Revenge Of The Jilted Bride

Jilted Bride 8

Chapter 8

Meanwhile, at Hastings Villa, Emily stood gracefully in the grand hallway, dressed in an elegant champagne-colored gown that shimunered under the soft lights. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, perfectly styled, while her makeup was flawless, accentuating her natural beauty.

"Emily, you look absolutely stunning tonight, Heather couldn't help but gasp, pride gleaming in her eyes. "You're sure to be the center of attention."

Family flashed a sweet, charming smile, the kind that made people feel instantly endeared to her.

"Well, it's getting late. We should be on our way," Owen, looking dapper in a tailored suit, said with a confident grin. He was practically glowing in anticipation of the night ahead.

Tonight's charity gala was hosted by the Carnegie family, one of the top three prestigious families in Dellanex. The guest list was a who's who of the elite-top-tier families, business moguls, and all the power players one would expect at such a high- society event. At the entrance to the grand Everland Hotel, the most luxurious establishment in the city, the scene was pure luxury.

Limousines and high-end cars lined the red carpet, which stretched to the street, with layers of security ensuring exclusivity. Every few yards, a patrol car was stationed, enforcing the strictest of measures. Reporters stood by eagerly, cameras in hand. craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the attendees as they arrived.

This wasn't just a charity event-it was a spectacle. A-list local celebrities, dressed as if they were attending an international film festival, walked the red carpet, competing for attention with their glamorous attire.

Miles stepped out of his sleek, silver Maybach, looking effortlessly sophisticated in a light Brioni bespoke suit. Tall and poised, his presence immediately caught the attention of onlookers.

"Miles, Emily called out, carefully lifting her gown as she rushed over from a nearby car, her heels clicking softly on the pavement. She looped her arm through his, her eyes shining with adoration.

Miles offered a warm smile, his gaze soft and doting as he looked at her.

The connection between the two was undeniable, and it didn't escape Owen's notice. The older man couldn't help but beam with satisfaction, imagining the endless possibilities a union between the Hastings and Lewis families could bring. After all, the Lewis family had deep roots, and Miles, the heir to Lewis Group, was a golden catch.

As Owen approached, he chuckled, "I see why you were so impatient in the car earlier."

"Good evening. Mr. Hastings," Miles greeted him politely, his tone respectful yet calm. Then, he turned to Emily with a glint in his eye. "I've heard that there's a stunning blue diamond necklace up for auction tonight. How about I win it for you?"

Emily put on an act of modesty, her lips curling into a smile. "Oh, there's no need for that, really. It'd be such a waste." Though she said that, inside she was practically giddy with excitement.

After a few more pleasantries, the group made their way into the dazzling hotel ballroom, where the charity auction would soon begin.

the air buzzing with chatter. The auction kicked off quickly, with Emily and Miles seated in the third row, while behind them sat other wealthy socialites

items were valuable antiques, worth tens of thousands of dollars-merely appetizers for the night's big-ticket offerings. Then came the masterpieces, authentic paintings by renowned artists, whose prices rose with each

a way of shining without being obvious, of knowing exactly when to

ninth item of the night... The auctioneer paused for dramatic effect. "A

spotlight illuminated the stage, revealing the gown in all its radiant splendor. The delicate white lace and subtle shimmer of the

collective gasp swept through the crowd of socialites

heard that? La Reverie is a brand that made its debut internationally just a couple of years ago, and

"One belongs to the royal family of Yoskela and the other is often seen on the First Lady of Heloria. She wears it to all her

girl gasped. "I love this gown. The designer is so mysterious,

to Emily

"It's beautiful, but let's leave it to the other ladies tonight. I'm not one for

she always seemed above the fray, unaffected by the pettiness of the world. That was rare in the cutthroat circles

tone gentle yet resolute,

not have been one of the top three families in Dellanex, but they were not far behind. Hearing Miles say

so lucky. Mr. Lewis is so good to you, a nearby socialite gushed, her voice full of envy as

auctioneer's voice rang out, clear and authoritative. "The starting bid for this gold-threaded evening gown is

had time to breathe, a paddle shot up. Five hundred thousand dollars, someone

voice followed quickly. "Seven hundred thousand

dollars, some

buzzed with excitement as the bids kept climbing, faster and

the spotlight, and though her expression was calm, Kenneth somehow thought she liked it. A

numbers continued to

confident and smug, raised his paddle.

auctioneer echoed, almost impressed. "Three million going once, three

paused, his eyes drifting toward the balcony on the

the room as everyone turned toward the mysterious bidder in the private box, but no one could see who it

still raised, hovered in mid-air, his expression darkening. That bid-seven million dollars-wasn't just an offer, it was a shut-down, a no-compromise move that

crowd had heard him boast about buying the gown for Emily. Now, he had no choice but to drop out. If the bidder above him was determined to have it, continuing to bid

'Seven million dollars

didn't quite reach her eyes. "I appreciate the thought, but honestly,