stage to retrieve the gold ring, the elite's gaze remained fixed on him. Every stride he took was weighted with significance, as though he were approaching a new phase of his existence—one in which he would no longer be the underdog but rather a man of unquestionable strength.

Rowland softly smiled as he walked up to the auctioneer, who gave him the ring with care. 

"Thank you," he said, placing the ring in his pocket with finality.

The audience was still reeling from the shock of what had just happened. Whispers filled the room, sparking speculation about Rowland's true identity and how he came to be so wealthy. 

He was suddenly being reassessed by some of the wealthiest men and women in the city, who questioned whether they had missed someone far more significant than they had thought.

Realizing they had lost, Clinton and Amaya stood motionless. Clinton was filled with rage, but he was aware that there was nothing he could do. The man he had previously written off as unimportant had now taken possession of the gold ring, and the engagement gesture he had painstakingly planned was ruined.

Rowland turned, his back straight and his expression calm, and walked out of the auction hall with the same grace and confidence with which he entered. He did not need to say anything else because everyone in the room knew who had won.

Outside, Khalid stood by the car with a knowing smile. "How did things go, Mr. Rowland?"

Rowland met Khalid's gaze, his expression unintelligible but his eyes' glint telling volumes. 

"Everything went according to plan." He entered the vehicle, the tangible reminder of his victory being the gold ring in his pocket.

As the car drove away from the auction hall, Rowland sensed the winds of change shifting in his favor. He would no longer be regarded negatively by others. He had made his point today, and it was clearly heard by all!