The Second Life of a Discarded Heiress

Chapter 515

At every charity gala, there was always a high-stakes auction. Each guest was required to bring an item to donate-antique heirlooms, rare jewels, or some other treasure—to be bid upon by the assembled crowd. The proceeds would be given to support children in remote regions or other charitable causes.

Once the dinner began in earnest, the host took the stage and announced the time had come for guests to present their auction pieces.

The auction was always the highlight of the evening.

Backstage attendants wheeled out each item in turn. The host whipped the cloth off the first piece, projecting his voice across the ballroom. "Our first auction item of the evening comes from Mamie: the Dewflask!"

The bottle was a vision-crystal clear, its slender neck almost transparent, delicate and perfect in every curve.

Those who collected fine spirits or prized rare decanters shifted to the edges of their seats, excitement rippling through the room.

Mamie had acquired the Dewflask years ago, snapping it up abroad for a mere few million—an absolute steal, since the foreign sellers hadn't realized what they had. Now, its value had skyrocketed to five hundred million.

Everyone knew Mamie adored this Dewflask; bringing it to auction tonight was a real sacrifice.

The host raised his gavel. "Bidding for the Dewflask begins at five hundred million."

The crowd erupted in rapid-fire offers.

"Five fifty!"

"Six hundred!"

"Seven hundred!"

"Eight hundred million!"

going twice, sold!" The host brought the gavel down with a decisive

compared to

room

Jeanette sat together, Kali's gaze fixed intently on Citrine, who was seated at the very front, as though she could burn a

wait, Kali thought. Tonight, not only would she restore her

smile crept across

affection in his eyes. "Of course. Everything's set." "Thank you,

darted back to Citrine her expression brimming

would be the star of

to steal the spotlight.

just you wait. Everything I lost, I'll take

auction drew

had started the evening full of energy was now clearly flagging, barely stifling yawns as he repeated