Okay normally, I'd alternate between updating this story and Two Worlds One Heart, but I really want to get this chapter typed up, so I'm doing two in a row. So be glad you won't have to wait so long. So here we go.

Chapter 25: High Stakes Dating

Words could not describe the joy Ulrich felt at seeing Yumi arrive to work. It just confirmed that she really was here to stay. With all of the expansions and merges finally done, Ulrich had been focusing more on his novel. He decided to let Yumi deal with keeping everything running smoothly. She was definitely more experienced than when she had left, and he was ecstatic to let her share the workload. Yumi was just glad that she getting paid her regular salary. The days getting paid Sissi's old salary had ended about a couple of months ago, and it felt great to see the extra zeroes at the end of her paycheck.

It was now May, and Ulrich was putting the finishing touches on his book when he received a delightful phone call.

"Ulrich, it's your dad. He says he's got important business to discuss." Yumi told him over the two intercom system.

Ulrich picked up the phone and answered. "Hey, Dad."

"Hey, Son! Are ya finished with that book of yours?"

"Almost. I'm actually just reading it over—making sure the flow is good."

"I see. Well that's good. Because I got a bit of a proposition for you."

"I'm guessing you wanted my undivided attention for this."

"You really are smart." Mr. Stern joked.

"I get it from Mother."

Mr. Stern gave a hearty laugh. "That's rich! She's got enough brains to keep two impulsive stubborn idiots like us in line though. But anyways, I just figured that seeing as you've done such a fantastic job with Stern Co., I was just thinking that this was a great time to turn over the entirety of the Stern Enterprises to you."

Ulrich felt that same chill go down his spine when his dad told him he was handing Stern Co. to him. Stern Co. was one thing, but Stern Enterprises was an entirely different thing. While it was true that Stern Co. was pretty much Mr. Stern's main business, and the one that was the most prolific of all of his business ventures, it was only one business that Mr. Stern managed out of seven that he ran. Of course, the only reason he could run all seven and actually focus solely on Stern Co. was because the other six were ran by people that he appointed. Most of the decisions were really made by them, and he only came in to make the very serious decisions. Stern Co., on the other hand, was completely owned and managed by Mr. Stern until he turned it over to Ulrich. So by telling Ulrich that he was turning over his ownership of the rest business pretty much made Ulrich a multi-billionaire . . . that is if he could keep everything afloat.

"C-can you really do that?" Ulrich asked a little annoyed. "I mean what will everyone say when they hear this?"

"They'll definitely be upset, but I can do what I want."

"But what are you gonna do?"

"I'm gonna retire fully. I ready to hang up my business tie once and for all. I'll still be doing a bit of charity of work here and there, but I got enough money. Plus, if I ever do need any help, I have an incredibly rich son who'd be more than willing to help me out, right?"

Ulrich smiled in amusement. "Yes, dad. Only because you're married to my sweet, mother."

"I really feel the love, son. But I know you can do it. Oh, and one more thing, it'd be better if you had Yumi be your assistant and secretary for all business ventures. And you better treat her right, if you do so."

"Okay, Dad." Ulrich said. He said his goodbyes hung up the phone. Ulrich sighed and then laughed to himself. How in the world did that crazy, old man get to be worth over 50 billion!?

Ulrich walked out of his office to see Yumi busily typing away at her computer. Ulrich took a seat on the sofa and stared at her. Feeling that rather piercing stare, Yumi finally turned on him, and asked, "Why are you staring at me like some stalker? It's really disturbing." She was trying not to blush.

"Do you know about the Stern Enterprises?"

"Yes. You run the center of it, Stern Co. But there's six other businesses." Yumi was staring at ceiling, as she tried to name them all. "There's the hotel business, the clothing line, the jewelry line, the broadcasting station, the advertisement firm, and the . . . travel agency. But what does that have to do with you staring at me?"

"I'm just trying to imagine the look on your face when I tell you that I'm now the owner of the entire Stern Enterprises." Yumi's face didn't change at all. She just blinked.

Ulrich laughed. "You have the emotions of a psychopath." She blinked again.

"You're kidding, right?" Ulrich shook his head. She then let out a chuckle similar to the one Ulrich let out moments ago. "Your father is a work of art."

