Chapter 8 When only silence answered , he raised his gavel with a theatrical flourish . " 450 million going once.450 million going twice … " The gavel hovered mid - air during that decisive moment before descent when Joshua's calm voice intervened , ' 600 million . " The hall erupted in an uproar as all heads turned toward Joshua . Startled , Emelia finally noticed the unfamiliar man now seated beside her . She slightly turned her head , her gaze falling on Joshua , carefully sizing him up . She had never seen him before despite her years in Atlanta . Joshua's action immediately drew Justin's attention . Justin turned sharply , his brows furrowed as he scrutinized this unexpected stranger with wary suspicion . " Sir , are you certain you wish to raise the bid to 600 million ? " The auctioneer eyed Joshua skeptically . Despite his distinguished bearing , Joshua's casual attire lacked any designer labels , making it hard to believe he could casually spend such an amount . The auctioneer privately wondered if this man was simply causing trouble without the means to pay . " What ? Do I look like I'm joking ? " Joshua arched an eyebrow , his lips curling in a faintly mocking smile that seemed to ridicule the auctioneer's judgment based on appearances . His gaze then drifted to Emelia beside him , eyes glinting with a hint of playfulness and curiosity . " What do you think , miss ? " Emelia frowned . She didn't know this man , and his presumptuous familiarity irritated her . Yet when she caught a glimpse of Justin's increasingly gloomy expression from the corner of her eye , an unexpected satisfaction washed over her . " Everyone here passed financial verification , " she remarked coolly . Her words made the auctioneer flush with embarrassment . Of course , only the wealthy and powerful could enter this auction . How unprofessional to doubt someone's financial capacity based merely on clothing . Justin never expected Emelia would take a stranger's side . Rage surged through him like wildfire , his face darkening to an alarming shade .