Chapter 20
"When is the auction?" Dahlia set down the cup, urgency creeping into her voice.
"Three days from now. Regal Crest Hotel." Uma's tone dropped lower. "This is a golden opportunity. Think about it—if you bid on the Solsticex and personally deliver it to Mr. Hayden Lancaster, who in the Lancaster family wouldn't be grateful to you? At that point, no matter how reluctant the Lancaster heir is, how could he refuse to marry you?"
Dahlia's fingers tapped lightly against her knee. Her lips slowly curved upward.
Uma was right.
If she saved Hayden, even if Reginald had no feelings for her, he'd owe her a debt of gratitude.
Then the engagement wouldn't be something he could simply deny.
"I understand." Her voice regained its composure. She took another sip of milk. "I'll handle the arrangements."
Uma nodded with a smile. "Rest well. I'll leave you now."
The door closed softly.
Dahlia leaned back against the headboard, cradling the milk, the light in her eyes growing brighter and brighter.
Soon, the day of the auction arrived.
That afternoon, a black sedan pulled up outside the Douglas Estate.
Tamsin stepped out of the car and looked up at the two estates standing side by side. Her mouth fell open in an O shape.
"Oh my God," she stood at the entrance, eyes wide. "Lucinda, this is your home? Two estates? In Starlight City, where every inch of land is worth gold?"
Lucinda emerged carrying her bag and gave her a flat look. "Let's go."
Tamsin followed beside her, glancing back as they walked, her commentary unceasing. "Truly, the wealthiest family—nothing compares. I used to think the Wipere family was rich. Compared to the Douglas family, the Wiperes are nothing."
Lucinda ignored her chatter and walked straight ahead.
Just as they reached the entrance, Valencia's voice called from behind them.
"Cindy!"
Lucinda stopped and turned around.
Valencia and Wesley were hurrying out of the living room, concern written on their faces.
"Cindy, you're heading out?" Valencia's gaze swept over her, tone probing. "Where to? I'll have the driver take you."
Lucinda glanced at her and didn't hide the truth. "An auction."
Valencia's eyes instantly lit up. She exchanged a glance with Wesley, delight overflowing.
Wesley nodded slightly as well, a smile impossible to conceal.
"An auction—wonderful." Valencia walked over, a note of pride in her voice. "My daughter is so cultured—already attending auctions. Cindy, let me come with you. Whatever you like, I'll buy it for you."
Wesley stepped forward, too. "I'll come along. Keep you company."
Lucinda shook her head. "No need. I can go by myself."
Her tone was flat—not coldly rejecting, but not particularly warm either.
In the days since returning to the Douglas family, she could feel this couple's affection. They wanted to lay the entire world at her feet.
But the wall around her heart had been built over twenty years. It couldn't be torn down in just a few days.
Valencia wasn't upset by the refusal. If anything, it made her more heartbroken.
Her daughter was used to independence, doing everything herself. How much suffering must she have endured to become this way?
"Alright, go by yourself." She rummaged through her purse and pressed a bank card into Lucinda's hand. "Take this card. If you see something you like, buy it. Don't worry about the cost."
Wesley quickly pulled out a bank card and handed it over, too. "Take mine as well. If it's not enough, let us know."
"I don't need—"
"Don't need what?" Valencia cut her off, eyes reddening again. "You were out there all those years—how much money could you possibly have? Take them. Don't be formal with us."
Lucinda looked at the two cards in her hand. Just as she was about to push them back, she heard Valencia say something else.
"If you don't take them, I'll send someone to buy everything at the auction and give it all to you."
Lucinda's hand froze.
Valencia said it seriously, not joking at all. "It's just some medicinal materials or whatever, right? We can afford it. Wesley, call finance. Transfer a few billion dollars. We're buying out the entire auction today."
Wesley actually pulled out his phone.
"Wait." Lucinda quickly pressed down on his hand, a rare trace of helplessness crossing her face. "I'll take them. Is that okay?"
She pocketed both cards and looked at Valencia's face, which clearly read "I can give you even more." The corner of her mouth twitched slightly. "If I see something I like, I'll buy it myself. No need to buy everything."
Only then did Valencia smile with satisfaction. She held Lucinda's hand and gave her a few more instructions before reluctantly letting go.
Tamsin stood off to the side, having witnessed this entire "money-pressing spectacle." The corners of her lips nearly reached her ears.
The two got into the car. As soon as the door closed, Tamsin couldn't help laughing out loud. "Lucinda, your parents are way too loaded! A few billion dollars—just like that—didn't even blink. I was standing there listening and my heart almost jumped out of my chest."
She drove while shaking her head. "I used to think the Wipere family was rich. Now I see—the Wiperes are nothing."
Lucinda leaned back in the passenger seat, looking out the window, expressionless. "Stop babbling and focus on driving."
"Fine." Tamsin laughed and quieted down, pressing the gas pedal a bit deeper.
The car passed through the bustling downtown. Forty minutes later, it stopped outside the Regal Crest Hotel.
Luxury cars already filled the entrance—Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, Maybachs lined up like a high-end auto show.
A red carpet stretched from the entrance. Security personnel in black suits stood on either side. The setup was impressive.
Tamsin found a parking spot. Just as the two walked toward the entrance, they spotted a familiar figure stepping out of another car.
Dahlia wore a champagne-colored gown, hair styled in an elegant updo, a diamond necklace glittering around her neck under the lights.
She carried a limited-edition handbag and descended from the car with graceful poise, a proper smile on her face.
Then she looked up and saw Lucinda.
Her smile instantly froze.
Dahlia's pupils contracted slightly. Disbelief flashed in her eyes.
This auction drew all of Starlight City's most prominent figures. She'd had to work hard, begging Diana multiple times, just to get Diana to bring her in.
How could Lucinda—this woman who'd just come back from some backwater place—be here?
Her gaze swept over Lucinda from head to toe.
White knit sweater. Black trousers. Flat shoes. Not even a proper gown. Not even carrying a bag.
This outfit, standing at the entrance of the Regal Crest Hotel, looked shabby—like a passerby who'd wandered through the wrong door.
Dahlia's lips curved upward. That flash of displeasure was instantly replaced by a sense of superiority.
She walked forward gracefully, smile sweet. "Lucinda, you came too? This kind of place—it's your first time here, isn't it? Stay close to me so you don't get lost."
Her tone was considerate, like a caring younger sister, though her eyes couldn't hide the smugness.
This clueless woman probably didn't even know what an auction was like, did she?
But that was fine. Perfect opportunity to show Lucinda what a true high-society heiress looked like.
Lucinda glanced at Dahlia—that look flat, as if observing a child who didn't quite understand things.
She said nothing, turned, and walked into the hotel.
Dahlia felt a chill from that single glance. Her smile nearly slipped.
But quickly, she straightened her spine and followed on her high heels.
Playing it cool. Once they got inside, she'd show Lucinda what a real elite social circle looked like.