Chapter 897:

It seemed Leland’s budget was just as constrained.

When the countdown entered its final ten seconds, Leland turned toward Rylie. Their eyes met briefly, and she gave him a short, decisive nod.

Leland faced forward again and raised the bid to 3 billion in the final five seconds.

The director beside Terrance panicked.

“Terrance, we can’t go any higher!”

Terrance’s eyes darkened as he caught the subtle exchange between Leland and Rylie. Acting on instinct alone, he shoved the director’s hand aside and slammed the bidding button. In the final second, Detour Inc. submitted a bid of 3.1 billion.

Sold.

The two prime plots were officially secured by Detour Inc. for a staggering 3.1 billion, far exceeding all market projections.

The two prime plots were officially acquired by Detour Inc. for a staggering 3.1 billion, a figure that far exceeded every market forecast.

As the gavel struck, confirming the sale of plots A7 and A8, the tension in the hall finally eased. Applause and words of congratulations echoed throughout the room.

At the center of the attention, Terrance leaned against the table for support, his palms pressed firmly against the surface as his legs threatened to give way beneath him.

Turning to the directors, whose expressions remained far from enthusiastic, he offered a steady assurance.

“Rest easy. Detour Inc. is on the verge of a major revival.”

As the crowd began to disperse, Rylie had already slipped out of the hall. Her objective for attending had been fulfilled. Her presence alone had been enough to apply psychological pressure on Terrance, leading him to believe she was backing the Kirk family’s aggressive bidding. The confusion she deliberately sowed had worked flawlessly, clouding his judgment and pushing him into a costly decision.

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With her plan complete, she could end the day on her own terms and take her team on a well-earned break.

Leland rose from his seat, straightened his jacket, and approached Terrance.

“Congratulations, Mr. Owen,” he said with composed courtesy. “Your decisiveness was truly impressive.”

Terrance clasped Leland’s hand in a brief, measured handshake before replying with a faint trace of mockery.

“I never thought I’d see you at such a major event. I still remember when you were considered one of the most promising figures in the medical field, only to be brought down by your own sister’s betrayal.”

Leland’s expression did not waver as he replied evenly,

“Yes. She proved to be rather ungrateful, didn’t she?”

Terrance let out a low, amused laugh.

“So someone’s backing you from the shadows to challenge me over this, isn’t that right?”

Leland frowned slightly, confusion flickering across his face.

“I’m not sure what you mean, Mr. Owen. Stacey is in prison. How could she possibly be backing me from the shadows?”

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