The True Heiress's Return

The auction took place at a private vineyard owned by Gideon in Silverwave Bay. The gardens, built with an ocean view. were so exquisite that even Xanthe, who had traveled the world and seen countless wonders, couldn't help but look on enviously. Watching high-profile figures-many of whom she'd seen on magazine covers or financial news channels-arrive in luxury cars, Xanthe couldn't help but gasp.

She said. "The wealth gap between my family and his is about as big as the gap between rich and super-rich' Shakira, your friend must be someone really impressive to get tickets to this auction, right?"

Shakira responded coolly, "He doesn't need tickets. He is the host.

Xanthe's jaw nearly dropped to the floor as she asked, "H-Host?!"

Just then, a man in a tailcoat led several security guards right to their cab. "Ms. Nelson, Ms. Sullivan, I'm Philip Gordon, the estate manager."

With a respectful bow, he welcomed them into the vineyard and said gently, "The auction offers two seating options. One is the member section on-site, where you can bid by raising paddles.

"The other is the VIP section in a private suite on the rooftop garden, where you can watch the auction live and place bids through the on-site staff. Both sections go by the highest bid. Which would you ladies prefer?"

Shakira had no preference and glanced over at Xanthe. Still processing that Shakira's friend was a wealthy tycoon, Xanthe chuckled a bit awkwardly and said, "The VIP section sounds comfortable, but since this is my first time at an auction, maybe the in-person experience would be better?"

Shakira nodded. "Let's go to the on-site section."

Once they arrived at the venue, Philip seated them in a spot with a great view and minimal interruptions and handed them Bluetooth earpieces and bid paddles.

Then he said, "Our boss has instructed that if you ladies are interested in any items, you may let us know through the earpieces, and we will internally lock the item from further bids

Nothing defines privilege quite like the ease of bending the rules.

Xanthe, shocked for the second time that day, gasped and whispered to Shakira, "Doesn't this count as, well, cheating?"

Before Shakira could respond, Philip replied with absolute seriousness, "Yes, that would indeed be cheating."

'Wow! He is so blunt!' Xanthe thought to herself.

As guests began filing in, Philip excused himself.

Seizing the moment, Xanthe leaned over to Shakira and said, "You're too good at keeping secrets! You have such a wealthy friend, but you have never mentioned it!"

As she spoke, she thought of the goofy Sean and suddenly felt concerned for Walter. "This friend of yours isn't also trying to pursue you, is he?

Shakira said, "He is just a friend. I just happened to help him with something once." Xanthe replied, "Oh, I see!"

Soon, staff began delivering snacks and drinks to each seat, along with offers of professional massage services.

The guests were surprised. "Those running Yarovia's auctions maintain a lofty attitude and never provide extra services to

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regular members. This is the first time I've experienced such a high level of service!"

"Exactly. I've been to at least ten of these, and this is a first!"

"Looks like Yarovia's economy really isn't doing so well, they need us from Clusia to boost it!" someone said, bursting into laughter.

"Well, not necessarily. Although this auction is hosted by the Yarovian royal family, the vineyard's owner is from Clusia, so of course they'd treat us right."

Opinions varied in the room. Xanthe, listening with her ears perked up, chucked and said, "They've all got it wrong. It's only because you're here that they're getting this kind of treatment." Shakira shook her head. "I'm going to the restroom."

Xanthe replied, "Go on-I'll text you if it starts."

As soon as Shakira stood up, an attendant instantly appeared beside her, ready to assist.

Xanthe behind her exclaimed in disbelief, "Wow, I might actually be right! Maybe someone is pursuing Shakira, but she's too oblivious to realize it!"

Hearing this, Shakira was speechless.

She walked out of the venue to the restroom at the end of the corridor. Just as she entered the stall, her phone buzzed with a message from Xanthe. She thought, 'Did the auction start already?'

She opened the message and saw a string of exclamation points followed by: [Yvette is here too!! She also went to the restroom!!]

Shakira frowned and then heard hurried footsteps approaching.

Yvette, holding her phone, wore an angry expression as she glanced around the lavish but silent restroom. She muttered to someone on the line, "Just hold on!"

Then she began kicking open each stall door, checking one by one. Every stall, from the first up to the second-to-last, was unoccupied.

Yvette turned to the last stall and shoved the door open with force.

She turned and leaned against the wall. Even though she had confirmed there was no one else in the restroom, she still lowered her voice cautiously. "Say what you need to quickly. I'm here at the auction with Jayden." The restroom was so quiet that the person's words came through clearly on the phone.

Lago was filled with anxiety as he said, "Honey, my beloved daughter, please help me. I've tried everything, but no one wants to buy our pre-packaged meals. The warehouse is filling up with the last batch we produced!" Yvette found his words utterly ridiculous. "Is this your first business venture? Why did you produce goods without orders? If nobody wants your pre-packaged meals, it obviously means they don't taste good. How do you expect me to help?" Lago argued, "That's impossible! They were gone in a flash when we gave out samples for free! It's all because of that damned fortune teller, who said online that our house had a negative vibe and would bring bad luck.

"It's been so long, but it's still remembered. My previous business partners refuse to work with me, saying I'd bring them bad luck if they used our products!"

12:10 Tue, Nov 12 WB.

Lago cursed even more fiercely, "Damn it, I used to spend so much money taking them to clubs for drinks and fun, and now that I'm just bankrupt, they're all treating me like a curse, not even wanting to do business with me! What am I supposed to do?" Yvette got angry hearing these words. She moved her phone away from her ear with an expressionless face.

Then she said, "You said you brought in some great help, didn't you? Let him figure it out."

"It's just that... I'm a bit embarrassed," Lago said gloomily. "I bragged to Gideon back then. If I go back to him for help now... it'd be like casting my pride aside."