The tension in the Auction of Kings grew heavier as the Phantom's men sealed the exits. The other billionaires in the room shifted uncomfortably, sensing that this was no longer just an auction—it was something far more dangerous.
Ochieng remained calm, his hands in his pockets, eyes locked on the Phantom. "What kind of game are you suggesting?"
The Phantom smirked, gesturing toward a massive black briefcase brought in by one of his masked subordinates. He flicked it open, revealing stacks of documents, gold bars, and something even more intriguing—ownership deeds.
"A game of real stakes," the Phantom said. "Billionaires like us bet money all the time. But what about power? Influence? Territories?"
Ochieng's gaze remained unreadable. "And what's the game?"
The Phantom leaned in. "A simple one. Poker. Five hands. Each round, we raise the stakes. Properties, companies, power… until there's nothing left to bet."
The crowd murmured. Some were excited. Some were terrified.
Then, another voice broke through the tension.
"Count me in."
A woman in a blood-red dress stepped forward. Veylith.
A name that sent chills down the spines of even the wealthiest elites. She was the Black Widow of the Financial World, known for bankrupting corporations overnight.
She smiled at Ochieng. "Let's make this interesting, shall we?"
Another voice followed. "I'll play too."
It was Kaelthor, the ghost investor who had crushed entire stock markets with a single move.
More hands were raised. More giants were joining the table.
Ochieng smirked. "Fine. Let's play."
The Phantom grinned, shuffling the cards. "Welcome to the real game, gentlemen. And lady."
The first round began.