Meanwhile

Vesta handed a crisp envelope to her mother. "Here's the invitation you wanted."

“Perfect. Thank Thorne for me, would you?" Maureen replied, sliding the invitation into her purse. She paused, glancing up. "Are you coming with us to the auction tomorrow, or is Thorne picking you up?"

Vesta shook her head. "Neither of us will be going tomorrow."

Maureen's hand stilled over the zipper. "Alright," she said simply.

***

Auction night arrived, and Charlene made her way to the grand auction house with her aunt, Maisie.

As they checked in, Charlene spotted Maureen and Laverne just ahead in the line. The recognition was mutual-Maureen's expression barely shifted, but there was a faint furrow between her brows.

This evening's auction featured pieces so rare and valuable that only the world's wealthiest and most influential had managed to secure invitations. Most prominent families wouldn't even stand a chance.

If it hadn't been for Thorne, Maureen wouldn't have gotten her invitation either. But Charlene—well, given Stewart's current prominence and his close connection

to Charlene, it wouldn't have been difficult for him to help her obtain one.

With that thought, Maureen and Laverne averted their gazes and continued inside.

close to the

in when Moran entered the hall. He did a double take upon spotting Charlene, and then noticed she was seated beside Maureen. His eyes widened. What kind

his date, then hurriedly texted Thorne: fight next to

at the diamond auction

Thorne's reply was prompt.

Oh.

And that was it.

he couldn't

the screen, speechless. He glanced over at Charlene and Maureen's group again; Charlene

on the other hand, offered Moran a polite

gave her a

the brief exchange, Moran quickly took

few moments later, Dalton Ramirez arrived. His

Maisie's, so he immediately noticed Charlene

didn't bother greeting Charlene, and she returned

like Moran, Dalton nodded politely to Maureen, who

the auction

the

attraction a legendary

were a handful

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