Chapter 55

The grand ballroom erupted in murmurs as all eyes locked onto Evelyn Sinclair.

Adrian Prescott studied her with a puzzled expression. "Why would you want that?"

Evelyn's lips curved into a mysterious smile. "It's quite exquisite, don't you think?"

"Hardly." Adrian scoffed. "It's just an ordinary jade pipe. What's so special about it?"

Evelyn felt the piercing gazes of Margaret and Sophia Blackwood. She met their stares head-on, her smile never faltering.

The Blackwood women visibly tensed. They knew Evelyn recognized this heirloom.

Years ago, Margaret had ordered Evelyn to clean the family memorial alone at night. She'd deliberately placed the precious pipe on a high shelf, hoping Evelyn would knock it over. One shattered heirloom would have been enough to banish Evelyn from the Blackwood family forever.

But Evelyn had been too clever to fall for the trap. Only the memorial's surveillance cameras had prevented Margaret from breaking it herself and framing Evelyn. Old Master Blackwood treasured this pipe more than life itself.

Now history repeated itself.

The Blackwood women had stolen the heirloom for tonight's auction. Sophia's reputation lay in tatters after Evelyn exposed her gambling with the Daydream necklace. Since returning from abroad, Sophia had suffered humiliation after humiliation, nearly becoming a social pariah.

This charity auction was Sophia's chance to reclaim her position as high society's darling. What better way than donating a priceless family heirloom?

Their plan seemed foolproof. Those who recognized the pipe wouldn't dare bid against the Blackwoods. Those who didn't recognize it wouldn't care. Sophia would dramatically "rescue" the family treasure, cementing her status.

They never anticipated Evelyn's appearance.

"Ten million, going once!" The auctioneer's voice rang out.

Sophia tugged Margaret's sleeve urgently. Margaret shot Evelyn a venomous glare before raising her paddle. "Eleven million."

Evelyn arched an eyebrow. Interesting. She'd assumed their limit was ten. "Twelve million."

Her phone vibrated with a call from an unknown number. Evelyn didn't need caller ID to know it was Sophia. She declined the call and blocked the number without hesitation.

"Thirteen million." Margaret's voice wavered slightly.

The auctioneer sensed the tension. "Thirteen million to Mrs. Blackwood. Any further bids?"

Silence stretched. "Thirteen million, going once! Going twice—"

"Fifteen million." Evelyn's interruption sent shockwaves through the crowd.

Margaret and Sophia exchanged frantic whispers. Sophia's face hardened with determination. "Twenty million!"

Evelyn smirked. Did they think that would intimidate her?

Adrian leaned close. "Need assistance?"

"Hardly." Evelyn raised her paddle again. "Thirty million."

Gasps filled the room. Evelyn had grown tired of toying with them. Time to end this.

The spotlight illuminated the Blackwoods' ashen faces.

"Thirty million, going once! Going twice! Sold to the lady in blue!" The auctioneer beamed. "All proceeds benefit Hope Academy!"

Thunderous applause broke the tension. Evelyn graciously acknowledged the crowd before locking eyes with her rivals. "What a delightful evening."

As expected, Margaret and Sophia waited backstage, their expressions stormy. The real confrontation was just beginning.