Chapter 367 The Real Offer
"Well, I recently discovered that an incredible breeder and trainer was hiding away in the mountains and managed to secure all the first three places in the national equestrian championship. While I was away at the time, I had my team try to make a deal to buy the champion horses. Unfortunately, we hit a dead end because the owner was unwilling to sell, despite my insistence that they acquire the horses at any cost."
Hera furrowed her brows, recalling how, after the race, several people had approached Bry’s father to close a deal. The highest offer made for Diamond was only $100,000, which struck her as odd—it was as if they thought they could purchase the horse for the same amount it had won in the championship or it was only worth as much.
If the manager truly hadn’t set a limit, the price for Diamond could have easily reached millions, as champion horses often sell for $1-5 million at auctions among the wealthy. Even if Bry’s father chose not to sell Diamond, selling the other two horses would have significantly helped cover the expenses for Bry’s uncle’s medication and rehabilitation while they stayed in the city which could still easily reach millions.
Hera sensed that something wasn’t adding up, and she couldn’t ignore it. Since this racecourse was part of her family’s assets, she had a vested interest in ensuring everything was transparent. She didn’t want to leave the manager in the dark, especially if he was unaware of certain details.
"That doesn’t quite add up," Hera remarked, catching the manager’s attention. Bry’s father shifted slightly, knowing he had something to contribute to the conversation. However, bringing it up now would make him seem opportunistic, especially after he had already turned down all previous offers. He didn’t want to tarnish the positive impression the manager had of him by reopening the subject.
"What seems off, Young Miss?" the manager asked, his expression a mix of curiosity and respect. Zhane and Dave exchanged puzzled glances, equally intrigued by Hera’s remark. Bry, sensing the conversation was more for the adults, stayed quiet, observing the exchange from the sidelines.
"You mentioned that your team was instructed to buy the champion horse without a set limit, meaning the price could’ve easily reached millions," Hera began, her expression feigning confusion. "Are you really willing to purchase the horse with that kind of budget?" She hesitated, as if unsure whether to continue, not wanting to speak out of turn without all the facts, giving the impression that there was more on her mind but holding back to avoid misstepping.
"Yes, that’s exactly how I acquire champion horses each year," the manager explained to Hera, not holding back since he knew she would understand. "Riders and trainers invest years perfecting these horses’ skills, and millions in compensation is usually expected. Raising a horse, especially one of quality and exceptional breed, is incredibly expensive—it’s no small feat."
Hera nodded thoughtfully. "But that’s exactly what’s strange," she began, her tone reflective. "From what I know, the highest offer we received after the race was only $100,000 for our champion horse, and even less for the two runner-ups—essentially the same amount as the prize money we won. No one offered beyond that. In fact, I recall one man offering to buy the champion horse for just $60,000 to $70,000, which was even less than the race’s prize. It felt... off."