Chapter 1474: Chapter 1474

Ellinor was a touch irritated by Balfour’s excessive coddling of their children.

“Mr. Howard, quit spoiling the kids for a moment. Has the auction for the Blue River Estates started yet?”

Balfour glanced at her. “It’s been won.”

Ellinor felt relieved to hear that the property she wanted had been secured. “What was the winning bid?”

Balfour raised his hand, showing her a single finger.

Ellinor squinted her eyes. “A hundred million?”

Balfour nodded. “Someone from another booth was bidding aggressively. They ended up raising the price to this amount. Don’t worry; even if it’s beyond your budget, I’ll cover the cost.”

The amount was indeed way beyond Ellinor’s budget.

It wasn’t that Blanchet Corporation couldn’t afford it, but no matter how desirable the location of Blue River Estates was, its size wasn’t substantial. Paying a hundred million for it was just not economical.

Considering the overall value, the price was utterly irrational.

Those attending the auction were wealthy, but none of them were fools. Who would bid an absurdly high price that was far over the market value for a piece of land?

Ellinor gave Balfour a smile. “I appreciate your sentiment, Mr. Howard. I do have the money, but I believe something is off with this price. I will go and investigate who the person in the opposing booth is.”

Balfour was well aware of the issue with the price, but he had promised his sister he would secure Blue River Estates for her. Therefore, he didn’t back down at the time.

He was willing to pay the outrageous premium to satisfy his sister’s wish.

Ellinor was not one to be taken for a fool. Even if Balfour insisted on playing the part, she wouldn’t allow it.

So, she softly instructed Baber to stay and look after the younger kids with their uncle. Then she rose and left.

Balfour frowned at her departure and called out her name. Ellinor heard him but didn’t slow her pace, pushing the door open and leaving.

Balfour wanted to follow her, but he couldn’t leave the three little ones unattended. He didn’t want to risk losing another one.

He pinched his brow in frustration and sighed.

Just outside their box, Ellinor looked at the one directly across the courtyard and made her way towards it.

Quinton, seeing her leave, immédiately asked, “Ms. Mendoza, where are you going?”

Ellinor raised her hand dismissively. “Don’t follow me. I’m just going to check something and will be right back.”

Quinton was worried but didn’t dare follow too closely for fear of upsetting Ms. Mendoza, so he trailed behind at a safe distance.

Upon reaching the box, Ellinor knocked gently on the door.

Soon, a woman’s voice echoed from inside. “Come in.”

The voice sounded familiar, and Ellinor’s suspicions seemed to be confirmed.

Invited in, she pushed open the door.

Sophia was sitting alone in the box, idly sipping her coffee.

She hadn’t noticed anything unusual yet and thought it was just an auction house attendant bringing in refreshments. She didn’t think much of it and casually said, “Come in.”

Ellinor stood at the entrance, looking at Sophia with a cold smile playing on her lips.