Chapter 16
The lights dimmed, and the auction officially began. The first item up for bid was unveiled: a pure white lace gown, a masterpiece of intricate embroidery and flawless craftsmanship
Nestled comfortably in Oscar’s arms. Mabel perked up, her gaze locking onto the dress as it was paraded down the runway.
Oscar noticed her shift in attention and asked lazily, “Do you like it?”
Mabel tilted her head slightly, her expression calm. “Not really, he replied, then a faint smirk curved her lips as she gestured toward the first floor.
“But I don’t want HER to have it. Her gaze settled on Rhea, who was seated below with Matthew.
Mabel’s memories surged back, sharp and vivid. She remembered this dress well it was the same gown Rhea had worn at the grand reception celebrating her return to the Harper family
That night, Rhea had basked in the spotlight, every guest captivated by her elegance. They praised her, as if she was the one and only beloved daughter of the Harper family.
Rhea had approached Mabel then smug and gleaming with satisfaction, her tone oozing false humility. “Mabel,” she had said sweetly, “Guess who bought this dress for me?”
At the time, Mabel had dismissed the moment, assuming the dress was just another indulgent gift from the Harpers, flaunting their favoritism. But now, the pieces clicked into place The Harpers hadn’t even been invited to that auction. The dress could only have been purchased for Rhea by Matthew.
Mabel’s eyes hardened. That gown wasn’t just a symbol of indulgence it was a weapon Rhea had wielded to flaunt Matthew’s devotion and mock me.
This time. Mabel wasn’t going to let history repeat itself.
On the First Floor, Rhea’s eyes li
lit up the moment the white lace gown was revealed.
It was stunning, with a princess–like design that perfectly exuded purity and grace.
Rhea knew she couldn’t compete with Mabel’s raw beauty, but she had leaned into projecting sweetness and innocence since returning to the Harper family. White had become her signature color, and this gown felt like it was tailor–made for her.
Rhea was already imagining herself wearing it to Mabel’s upcoming birthday party. In her mind’s eye, she could see the guests‘ admiration, their gazes fixed solely on her. She would outshine Mabel effortlessly and prove herself as the true heir of the Harper family.
The light was dim. Leaning into Matthew’s side, Rhea let her voice take on a soft, coquettish tone. “I love this dress so much… but it’s so expensive. There’s no way the allowance my parents give me could cover it…”
Matthew glanced at the starting price – $150,000. By the end of the bidding, it was likely to exceed $300,000.
In the past, such an amount wouldn’t have been an issue for him, and he might have bid without hesitation. But tonight, his feelings had shifted. Rhea’s constant clinging had started to wear on him, and her charm had lost its luster.
Instead of meeting her expectations, Matthew deflected with a casual remark. “Oh, really? That little allowance? Maybe your parents are trying to teach you financial management. It’s a good lesson for someone your age
Rhea saw that Matthew wasn’t catching on and felt her annoyance simmering.
The first auction item was always the highlight, and she couldn’t bear the thought of someone else taking the dress before her. Dropping all pretense, she leaned in closer, her voice sweet yet tinged with desperation. “Matthew, didn’t you say you
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wanted to make it up to me tonight? You’ve given Mabel so many expensive gifts, but all I’m asking for is this one dress. Can’t you even make that little wish come true for me?”
Her tone carried a sense of grievance, and by the time she finished, her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, threatening to spill at any moment.
Matthew let out a weary sigh, feeling the weight of her manipulative plea. If she really started crying here, in front of everyone, it would be a scene he couldn’t afford.
“Fine. I’ll try,” said Matthew, begrudgingly.
Reluctantly. Matthew raised his paddle.
Two hundred thousand, Matthew called, his voice tinged with exasperation.
But almost immediately, a voice from the VIP suite on the second floor countered. Two million.”
The entire room erupted in gasps.
Heads swiveled toward the second floor, whispers buzzing through the crowd. They wondered who would raise the bid tenfold in one move. Someone even joked, ‘Is the bidder upstairs out of her mind?”
The dress, while beautiful, had a market value of no more than five hundred thousand. Offering two million for it was
absurd
Rhea, however, was blissfully ignorant of market prices. Her face lit up with delight as she turned to Matthew, eyes, sparkling. “Matthew! Did you hear that? My taste must be exceptional if it’s worth that much.”
She continued yelling. “Quick, bid again!”