"Many an artist is considered to be rather touched in the head. I wouldn't be surprised if one of the insane one did create him as one of their masterpieces."

"Wouldn't that mean that you're worth like 10 billion now?"

"Yep. I just multiplied my value five times over."

"I guess it would be a bit gold digger-ish if I said I loved you right now, huh?"

Ulrich laughed. "Of course you love me. You're my secretary."

"I think I know where this is going. You want me to be the secretary over everything."

"Well the actual title is Chief Advisor, but it's really the secretary. It's only dressed up because it's actually stated that they are the second in command, but will have the grunt work of a secretary if that makes you feel any better."

"I'm thrilled. Shoot, I won't need you after a while. I'll have my billions soon."

"Hey, the more the merrier." Ulrich said as winked at her.

"This is really too much. What's everyone going to say?"

"Everything." Ulrich said as he took one of the pillows and buried his face in it. He really needed a nap.

"Okay, because Aelita's already married, she's really not supposed to be the Maid of Honor, so Yumi gets it by default." Sam said over her hamburger. It was Saturday, and the girls decided spend it hanging out with each other.

"Well that's a great explanation. I'm glad to see you put a lot of thought into it." Aelita joked.

"I told you I'd get you back for making her the Maid of Honor." Aelita looked at Yumi as if to say, 'Can you believe this?'

"Hey, I didn't ask either one of you to do it. I'm innocent."

"Easy, Lita, I'm just messing with you. I'm greedy. So I don't see why can't have a Maid of Honor and a Matron of Honor."

"Matron. That sounds old." Aelita stated.

"That's what you get for marrying first." Yumi said as she took a swig of Dr. Pepper.

"So how many times has Ulrich asked you out since you came back? Oh that's right, none." Aelita retorted.

"Okay, you've been hanging around me too much."

"Maybe you should ask him out?" Sam said.

"Uh, no. I'm not doing that. If he wants me, he'll have to come get me himself. I don't want him thinking I'm going after him for his money."

"As if that's not a reason."

"Well it's not the main reason." Yumi admitted.

"Gold digger."

"As rich as Ulrich is, shouldn't it be like Diamond Digger?" Aelita asked.

"I like that. It's got a nice ring to it." Sam said as she nodded her approval.

"So who is the Best Man?"

"It's Jeremie actually. Apparently the guys made some pact in college. They pulled names to see who would the Best Man at who's wedding. Odd pulled Jeremie, and Jeremie had pulled Ulrich. So that way, they'd all get to be the Best Man.

"So they used pieces of paper to resolve such a serious issue?" Aelita asked with an eyebrow raised.

"It's a wedding. The only part they care about is the Honey Moon." Sam stated.

"That's what men do. They flip coins and play Rock, Paper, Scissors to make all their decisions. That's probably how Ulrich ended getting all of Stern Enterprises." Yumi said.

"But it works! That's the crazy part!" Sam exclaimed. "Oh! I heard that Ulrich was throwing some party for the success of the expansion. Is he?"

"Yeah, he is. It's actually a two-part event. On Monday, of next month, they'll have some type of charity event, and then that Saturday will be the party. We're still working out the details."

"So are people from across the seas will be there?" Yumi nodded. The three girls exchanged grim looks.

"If it makes you two feel better, I won't be falling for Zander." Yumi stated.

"Oh we know. We'll kill him before you get the chance." Sam replied.

"Well overall, it should be a lot of fun, though." Aelita said, trying to restore the mood.

"Yeah, I won't let that idiot ruin my fun."

"Well if we're going to a party next month, we'll have to buy us dresses." Sam said as she stood up.

"What makes you think you're going?"

"Because you'll invite me or I'll remember it when I make my own invitations to my wedding."

"Spiteful witch."

"Hey, Aelita wasn't the only one to pick some things from you." Sam teased.

"Okay, I'm not that bad."

"You kinda are." Aelita mumbled.

"I need new friends. Zander doesn't even seem all that mean now."

"Oh we love you! You know we do!" Aelita said as she patted the Japanese woman on her shoulder. "Now, ladies! To the dresses!"

"So Sissi thought of a great idea for a fundraiser for the charity." Ulrich told his parents at the dinner table. "We'll get some people—men and women—to volunteer themselves to be bidded on for dates for the party later on that week."

