Winner

"Five Hundred Million US dollars," Dominique's cold voice echoed from the back, his penetrating gaze lingered on Sabrina's face. His sudden action surprised everyone. He wasn't holding a paddle, yet he joined the bidding by offering the highest amount.

"Hey Bro! Are you betraying me or helping me win this bid?" Ashton tugged Dominique's sleeve, questioning his motive for offering that price.

Even Sabrina was caught off guard by Dominique's action. Who would have thought he would join the bid at the last minute?

Meanwhile, the auctioneer, with a wry smile, acknowledged the fresh bid, "A daring move! Five Hundred Million! Going once… going twice…"

The anonymous bidder was about to raise his paddle and name a price higher than Dominique's bid when someone snatched the paddle from his hand. He turned to his side only to be met by Lanny's cold eyes. 

"You, Crazy Jerk! You are not supposed to be here!" she scolded him.

Before he could say a word, Lanny quickly grabbed his wrist, dragging him out of the banquet hall. Removing the greatest competitor, no one dared to match Dominique's last bid.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it seems we've reached a thrilling pinnacle in our bidding war for an unforgettable evening with the captivating Athena," the auctioneer declared, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

A dramatic drumroll of suspense enveloped the room as he continued, "And the winning bid is... Five Hundred Million US dollars!"

A surge of excitement rippled through the crowd, with eager gazes turning toward the fortunate victor. The auctioneer quickly located Dominique, sitting next to Ashton.

Sabrina was still at a loss for words. She suddenly felt the rapid beating of her heart. She thought she had prepared for this. But the sudden turn of events made her nervous. She hoped for Ashton to win the bid, not Dominique himself.

'I will remove my mask in front of Dominique and I will spend the whole night with him.' Sabrina tried to gather her emotions, conditioning herself for this unexpected situation.

'Sigh! No need to feel anxious. Our paths are meant to cross again sooner or later. I just have to seize this golden opportunity.' Sabrina managed to set her mind on her main goal.

The auctioneer's voice snapped Sabrina back to the present.

"Ladies and gentlemen, a round of applause for our highest bidder, Mr. Smith!" The auctioneer announced with flair, encouraging the crowd to acknowledge the victorious bidder.

The auctioneer continued, "Mr. Smith, you've secured the exclusive privilege of spending an enchanting evening with Athena. Please join us on stage to claim your prize!"

The room erupted in applause, and Dominique made his way to the stage to claim his prize – an exclusive evening in the company of the mysterious songstress, with the promise of revealing the face behind the captivating mask. 

The spotlight followed him, casting a glow on the triumphant bidder who had successfully won the coveted opportunity. 

Ashton felt betrayed as he watched his best friend take the spot he coveted. Dominique was now standing next to Sabrina. Soon, the host joined them to conduct a short interview with the winning bidder.

"Mr. Smith, are you also a fan of Miss Athena? Is your wife aware of your participation here? What if Mrs. Smith suddenly gets jealous?" The host asked him with a teasing smile.

"No. Sasha won't get jealous. We trust each other. My sole purpose for joining the bid is to unveil her identity," Dominique replied indifferently, yet his gaze still locked on Sabrina's masked face.

Dominique and Sasha were a famous couple in York City. Their love story was featured in several magazines, and business and entertainment forums. 

According to the articles, Sasha and Dominique were childhood sweethearts. After Sabrina Williams, Dominique's first wife tragically passed away in an accident, Sasha and Dominique rekindled their love a year later, providing support for Dominique as he coped with the loss of Sabrina.

The true narrative remained concealed from the public. Dominique's betrayal had become a buried secret with the untimely demise of Sabrina and Albert Williams. No one from the Williams family exposed the truth. Enzo Williams had also been forgotten by people. Only Gael Tan, Sabrina's best friend, knew the hidden truth.

Sabrina maintained her sweet and charming smile, yet her fingers were clenched tightly into fists behind her back upon hearing Sasha's name.

'I'll give them the taste of their own medicine,' Sabrina swore inwardly, strengthening her resolve for her revenge.

"Shall we leave now?" Dominique asked the host in his authoritative voice. He didn't want to stay longer at the stage. And he couldn't wait to unmask her.

Sensing the irritation in Dominique's expression, the host just smiled awkwardly and said, "Okay, Mr. Smith. The venue for your date this evening is the Hilton Bay Hotel."

"Let's meet there. My manager will drive me there," Sabrina softly mumbled, joining the conversation.

Dominique simply nodded before descending from the stage. Envious glares from several onlookers followed him, wishing they were the ones in his shoes. Contrary to other participants, he displayed no hint of excitement or joy after winning the bid, leaving many puzzled and questioning his motives for participating in the bid– spending five hundred million even though he was not even her avid fan.

"Does he only want to flex his money?"

"I think he just wants to be the villain here. He destroys our fantasy, stealing away our chance to be with Athena!" 

"I can't believe this. He is happily married to his wife. Why stole away our goddess?!"

Dominique became the subject of hate by the jealous bachelors.

By the time, Dominique reached Ashton's spot, his best friend elbowed him. "You, traitor! What is that all about?" Ashton confronted him. "You are such a party pooper, do you know that?!" he added in frustration.

"I need to confirm something. I need to see her face," Dominique explained his motive. "You can spend the night with her. Just let me see her face first," he proposed to his best friend.

Ashton's face brightened up when he heard that. "Really?! Oh yes! You are truly my best friend!"

However, unbeknownst to Dominique, Sabrina was not one to let this opportunity slip by. He had taken the bait, and she was ready to make her move.