Auctioneer's gavel splits the silence. “One million.”

Silk suits rustle. Diamond rings catch light.

“Two.”

“Four.”

“Eighty million.”

Pearls clutch. Champagne glasses freeze mid-sip.

Who dares bid more?

A voice like steel cuts through whispers:

“One-sixty million.”

The room crackles with electricity.

Old money versus new.

Pride versus pride.

"You dare challenge me?" 

Veins pulse beneath Italian cotton.

“Watch me. One point six billion.”

Words drip with venom.

“Three trillion.”

“Plus my liver.”

“My eyes.”

“My soul.”

The auctioneer's voice trembles:

“Sold. To the man who traded his soul.”

The item?

A child's last genuine smile

Before the world taught her pretense.

In crystal-lined halls

Where worth is measured in zeros

They bid on authenticity 

While wearing masks of gold.