"That sounds fun." Mrs. Stern commented.

"Are participating?" Mr. Stern asked with an eyebrow raised.

"Nah. Everyone wanted me to, but I promised them I would at least bid on a couple women instead."

"Is there anyone in particular you're hoping to win?" Mrs. Stern said with a big grin on her face.

"Uh, well, not really."

"Oh so Yumi's not volunteering?" Mr. Stern asked.

"She didn't say, and it's not like that's the only person I'd want—not saying that there is."

"Oh come on, we know you love her. Ask her out. Just say, 'Go out with me or I'll fire you.'"

"Gee, Dad, now I know how mom fell for you."

"But I'm serious, son. You should go for it. She's a catch."

"Do you think we could go far?"

"Ulrich, with a woman as determined and stubborn as she is, if she loves you, you guys will."

"I dunno."

"Are you serious!? Look, use the freaking bidding! Make a bid and just win the date. That way she can't even say no! But you better go to that party with her!"

Ulrich and his mother were a bit shocked to see Mr. Stern act so fervently over this matter. "Wow, Tobias. I didn't know cared that much." Mrs. Stern finally said.

"Yeah, well. I just don't want Ulrich letting her slip by. She could be the one for you, ya know."

"You're right, Dad. I'll figure something out." Ulrich said with an assuring smile.

"Yumi let's volunteer for the dates." Sissi said suddenly when they were eating lunch. The party was actually only two weeks away, and the slots were slowly being filled in.

"Why?" Yumi asked. She had no desire to be auctioned off.

"Oh come on! We're single. We might find a great guy."

"Or a rich, lecherous man."

"Well there's that, but I'm sure nothing too scandalous would happen. But it would be a lot of fun."

"I really don't want to. Besides, the date could really be a bore."

"It's not like you already have a date! What's the harm! You don't have to see the person again."

Yumi looked at the floor as she pondered over the matter. "Yeah, but I mean, I don't know how it'll blow over."

"How what will blow over?" Sissi stared at Yumi in confusion. Sissi started laughing when she realized what she meant.

"What's so funny?"

"You're worried what Ulrich will do. He might not take kindly to it. He could bid on you. But you'd probably freak out even more at that, huh?"

"It has nothing to do with Ulrich. He's not my boyfriend or anything."

"But look at it this way. If you do this, you got a chance of him at least paying more attention to you. He might even think about bidding on you if it meant keeping you away from someone you don't want to date."

Yumi was intrigued. "Explain."

"Well what if an annoying person, like, I don't know, Mitch, bidded on you, and it looked like he was going to win. You could have Ulrich be your lifesaver."

"Mitch doesn't have that kind of money."

"It could be anyone who seems like they'd be a pervert or an idiot."

"True, but Ulrich would want to know why it has to be him."

"Well I'll ask him too, so it won't seem like it's just you. It could look like more of a friend looking out for his two incredibly gorgeous friends." Yumi smiled deviously.

"I keep forgetting how sneaky you are."

"It's the applesauce that makes act that way." Sissi said as she took a spoonful of the substance and ate it. All Yumi could do was laugh at her.

Eventually it was the week of the party. It was a beautiful Sunday night, and the Stern's mansion was filled with people from all over the globe. Everyone was having a good time and was very excited to see who would be volunteering for the date auctions.

"I can't believe you volunteered!" Sam shrieked at Yumi as she walked up to her.

"Yeah, well Sissi can be very convincing." Yumi said as she glared at the lawyer. She was a lot of second thoughts.

"You look great!" Aelita said. "I'm sure you'll be a high bid."

"I do clean up nice." Yumi nodded. She was wearing a stunning red dress that showed off her curves. She had Sam curl her ends and she wore a deep red lipstick that seemed to bring out the color of her face. She looked like she was glowing.

"Wow! I know what I'm bidding on!" Momo said as he looked over Yumi and Sissi. "Now if I could just decide which one I want more."

"Whichever one you take, I'll take the other." Ulrich said as he walked up next to Momo.

"Deal. Now who do you think would be a better date?"

Ulrich pretended like he was in deep thought. "Sissi."

"Then I'll take Yumi."

"But I said Sissi."

