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 next to

entered the hall. He did a double take upon spotting Charlene, and then noticed she was seated beside Maureen.

alongside his date, then hurriedly texted Thorne:

diamond auction too-and she's sit

Thorne's reply was prompt.

Oh.

And that was it.

he couldn't care

glanced over at Charlene and Maureen's group again; Charlene noticed him this time,

the other hand, offered Moran a polite

her a

exchange, Moran quickly

Ramirez arrived. His seat

Maisie's, so he immediately noticed Charlene and

greeting Charlene, and she returned the

nodded politely to Maureen, who responded with a gracious

after, the auction

from the evening's

attraction a legendary

there were a

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