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.

to Thorne, Maureen and Laverne had seats close to the front-right

take upon spotting Charlene, and then noticed she was seated beside Maureen. His eyes

date, then hurriedly texted Thorne: fight next

auction too-and she's sit

Thorne's reply was prompt.

Oh.

And that was it.

he couldn't

again; Charlene noticed him this time, but

other hand, offered Moran a polite smile. "Good evening, Mr.

her a sheepish grin.

exchange, Moran

Dalton Ramirez arrived. His seat happened to be

he immediately noticed Charlene

and she returned the favor, pretending

Still, like Moran, Dalton nodded politely to

the

the evening's

attraction a legendary

there were a

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