C415 Seven Billion

Layton's startling bid sent a wave of silence sweeping through the auction hall.

Tella, too, seemed taken aback, lapsing into a prolonged silence without a response.

"The Zilinto Consortium bids five billion. Do we hear a higher offer?"

"Seven billion going once!"

The auctioneer had begun the countdown, yet there was still no word from Tella.

Below, the murmuring was incessant