"As if I'm going to trust you."

Ulrich raised his arms in defeat. "Fine. It's your loss."

Momo started thinking over what he said. "Maybe I change my mind. You've got me wondering if I made the right choice."

"As if we want the two of you." Sissi said. "We're looking for a higher breed of men."

"Well fine. I'll go find Zander." Ulrich said.

"We said men, not monsters." Yumi stated.

"As long as you know the difference. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go see who's worth buying." Ulrich said with a devilish grin.

When the bidding got underway, things were going smoothly. They alternated between showing a man and a woman, and everyone was getting high bids. Of course partly for charity and partly for the attractiveness. Yumi and Sissi were sitting to the side of the of the room where all of the other participants were.

"Man, it looks like most of the sexy guys participated. I should've just bidded." Sissi grumbled. Yumi snickered.

"It's not that bad. There's still some good looking guys out there."

"Well one of them better pick me."

An Asian woman went up on the stage. "And now, the lovely Aiko Higurashi." The auctioneer announced. "Let's start the bidding!"

"3,000!" a man yelled.

"5,000!"

"6,000!"

"7,000" Ulrich yelled.

"Ah, and Mr. Stern once again bids on another lady. You must like all of them." The auctioneered joked.

"Everyone's beautiful, Charlie."

"Well I hope you don't mind me going against you." A red-head said. "8,000!"

"I don't mind. 10,000!"

"You must sure like her."

"I like Asians. They're cute." Yumi's face felt hot from that comment. But she felt jealous at the fact that Ulrich was bidding on Aiko. Had been bidding on all of the women but not this high. She could only assumed that he actually wanted her."

"Well let's see if you really like her." The red-head answered. "20,000!"

"I guess I like my money more." Ulrich said. The bidding went to the red-head who beamed at Aiko. Aiko gave him a polite wave as she went to sit next to him.

When it was time for the next woman, Ulrich actually started off the bidding. "5,000!"

"7,000"

"10,000!"

"15,000!" Ulrich yelled.

"20,000!" a blond man yelled.

"22,000!" Ulrich bidded.

"I thought you like money more? 25,000!"

"She's worth every penny. 27,000!" Ulrich said nonchalantly.

"Come on! Don't you want someone younger than you. You wouldn't know what to do with a woman of her experience. She's five years older than you." The blonde said.

"I like older women. You can learn a lot from them, even if it is only a couple years' difference."

"30,000!" the blonde man said.

"35,000!"

"50,000!"

". . . 60,000!" Ulrich said, smiling.

"I know what you're doing. You're trying to raise the bids, aren't you." The blond man smirked.

"Maybe."

"Let's see. 70,000!"

"I know what I have to bid to win, you know. 90,000!"

". . . Fine then. 100,000!"

"100,000 going once, twice, SOLD!" Ulrich shrugged.

"What if he makes a mistake and overbids?" Yumi asked Sissi.

"Ulrich knows what he's doing. He's playing it safe. And when someone high up bids constantly, he knows he can go up even higher." Sissi explained.

"I just think he should be a bit more careful."

"You just don't want to risk him bidding on some other woman, and dating her." Sissi accused.

"Of course I am! And I'm willing to admit it."

"You're mad." Sissi said, a bit perplexed.

"It's like he's not taking this seriously. He could make a mistake. And what if he really is serious about some of his bids."

"Well if you didn't want to risk it, you could've just asked him out yourself." Yumi didn't really have a comeback so she just sighed and propped her head on her hands.

Ulrich continued his bidding and was able to pull out a lot of money from the other bidders. The highest bid so far was for a $5 million. It came as a bit of a shock, but everyone new that the CEO of the Publishing Dept. was good for it. In fact, there were several million dollar bids. People were trying to follow Ulrich's lead and try and make higher bids or raise the bids themselves.

Eventually, it was Yumi's turn. She took a deep breath and walked gracefully in front of everyone and made sure to give a dazzling smile. "And now the beautiful Yumi Ishiyama! She's definitely a catch because she's the owner's secretary." The auctioneer stated. Tehre were several murmurs, and someone actually shouted, "Guess we know we should've save up for!"

