In reference to the auction, imagine this random person no one recognizes is able to keep up with the high bidding wars. He isn't a villain or hero, and everyone wants to know where this money is coming from. And then he wins!
Step Daughter is just waiting nervously in the hotel for him when Endeavor steps in. She's surprised and tries to shoo him out, saying her "suitor" is due any minute. Turns out the stranger was a proxy for Endeavor as he couldn't stand the thought of some unworthy guy taking his precious step daughter's innocence.
SCREAMS!!
It’s almost like when you drop a fishing line into the sea to see what bites. Endeavor offering up his pretty step-daughter to the highest bidder while he gets to sit back and watch his colleagues, friends, foes all fight over her. Like he hasn’t noticed the way they all look at you whenever you’re around, hungry eyes drinking you in. He makes bets with himself on who will be the highest bidder, and who will be the most desperate to win.
Meanwhile he’s safe in the knowledge that he’ll win the prize.