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

to the stage to showcase the evening's lots. The initial items were valuable antiques, worth tens of thousands of dollars-merely appetizers for the night's big-ticket offerings. Then came the masterpieces, authentic

bidding was a game of status, a way of shining without being obvious, of knowing exactly

ladies and gentlemen, our ninth item of the night... The auctioneer paused for dramatic effect. "A

delicate white lace and subtle shimmer of

collective gasp swept

made its debut internationally just a couple of years ago, and they only

only two La Reverie gowns on the market, another added. "One belongs to the royal family of Yoskela and the other is often seen on the First

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

turned to Emily

girl wouldn't? But she still feigned indifference. "It's beautiful, but let's leave it to the

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

his tone gentle yet resolute, "I'll win it for

people around them. The Lewis family may not have been one of the top three families in Dellanex, but they were not far behind. Hearing Miles say this,

nearby socialite gushed, her voice full of envy

out, clear and authoritative. "The starting bid

breathe, a paddle shot up. Five hundred thousand

quickly. "Seven hundred thousand

dollars, some other lady

the bids kept climbing,

locked on this dazzling gown. It shimunered under the spotlight, and though her

continued

and smug, raised

auctioneer echoed, almost impressed. "Three

dropped, the auctioneer paused, his eyes drifting toward the balcony on the second floor. "Seven million dollars, someone said in

collective gasp swept across the room as everyone turned toward the mysterious bidder in the private box, but no one could see who it was. All they could feel was the

darkening. That bid-seven million dollars-wasn't just an offer, it was a shut-down, a no-compromise move that left no room

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 would only paint him

thoughts churned angrily. 'Seven million dollars for a gown? Are they

quick to maintain appearances, laid a gentle hand on his arm. "It's alright, Miles," she said sweetly, though her smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "I appreciate the thought, but honestly, it wasn't really my style anyway." She tried to