Ulrich looked at Sam, Aelita, Odd, and Jeremie and they smiled and waved at her. Momo gave her a thumbs up, and Ulrich actually got up out of his seat and walked out . . . Oh so now he leaves?

"5,000!" a man yelled, starting the bids.

"6,000!"

"10,000!" Yumi was shocked when she saw Mitch wailing out a large money. What did he do? Bid his life savings?"

Of course he was quickly out bidded. "15,000!" Mitch frowned and sat back down in his seat.

"20,000!"

"30,000!"

"50,000!"

"100,000!" Everyone was surprised to see someone make such a high jump in the bids. This was obviously going to be a war.

"200,000!"

"300,000!"

"350,000!"

"500,000!" Yumi was looking from bidder to bidder, and when she heard the half-a-million-dollar bid, heart skipped a beat. Zander was giving her a malicious smile. Yumi looked at her friends who were shocked and in despair. Sam made for a knife, but Odd grabbed her hand at the last second. Ulrich was in the back laughing with an older gentleman. He didn't seem to care. Some lifesaver he was.

"500,000 going once . . . twice . . ."

"550,000!" Momo yelled. Thank God for Momo. When did he get that kind of money? How much did his job really pay?

Zander glared at the Japanese man. "700,000!"

"750,000!"

"One million!"

Momo frowned. He didn't know how far he could go on. There seemed to be some talk among Yumi's friends, and then Momo shouted, "1,100,000!"

"1,500,000!" Her friends were soundly defeated.

Just when it seemed like he was going to win another bid was made. "2,000,000!" Yumi was shocked to see that some other men were still going. They obviously still had the money to burn.

"3,000,000!"

"4,000,000!"

The bids kept going, and then Zander yelled, "10 million!" There was a lot more murmuring. No one didn't seem to want to bid that high. Zander had won.

Yumi tried fighting back tears as the auctioneered paused, waiting to see if anyone was going to bid.

"One hundred million." Ulrich said calmly. Yumi stared at Ulrich in amazement he was now making his way to the front and his eyes were staring straight into hers. Zander was glaring holes into Ulrich's body.

"One hundred and,"

"300 million." Ulrich said before Zander could even finish his bid.

"400 million!"

" . . . 750 million."

Zander was seething. "760!"

Ulrich smiled at Yumi. "One billion, pelase."

"Uh, Mr. Stern, are you sure." The auctioneer asked.

"Yes. I'm sure. She's my secretary, and my friend. I want her all to myself."

"Okay then. A billion dollars boing once . . . a billiong dollars going twice . . ." Zander hung his head in misery. He wanted to get Yumi for himself so badly. "SOLD! A BILLION DOLLARS!"

Ulrich held out his hand to Yumi and she took it, not really knowing what to do. Ulrich kissed her hand and then led her to the table where all of their friends were. Yumi still couldn't find her words.

"Ulrich did you know what you just did?" Jeremie asked.

"Yeah. I just bidded a billion dollars to go out with Yumi this Saturday." Ulrich stated. "The fact of the matter is, Zander is very rich. There was no way he was going stop unless I went extremely high. He would never bid a billion. Mainly because he doesn't have a billion." Ulrich looked at Yumi. "You don't have to thank me. Just make sure you're worth every penny."

"Ulrich. You didn't have to pay that much, did you?"

"But I wanted to. I don't want you with Zander. And I think we're due for a date. We can make a whole day out of it. I mean I really wanna make sure I get my money's worth." Ulrich stressed.

"Okay." Yumi said weakly. She was trying not to blush. She couldn't even look Ulrich in the eyes without smiling like an idiot. She was starting to wrap her head around what just happened. She seemed to be out of it for the rest of the night. She only tuned back in long enough to see Sissi get a bid of $800,000 from Momo. Sissi was giggling madly as she ran to him and gave him a hug.

"You like me or something?"

"Maybe." Momo smiled as he kissed her cheek.

Yumi looked down at her lap. She was trying to tell herself that this was just Ulrich saving her, but no friend would really spend a billion dollars, right? She was so confused.

I'm ending it there! I rushed this, I finished it off in two days. Spicy! Well it's the moment you've all been waiting for . . . THEY'RE FINALLY GOING ON A DATE! Even if it is because of some bid. See the date in the next chapter.

Chapter 26: The Billion Dollar Date