Chapter 15
The upcoming auction hosted by the prestigious fashion brand Ella Saya was the talk of Linburn City. The exclusive, invitation–only event was open solely to select members fortunate enough to receive a formal invite – a privilege that signified wealth, status, and connections.
Over the years, Ella Saya had become a name synonymous with unattainable luxury. Each gown in its couture collection was a one–of–a–kind masterpiece, hercely coveted by the elite, Even A–list celebrities often struggled to secure one for red–carpet
On the rare occasion that one of these dresses appeared on the secondary market, it commanded astronomical
events
prices.
For the Harper family, an invitation to this prestigious event was out of reach–until Matthew’s mother received one. After relentless begging and pleading from Matthew, she finally gave in handing over the coveted invite so he could take Mabel to
the auction.
To his surprise, Mabel rejected the offer without a second thought: “Not interested,” she said coolly, brushing him off like it was nothing.
Matthew, unwilling to accept her refusal, trailed after her, trying to persuade her. “Mabel, this auction is a once–in–a–lifetime opportunity! You’ll regret missing it.
But Mabel didn’t even look at him. Her indifferent attitude left in frozen in place as she walked away.
Watching from the sidelines. Rhea’s chest burned with jealousy it was an ugly, suffocating feeling that clawed at her insides.
Rhea realized that no matter what she did, Matthew’s attention was always fixed on Mabel.
It made Rhea’s hatred all the sharper.
Once Mabel left, Rhea slipped into the moment with a practiced sweetness. She poured Matthew a cup of tea, her voice soft and soothing. “Don’t let it bother you, Matthew,” she said with a gentle smile. “Mabel’s grown up surrounded by luxury. Whatever she wants, our parents have always handed it to her without question. She probably doesn’t see the auction as anything special. Unlike me…” Rhea hesitated, then lowered her voice, adding quietly, I’ve never even been to an auction before.”
As she spoke, she shifted her arm just enough for her sleeve to slide up, exposing faint bruises on her skin. Matthew’s sharp eyes caught the marks immediately. He grabbed her wrist and pushed the sleeve higher, his expression darkening as he took
closer look.
“Wait, are these…. did I do this to you last time?” Matthew’s voice was thick with unease.
Rhea flushed, then gave a timid nod. “It’s okay, Matthew. Really, he murmured, her eyes downcast, “As long as I can stay by your side, I don’t mind if I get some little hurt.
Her soft vulnerability seemed to strike a chord in him. Seeing her delicate, almost fragile expression, Matthew’s heart. softened. Guilt and tenderness swirled within him as Matthew pulled her into his arms. “Rhea,” he said gently, come to the auction with me tonight. Let me make it up to you.”
Rhea smiled bashfully, nodding as if his suggestion had caught her off guard. “I’ll do whatever you say, Matthew. But please don’t spend too much on me… Just being with you is enough.”
Meanwhile, Beatrice couldn’t hide her excitement when she heard that Matthew planned to take Rhea instead of Mabel.
Though Mabel had always been respectful and well–behaved as their adopted daughter, Beatrice and her husband had never forgotten that she wasn’t truly part of the Harper bloodline. They’d raised her, yes, but there was always a line that couldn’t
be crossed.
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When Rhea, their biological daughter, returned to them, that lie became even clearer. Rhea might not measure up to Mabel in certain ways, but she was their flesh and blood. To Beatrice and her husband, she was the rightful daughter – the one who deserved the best.
If Matthew shifted his affections from Mabel to Rhea and ultimately altered the engagement, it would be the perfect outcome for the Harper family. After all, someone as wealthy and accomplished as Matthew couldn’t possibly waste his future on Mabel
The Ella Saya couture auction was held in a dazzling venue, where every detail radiated opulence.
Rhea was in a delicate puffed gown of pastel hues. Her soft, rosy makeup gave her a fresh, innocent charm. Her confidence brimmed she was sure she could slowly but surely win Matthew’s heart.
Her wide eyes darted from one lavish detail to another, soaking in the glittering outfits, the polished guests, and the electric
vibe.
