Chapter 16 - The Public Auction
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Three weeks later, the physical assets of Fairchild Holdings were put up for public auction at the Cook County Courthouse.
The Lake Forest estate, the fleet of luxury vehicles, the commercial real estate land holdings, and even the office furniture were auctioned off to satisfy the thirty-eight million dollars owed to Vance Capital.
Brendan arrived at the courthouse in a borrowed jacket, looking gaunt and hollowed out. His sister, Victoria, refused to stand near him, sitting three rows back in tears as her high-society jewelry collection was sold off piece by piece.
"Lot 402," the auctioneer announced, tapping his gavel. "The commercial lease rights and underlying equity for Fairchild Tower downtown. Starting bid fifteen million dollars."
A voice called out from the back row, clear and unshakeable.
"Twenty-five million."
The courtroom turned around in unison.
Nora Vance stood near the glass doors wearing a tailored charcoal suit, her dark hair pulled back in a sleek chignon. Beside her stood Raymond Vance and a team of senior risk analysts from Vance Capital.
The auctioneer blinked, surprised by the massive jump. "Twenty-five million from the lady in black. Any further bids?"
The room remained dead silent. No one dared bid against Vance Capital.
"Sold for twenty-five million dollars to Vance Capital Management," the auctioneer declared, slamming the gavel down with a loud thud.
Brendan stared at Nora across the gallery.
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She had bought his legacy, his building, his father’s lifetime work—for pennies on the dollar.
She didn't glance at him once as she signed the acquisition papers, turning on her heel and leaving the courtroom without a single word.
