Billionaire's match novel

---- Chapter 838 Nick's cold, detached voice cut through the entire hall like a blade. Not only did Barney freeze in place, but everyone present fell silent in shock before the room erupted into chaos. Nick! Wasn't this the very Nick, rumored online to be no longer among the living-the CEO of Hunt Group? Michelle felt her strength drain away at the sight of him. Her eyes widened, and she clutched the edge of the podium as if it were the only thing keeping her upright. Nick... and Khloe... both of them were safe!

Arista and George, seeing the two figures walking calmly through the door, were left speechless. Arista went numb, and within moments, tears streamed down her face. Even George's eyes reddened; his mouth opened slightly, and his features twisted in disbelief. "How... how is this possible..." The murmurs around the room grew louder and louder. With the event being livestreamed, online reactions exploded instantly- ---- comments and bullet-screen messages flooded the feed. No one could believe their eyes. This real-life business warfare had just outdone any drama on TV.

Previously, the rumor had spread that Hunt Group's CEO was. gone. Was that true? Could Hunt Group really stage such a scene purely for attention? It seemed reckless. Such a stunt would hardly benefit their bid-it would only embolden Solara Energy. Could it all have been Solara Energy's scheme? Spreading rumors to exploit the CEO's supposed disappearance, undermining Hunt Group's credibility... If that were the case, maybe Khloe's disappearance was tied to. Solara Energy all along. This ordinary bidding contest had, in just minutes, drawn an unprecedented surge of attention.

Even the officials seemed rattled, quickly instructing staff to tighten security and maintain order. Barney finally regained his composure, clenching his hand into a fist. "Nick, Khloe," he said smoothly. "You've both been absent this entire time. | assumed you were occupied with more important matters. Why not come earlier? Michelle has already spoken on ---- behalf of the Hunt Group. Will the company now replace her as the representative?" Barney was quick to recover.

While Nick and Khloe's appearance had drawn both public and panel attention, it did not automatically affect the bidding Originally, challenging Michelle had been easy-she was the only representative. But now, if Khloe and Nick were to take over, the situation could shift dramatically. Barney needed to seize the initiative. He redirected the focus expertly. With just a few words, he framed their delayed arrival as a breach of protocol-a sign of disrespect toward both the event and the rules of the bidding process.

Even if the Hunt Group weren't penalized, they certainly shouldn't receive special treatment. Subtly, he implied that their disappearance had nothing to do with Solara Energy; it had been intentional Yet, Nick and Khloe remained utterly composed. Khloe, especially, seemed utterly indifferent. She barely acknowledged Barney's words, her gaze fixed instead on Nick's profile. Everyone in the room had quieted, all eyes glued to the couple. Khloe merely held Nick's arm, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She had no intention of speaking.

---- Nick, in turn, drew her closer with one hand, a small gesture of intimacy that spoke louder than words The two of them, through these subtle movements, seemed less like participants in a high-stakes business battle and more like a couple out to flaunt their love. The livestream only amplified it-audiences online were flooded with sweetness, and the comment section erupted with fangirl frenzy. "Mr. Hunt, changing the speaker at this stage is inappropriate..."