Chapter 28
The room fell
Il into an awkward silence. Those who had considered bidding earlier now kept their hands firmly down.
No one wanted to spend their money on something tied to such a disgraceful sinuation.
Even Mallory’s closest friends hesitated. None of them dared raise a paille, worried about earning Ouric’s disdain
Katherine called out three times, her voice cutting through the heavy atmosphere, but no one nude a bid. She sighed, shrugged, and gestured for
→ in leave the stage
Mallory’s steps were slow and heavy as she descended. Her heart burned with rage as her eyes landed on Amaris in the distance. That pathetic little nobody” Just wait. It won’t take long before I get my revenge for this humiliation, she muttered,
One of her friends tried to comfort her. “Mallory, don’t worr
marry her! Please. He’s just trying to keep up appearances tonight.”
She won’t stay in the spotlight for long. You think Mr. Hale is really going to
Mallory buried her face in her hands, her voice trembling. I pushed to hard. It’s all my fault”
Her friend leaned closer, speaking in a low voice, “Just wait. Isn’t she supposed to be hiding later I mean, look at her. She can barely string a semence together without stumbling over her words. I’d love to see her embarrass herself up there.”
The auction moved on with two more items before it was Amaris’s turn to take the stage.
Sitting in the audience. Oric glanced at her and immediately realized Amaris hadn’t brought anything to auction. Without a word, he removed his watch, but just as he was about to hand it over, Amaris calmly pulled out her canvas tote bag
It turned out that, aside from the bag Ava had picked out for her today, Amaris had also brought along a canvas tote of her own, packed with her usual odds and ends
Amaris had always suspected Ava wasn’t acting in good faith. Sure enough, she spotted a handbag identical to hers in the restroom. The sight immediately confirmed her suspicions. So, when Danielle swapped her bag, Amaris quietly swapped it back without anyone noticing.
Osric frowned, watching her curiously.
- y. “What are you doing?” he asked.
Amaris began emptying the bag, smoothing it out as she spoke. This is all I brought today.
With that, Amaris turned to head toward the stage, but Osric grabbed her arm, his patience clearly wearing thin. “You’re really doing this? Stop embarrassing me already.”
Before she could respond. Oric shoved his expensive watch into her hand. “Auction this.”
Amaris glanced at the sleek, luxurious watch in her palm. It was undeniably valuable, understated yet elegant. It practically screamed wealth, However, why should I owe him a favor? If I accumulate too many debts, what if he refuses to cancel the engagement! Initially, his repeated help today left me feeling flattered and surprised, Amaris thought
Amaris pushed it back into Chric’s hand without hesitation. “Charity is about sincerity. The gesture is what matters
Ostic clenched his jaw as he watched Amaris walk away with that worn canvas bag. He buried his face in his hands, muttering to himself, “Just when I thought she had some brains, she proves me wrong.
Meanwhile, Katherine, seated in the front row, gave Amaris an encouraging nod.
Despite Aasaris’s unconventional style and somewhat awkward demeanor, there was something compelling about her. Katherine found herself intrigued, especially after everything Amaris lud lumilled earlier,
Amaris stood in the stage, holding up the tote bag. Slur addressed the audience in a straightforward tone. “Canvas tote bag. About seventy percent new Starring price. um.
Amaris hesitated, unsure of what number to give. And the crowd erupted in whispers and muffled laughter.
“Seriously? Curie just said has family wouldn’t let her go without, and this is what she brings to aucting?”
“That thing wouldn’t even
even get picked up e
“She’s either really clever or just plain clueless.”
From her seat, Mallory exchanged a triumphant glance with her friend. For the first time all night, she felt a sense of relief.
“Well, look at that, Mallory whispered. “I thought I’d have to wait for another chance to deal with her. But no, she went ahead and humulated herself for me.”
While others brought priceless paintings and antiques, Amaris had the audacity to auction off a tattered tote bag Mallory couldn’t help but feel. vindicated as her earlier embarrassment faded into schadenfreude.
