Chapter 12 - The Asset AuctionA month after the historic trial, the marble mansion that had once been the ultimate pride of the family was placed up for public auction to satisfy outstanding corporate debts. Many real estate moguls attended, but no one dared to raise the price, knowing the property was already marked by the Escalante Group.
"The opening bid stands at 20 million dollars," the auctioneer announced.
"30 million dollars," Mariana's assistant raised the paddle without a moment's hesitation.
The room went silent. The sound of the gavel echoed through the hall: "Going thrice! Congratulations to the Escalante Group for reacquiring this real estate!"
Andrew and Margaret stood outside the iron fence, watching the proceedings. They saw Mariana step down from her vehicle, turning to a fleet of bulldozers and excavation machinery waiting down the street.
"Mariana! What are you doing to our family home?" Margaret shrieked in horror.
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Mariana turned slightly, adjusting her dark sunglasses. "This house contains far too many toxic memories. I bought it back solely to level it to the ground. Next week, construction begins on a dedicated crisis shelter for women escaping domestic hostility."
The massive machinery roared to life, crashing directly into the reinforced marble pillars, bringing the final symbol of the family's unearned wealth down into dust.