For her, this was a dream the kind of world she had always imagined herself in but never thought she’d truly step into.
Clutching Matthew’s arm. she glanced around the auction hall with unbridled curiosity.
Her heart raced with satisfaction. If Mabel were smarter, she wouldn’t have passed up something like this. But her loss is my gain, Rhea thought, smiling slyly to herself.
A sudden stir near the entrance caught everyone’s attention. Staff members hurried past, speaking in tense whispers. The VIP guests have arrived. Everyone, prepare to greet them!” one of them instructed.
Curious, Rhea craned her neck, eager to see what the fuss was about A large group of staff had gathered near the entrance. all surrounding two individuals as if they were welcoming royalty. The sheer pomp of the scene made it clear these were no ordinary guests.
Everyone attending the auction tonight was either immensely wealthy or incredibly influential, but for these two to command such deference from the organizers? They must be at the very pinnacle of power and status.
Before Rhea could get a good look at their faces, Matthew tugged her gently, urging her toward the main auction floor.
The auction itself took place in the hotel’s grand ballroom. Most of the audience sat in plush seating on the ground floor. craning their necks for the best views. Meanwhile, the second floor, reserved strictly for VIPs, offered an elevated perspective. From there, the privileged could watch the proceedings in peace or request a closer look at the auction items in private.
Tonight, however, the entire second floor had been locked down. It was reserved exclusively for two individuals: Oscar and Mabel. Security guards stood like sentinels at every entrance, ensuring absolute privacy.
Mabel, sitting in the exclusive VIP section, had dressed carefully for the occasion. She leaned slightly to the side, her eyes tracing the sharp lines of Oscar’s profile.
Sensing her attention, Oscar glanced at her, one brow lifting. “Anything wrong?” he asked,
He had a face that seemed almost unreal. Yet, despite his extraordinary beauty, he inspired fear in everyone around him. His mere presence carried a weight that made people shrink away, and over time, finding someone brave enough to hold his gaze had become almost impossible. Except for Mabel. She seemed utterly unaffected by his aura. Resting her chin on one hand, she studied his exquisite features with unfiltered curiosity, as though he were a puzzle she intended to solve.
No Mabel replied lightly, a playful glint in her eyes.
“Then why are you staring?” he pressed, his voice as calm as ever
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Mabel’s response came without hesitation. I was just marveling at how unfairly handsome my future husband turned out to be,” she said with a teasing smile.
For a moment, Oscar was silent. Then, to Mabel’s surprise, a fair flush of pink crept up his neck, spreading to his cheeks. His usually impenetrable expression softened, betraying his discomfort at her unexpected comment.
Mabel’s smile widened as she watched the color bloom on his face. Her eyes glinted with amusement as she leaned forward and lightly pinched his cheek.
Behind them, Vincent couldn’t help gasping. Her eyes widened in shock, disbelief etched across her face. ‘Did she really just pinch Mr. Bishop’s face? Vincent’s mind raced in panic. Oscar was known for his extreme aversion to being touched.
Once, a famous actress had intentionally thrown herself at him during an event. By the next day, her career was completely obliterated – she vanished from the public eye without a trace.
Vincent braced himself for the inevitable frostiness he expected Oscar to unleash. “Miss Barrett has no idea what she’s gotten herself into,‘ he thought, mentally rehearsing how to smooth things over when Oscar’s mood soured. But then, to his utter shock, the unimaginable happened.
Oscar didn’t pull away or show any sign of anger. Instead, he effortlessly lifted Mabel off her feet and pulled her into his embrace. Holding her hand in his own, he looked down at her with a faintly indulgent expression. His tone, though low, carried a hint of amused exasperation. “Can’t you just sit quietly for even a moment?”
Mabel, smiling innocently, nodded and settled against his chest as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She could hear the steady, commanding rhythm of Oscar’s heartbeat, and the faint, crisp scent of juniper berries surrounded her. It was unexpectedly soothing, and she found herself relaxing comp
