After hanging up, I immediately called Dolly.As expected, she was swamped. She practically shouted into the phone, “Yes! We’re flooded with orders! Evelyn, we’ve hit the jackpot! Hahaha… We’re making bank! Hurry, while the buzz is hot, go sign with Elmwood as their model!“And don’t forget that two-million-dollar emerald necklace of yours. Come on, darling, even scandalous fame is still fame. Who cares if it’s controversial, as long as it makes money? Move!”I hung up, still in disbelief.Over a hundred thousand orders!Even after subtracting the usual baseline sales, nearly a hundred thousand had flooded in just today.And not for cheap items, either—these were intricately crafted, high-end couture dresses with a vintage twist.I did a quick calculation, and the number made my heart race.No wonder so many celebrities were obsessed with staying relevant—even infamy was better than invisibility. That kind of exposure? It was money in the bank.I couldn’t even concentrate on my readi
I barely secured the ruby set.Now, I could finally breathe again.Still, I couldn’t figure out why someone had suddenly jumped in to bid against us. Maybe just another ruby enthusiast.The thought flickered briefly in my mind, then passed.Back home, Miles pulled out a sapphire set he had won at the auction. It was smaller than Marsha’s, but more refined and delicate—one of those “beautiful but impractical” pieces.I was surprised. “For me? What’s the occasion?”Miles glanced at me. “Do I need an occasion to give you something?”A rush of delight bloomed in my chest. The moment I’d seen that set appear on stage, I’d secretly wanted it.After all, what woman doesn’t love something shiny and exquisite?I gently stroked the jewelry, beaming. “It’s stunning. I wanted to touch it the moment it came out.”Suddenly, Miles frowned. “I shouldn’t bring you to auctions anymore.”I blinked. “Why not?”He looked regretful. “Because you ruin the element of surprise.”I burst out laughing, the soun
I suddenly realized that Marsha’s earlier move had actually been meant to help me win that jewelry set. She’d made it look like we were at odds, so the other bidders would hesitate to join in. If it hadn’t been for that unexpected last-minute wildcard, I could’ve taken it for just 1.9 million.I regretted not playing along better. Her effort had gone completely to waste.The rest of the auction proceeded as usual. Marsha picked out two sets she liked, and Miles bid on three.I had to admit, the way old-money families bought things was an eye-opener—sharp, deliberate, and incredibly discerning. Every item they went for had lasting value and unique character. One of the sapphire necklaces Marsha acquired wasn’t just notable for its carat size.It also featured the distinctive craftsmanship of a master jeweler.After the auction ended, a small buffet-style reception followed, giving guests a chance to mingle and network.I watched Marsha from a distance, poised and graceful, wonderin
Everyone’s eyes flicked back and forth between me and Marsha.My palms were damp with sweat. I glanced over at her and saw that she looked calm and composed, even wearing a faint smile.My mind buzzed. I couldn’t think straight.The auctioneer had already started the countdown."One million seven hundred thousand, once. Any other distinguished guests interested in this ruby set? A truly meaningful, heirloom-quality piece... All right, one million seven hundred thousand, twice...""One million eight hundred thousand," Marsha raised her paddle.A murmur spread through the guests.I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I didn’t need to. It was obvious they were talking about the tension between me and Marsha, and the fact that it had turned into a bidding war.The auctioneer beamed. "Excellent taste, Mrs. Wynn. This set is certainly worth the price. One million eight hundred thousand, once... one million eight hundred thousand, twice... one million eight hundred—""One million nine h
Trey smiled."Sure thing, Mom. Let me walk you to your seat."He offered his arm, and Marsha hooked hers through his, clearly satisfied.Once they walked off, I finally snapped out of it.Miles frowned a little. I asked, "Is it just me, or was Mrs. Wynn actually nice to me?"He gave me a soft smile."Don’t overthink it."How could I not?Her attitude had completely flipped. And it even looked like she wasn’t being cold to Trey for once.The auction started.Marsha sat a few seats away from us, calm and elegant, flipping through the catalog like she had all the time in the world.Trey kept leaning in to explain different pieces, and she nodded occasionally.It seemed like she already had her favorites picked out.Bit by bit, I started to relax.Each piece of jewelry was brought out by gloved staff, followed by dramatic introductions from the auctioneer. The room got more and more lively with every round.Just like Trey said, the early items were pretty average. But the rich kids he’d b
I tugged Trey’s sleeve and whispered, "You called these people in to help? Are they reliable?"He gave me a sly, knowing grin."Very. They're here to spread the competition thin. The early lots are usually pretty average—if they drive up the prices a bit, it’ll wear down the big bidders' budgets, so they won’t go too hard later on."Suddenly it clicked.So, these were Trey’s chaos agents—No, wait... strategic reinforcements.Miles finished chatting with a few acquaintances and made his way over, his expression noticeably more serious."Trey," he said, voice even. "Mom’s coming in a bit. Stay with her."Trey’s face changed."She’s coming? Since when?"I instantly tensed up.Marsha was coming?Why was she suddenly showing up? Was she here to humiliate me, or just to snap up some of the jewelry?Miles’ face remained calm."Just stay with her. If she wants anything, make sure she gets it."Trey gave a dry laugh."You know she can’t stand me. Shouldn’t you be the one making the rounds with