Too Late for Regrets

Christian glared at Evan, waiting for him to take the bait. However, Evan remained calm, occasionally whispering to his assistant, seemingly uninterested in Christian's actions. The auctioneer called out repeatedly, asking for higher bids, but no one responded. Many turned their eyes toward the back, understanding the situation.

"Is there anyone willing to bid more than three hundred fifty million?" the auctioneer asked once more, his voice echoing through the room. Christian's heart tightened with each repetition.

"Damn it, why isn't he bidding?" he muttered under his breath.

The auctioneer started the countdown. "Three hundred fifty million, going once."

Christian's face turned pale.

"Three hundred fifty million, going twice."

Cold sweat broke out on Christian's forehead.

"Three hundred fifty million, final call." The gavel came down. "Sold! Congratulations to our guest number three for winning the prime plot of land!"

The room erupted in applause, all eyes on Christian. Though they smiled, their expressions carried a hint of mockery. Zhang, the secretary, and the appraiser were equally grim, especially Zhang, who looked ashen-faced.

"It's over!" Zhang thought, despair washing over him. How could he explain this to Director Lin?

Zuri's cold voice cut through the tension, "Everyone, put on a happy face. We must maintain the reputation and dignity of the Lin Group."

Zhang forced a smile, though it was stiff and unconvincing. At least he could present a passable front.

Zuri pinched Christian hard, snapping him back to reality. He forced a smile, accepting congratulations from everyone.

Hu's group manager stepped forward, patting Christian on the shoulder with a grin. "Young Master Lin, you're truly impressive."

A real estate tycoon added with a smile, "Young Master Lin, you've got guts. The Lin Group has a worthy successor."

"Young Lin, you don't lose out to Director Lin at all."

Christian wished he could disappear. He knew exactly what they were really thinking.

"Let's go," Zuri said sternly.

As the four of them quickly left the venue, they encountered Evan just outside the door. Christian's anger flared, and he lunged at Evan, throwing a punch without a second thought. Evan, caught off guard, took the blow directly.

Evan's assistant quickly pushed Christian away, shouting, "What do you think you're doing?"

The commotion attracted the attention of the crowd. It was the end of the event, and the hallway was filled with company executives and high-level staff. Everyone watched, eyes wide, as Christian, looking like an enraged bull, attacked Evan.

One CEO muttered, "If the Lin Group falls into this kid's hands, it's doomed."

"Aaron sure raised a good son," another remarked sarcastically.

"It's something when an adopted son acts more arrogant and imposing than the real daughter."

"Such a disgrace."

Zuri was stunned. She hadn't expected this fool to be so reckless. It was a miracle the Lin Group hadn't collapsed yet.

Zhang and the appraiser both covered their faces, clearly exasperated.

Zhang wanted to slap Christian. "You! Wait and see!" Christian spat, pointing at Evan.

As Christian turned to leave, Zuri stepped in front of him, pointing toward Evan. "Apologize."

"Why should I apologize to him?" Christian retorted.

"Because you hit him," Zuri replied coldly.

Christian laughed angrily, "And who do you think you are to boss me around?"

Evan stepped forward, smiling, "Miss Zuri, there's no need for that. I'll just consider it a bite from a dog. Why would I lower myself to argue with a dog?"

Christian's fury surged again. He lunged at Evan, ready to strike. Suddenly, someone grabbed his collar, and the next moment, a resounding slap landed on his face.

The sound echoed clearly through the hall, making everyone's heads turn.

"You slapped me?" Christian held his face, stunned.

Zuri stared at him coldly. "Had enough? If you have, go back now."

Christian lunged at her, aiming a kick at her stomach.

"Watch out!" Evan shouted in warning.

Zuri sidestepped gracefully, delivering a swift roundhouse kick that sent Christian sprawling to the ground. He curled up in pain.

Zhang and the appraiser rushed forward to intervene.

"Miss Zuri, let's handle this back at the office," Zhang said, glancing around nervously, feeling utterly humiliated.

The appraiser helped Christian to his feet.

Zuri turned to Evan. "On behalf of the Lin Group, I apologize. I hope Mr. Fu won't take it to heart."

"Miss Zuri, you're too kind," Evan replied.

The ride back was tense and silent. The atmosphere in the car was stifling, with everyone wearing grim expressions. The driver, Master Wang, was so nervous he barely dared to breathe.

In the Lin Group's chairman's office, Aaron was waiting for good news.

"Director Lin, young master and Miss Zuri are here," the secretary announced.

"Let them in."

As soon as they entered, Aaron noticed the red handprint on Christian's face.

"What happened?" he demanded.

"I hit him," Zuri confessed.

Aaron frowned slightly. "Why did you hit your brother?"

Zuri's voice was icy. "You should ask him what he did. We secured the prime plot of land."

Aaron was overjoyed, momentarily forgetting about Christian's slap.

"We won it for three hundred fifty million," Zuri continued.

Aaron froze. "How much?"

"Three hundred fifty million."

Aaron's temples throbbed visibly. "Who authorized such a high bid? Zuri, I'm very disappointed in you."

Zuri sneered, "It was your good son here, acting out of spite, who splurged like a big shot. And after the auction, he even assaulted someone. Our Lin Group has certainly made a name for itself today, quite a grand name."

Her words were sharp, causing Aaron's blood pressure to rise. He turned to Zhang. "Is this true?"

Zhang nodded.

Aaron picked up a pen holder from the desk and hurled it at Christian, hitting him squarely. Christian winced but didn't dare make a sound.

"You little wastrel!"

"I... I..." Christian tried to explain but couldn't find a good excuse.

Suddenly, he caught a glimpse of Zuri and had a brainwave. "It was her! She kept nagging me, and I got confused!"

Aaron, though he doted on Christian, wasn't a fool. Seeing Zhang's look of disbelief and poorly concealed disdain, he knew Christian was lying.

"Father, the situation has already happened. We need to find a way to fix it. Although the cost was beyond our expectations, if we can quickly plan and convert the land into cash, we can still make a profit, albeit a reduced one. Consider it an expensive lesson for Christian," Zuri said calmly, laying the groundwork for her next move.