Chapter 11
The auction hall was dazzling with lights, the crystal chandeliers refracting a brilliant glow that illuminated the room. Filled with jewelry and art pieces, the whole place sparkled with a mesmerizing radiance.
Henry sat below the stage, his gaze fixed on an emerald necklace. Every translucent gemstone on the necklace shone brightly, almost enough to reflect the deepest desires of the
human heart.
“5 million dollars,” he bid, raising his paddle. His voice was low yet firm
Beside him, Ian muttered, “Henry, this is the 72nd piece you’ve bid on. Are you really going to buy so many?”
Henry’s gaze did not waver from the necklace. “She deserves the best,” he said stubbornly. “We owe her a lot over these past few years, so we need to compensate her tenfold. Besides, you bought just as many items.”
Jan turned to the towering pile of purchases beside him and smiled. “You’re right. She’s my sister. She deserves the best.”
The auctioneer’s voice echoed through the hall. “5 million dollars, going once, going twice… Sold!”
The necklace was carefully put into an exquisite gift box and handed over to Henry.
He looked down at it and asked hopefully, “Do you think she’ll like it?”
Ian patted him on the shoulder. “I’m sure she’ll like whatever we buy her.”
After that, they left the auction and drove straight to the city’s most luxurious shopping mall.
The store windows displayed an array of evening gowns, jewelry, and luxury items, each one seeming to beckon them inside.
“How about this?” Ian asked, pointing at a white gown. Its hem was adorned with tiny diamonds that shimmered like fallen stars.
Henry nodded. “It’ll suit her,” he said with satisfaction.
The store clerk retrieved the dress from where it was hung and packed it carefully.
Then, Ian gestured toward the jewelry counter. “Wrap up those earrings and necklaces too.”
Henry did not object. He just added in a low voice, “We should pick out some everyday clothes too. She might not like being too flashy.”
The two of them spent the entire day shopping. When they returned, it was with bags and boxes of various sizes, every gift meticulously picked out as if they could somehow make up for all the years they had lost with her.
At the banquet venue, they began discussing every detail of the banquet. From the stage decorations to the menu selection, they left no stone unturned in their effort to create the períect surprise.
They imagined how their lost sister and childhood friend–how she might look, what she might say–and couldn’t help buut wonder how time had changed her.
The day of the banquet arrived. The old Dalton residence was lavishly decorated. In the hall, crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light, illuminating the dazzling gowns and shimmering jewelry.
Henry and lan stood in the middle of the banquet hall, their eyes repeatedly drifting toward the entrance. Anticipation and nervousness were hidden beneath their composed expressions.
“Henry, do you think Mom and Dad will bring her back?” Ian asked, uncertainty lacing his voice.
Henry pursed his lips, eyes dark. “They will. After so many years, we finally bave news of her. Mr. and Mrs. Dalton won’t come back empty–handed.”
lan nodded, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of his glass. A mix of emotions flickered in his eyes. “If… If she really comes back, how should we face her? All these years, we’ve been treating Cecelia…”
Henry’s eyes darkened. “Cecelia was just her substitute. I’m sure she’ll understand. We’ll make it up to her in the future.”
Just then, the doors to the banquet hall were pushed open.
Cecelia entered, dressed in a light pink gown. Her eyes were red as she walked toward them hesitantly.
Her gaze lingered on Henry and fan for a moment before she lowered her head. “Ian, Henry,” she said, her voice bordering on a sub, “I’m here.”
lan frowned. “What are you doing here?”
Tears immediately began failing from Cecelia’s eyes. “I’m sorry. I know I was wrong,” she said, her voice filled with grievance and guilt. “I wasn’t thinking straight last time and shouldn’t have acted that way. I was adopted. Everything I have now doesn’t belong to me. I promise, I’ll get along with your real sister when she returns and won’t make things difficult for you anymore.”
Henry looked at her with a mix of emotions. “I’m glad you think that way.”
Cecelia wiped away her tears and forced out a smile. “I will. I’ll be nice to her.”
fan nodded and softened his tone. “When Mom and Dad bring her home later, you must welcome her property.”
Cecelia nodded fervently. ” will, fan,” she said obediently.
Silence once again settled over the banquet hall. Every so often, their eyes flickered over to the door, eagerly awaiting the return of the long–lost one. Minutes ticked by. Finally, the door was pushed open once again. Christopher and Anna walked in, but instead of being joyous, their faces were ashen
fan hurried forward “Mom, Dad! Where is she? Why Isn’t she here with you?” he asked urgently.
Anna’s lips trembled. “We. We didn’t find her,” she said, so soft it was barely audible.
“What?” Henry’s expression darkened. He couldn’t believe his ears “How could you not have found her? We got the exact address of her whereabouts, didn’t we?
Christopher’s voice trembled as he spoke weakly, as if the words were draining all the strength from his body. “We found the village and the old woman who took her in all these years ago, but… the old lady had already passed away not long ago After asking around, we found out the old lady was Ruby Lynch’s grandmother.”
Chapter 12