But Matthew’s expression darkened. There was no way he’d waste six million dollars on Rhea. She wasn’t worth him spending that much, especially not on a dress. Matthew was here tonight in searching for a birthday gift for Mabel – despite her refusal to come. To him, Rhea could be appeased with something far less extravagant. Spending six million on her was a laughable idea
And then there was the bidder upstairs. Anyone in the VIP suite was far beyond Matthew’s financial league. Competing with them would be nothing short of embarrassing.
After a tense pause, Matthew forced a tight smile and spoke carefully. “Rhea, that dress isn’t worth the price. There’ll be plenty of other beautiful dresses later. Let’s keep looking, alright
Rhea’s face fell, her irritation flaring beneath her delicate facade. Internally, she cursed him. ‘How stingy can you be? Other men spend tens of millions to please Mabel, and you can’t even buy me a dress? No wonder she doesn’t give you the time of day
Still, Rhea smoothed her expression, letting out a soft sigh. “Alright, Matthew. If you say so,‘ she said, her voice gentle and understanding
With no further bids, the auctioneer announced the sale. The exquisite white lace gown was officially claimed by the VIP
suite.
In the VIP Suite, Mabel watched the proceedings from her comfortable perch. She was in high spirits. She turned toward Oscar, leaning against his shoulder with a satisfied grin. “You’re the best,” she said..
Oscar glanced down at her, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. What he appreciated most about Mabel was her honest nature. She didn’t lude her desires behind false modesty. When she wanted something, she said so, confident in her worth and unafraid to claim what she deserved.
To him, that quality was exactly what he expected from the future Mrs. Bishop.
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Chapter 16
As the auction went on, Rhea found herself coveting several more dresses.
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Yet, every time Matthew placed a bid, the mysterious VIP on the second floor would counter with an astronomical offer always adding a zero to the price, killing any chance Matthew had.
With each failed attempt, Rhea’s face darkened. Whether it was a strange coincidence or a deliberate ploy, she couldn’t shake the suspicion that the VIP upstairs was targeting her. Either that, or their tastes were so alike that the person wanted anything Rhea did.
What infuriated Rhea more was Matthew’s refusal to fight back once the prices skyrocketed. Dress after dress slipped. through her fingers, leaving her increasingly frustrated.
Rhea bit her lip, her anger barely contained. She only told Matthew to be careful with his spending to sound polite. Yet, Mathew seemed to have taken it seriously. As the auction neared its conclusion, Rhea hadn’t secured a single dress.
Matthew was seething with frustration. His initial plan had been simple spend a modest sum to appease Rhea and then turn his attention to selecting a proper gift for Mabel. It had been a carefully thought–out strategy, balancing practicality and intention. But the mysterious VIP on the second floor had thrown everything into chaos. Each time the bidding heated up. they casually raised the stakes, multiplying the price tenfold without a hint of hesitation. Matthew hadn’t even heen given a chance to compete it was as if they’d crushed his plans with effortless precision, leaving him utterly powerless,
As the auction neared its conclusion, Rhea hadn’t secured a single dress,
Her composure finally cracked, and tears welled up in her eyes, threatening to spill over.
Seeing her distress, Matthew felt his pride flare. He straightened his shoulders, determined to salvage the evening. “Rhea, don’t worry,” he declared firmly. Tll win the last dress for you, no matter what
Instantly, Rhea’s spirits lifted. She looked at him with a hopeful expression, her faith in him rekindled. “Really? Okay!” she said eagerly, ready to believe he could still turn things around
But her optimism was short–lived. When the final gown was revealed, her excitement turned to dread. It was a dazzling red evening dress, a masterpiece of elegance and radiance. Under the spotlight, the rich scarlet fabric seemed to shimmer, its beauty drawing gasps of awe from the audience. The intricate beadwork and flawless design gave it an almost ethereal glow The moment it appeared, a wave of continuous gasps and exclamations swept through the hall.
Rhea froze. Her chest tightened as a wave of discomfort swept over her. Ever since her infamous incident involving Mabel’s red dress, she had developed an aversion to the color.The humiliation of that day still haunted her, and the sight of this gown only brought the memories rushing back.
Panicking, she clutched Matthew’s sleeve. “Matthew, you know I hate red. Please don’t bid on this one.” she pleaded urgently.
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Matthew, however, wasn’t paying attention. The moment the dress appeared on stage, his focus shifted completely. His eyes were locked on the gown, captivated by its brilliance. But it was Rhea Matthew was picturing wearing it it was Mabel. The dress seemed almost designed for her. He could see it so clearly Mabel in the radiant red, her beauty enhanced to a level that would leave everyone breathless.
SEND GIFT
