Chapter 5

I looked at the disgusting name on the list and smiled. "Let him come."

The next day, under the massive crystal chandelier, every prominent man gathered.

Plenty of socialites showed up too, eager for gossip.

I stood on the second-floor balcony in a custom gown, coldly eyeing the men below, each scheming in their own way.

At eight o'clock sharp, the auction began.

The industry's top auctioneer gave a brief rundown of the rules and raised the gavel.

"Elena's marriage auction starts now! Opening bid, ten million dollars!"

The words barely left his mouth before bids flew.

"Fifty million!"

"Eighty million!"

"One hundred million!"

The price skyrocketed at a frantic pace.

This wasn't just a marriage. It was the ultimate clash of wealth and status.

Soon, the bids broke past five hundred million dollars.

"I bid-two hundred dollars!" I followed the all-too-familiar voice and saw Lucas staring up at me.

Security moved to escort him out, but I stopped them with a glance.

Lucas rushed to the stage, snatched the microphone, and pointed in my direction.

"Two hundred dollars! I bid two hundred dollars!"

The auction hall erupted in chatter, then roared with laughter.

Everyone looked at Lucas like he was a lunatic.

In a sea of billion-dollar bids, two hundred dollars turned him into a clown.

But Lucas grew smug. "You've all been fooled by her! What kind of heiress is she? Have you ever seen a real heiress auction off her marriage? She's just a stand-in pushed out by Aurum Group! Probably a maid, or some temp hired to play the part!"

I leaned against the second-floor railing, locking eyes with him from afar. His mockery deepened.

"Aurum Group's heiress has been abroad for years, but I've had the privilege of meeting her! So this one's a fake. Whoever marries her is the real fool!"

His words stirred the crowd. "He's not entirely wrong. Aurum's heiress grew up abroad and rarely comes back."

"But the gold-embossed invitation is real. They wouldn't do something so classless."

"Even if she's not the real heiress, five hundred million to secure a connection is worth it."

Lucas, seeing his words take effect, grew even prouder. "Elena, stop pretending. I know you love me. You're just materialistic, so you left me. Did you get a job carrying shoes for Aurum's heiress, then offend her and get auctioned off like trash, your reputation in ruins with nowhere to go?"

"I am giving you one last chance." His face twisted with a self-righteous, delusional affection. "I'm willing to spend two hundred dollars to marry you. From now on, stay by my side and behave. I'll take care of you. You should be on your knees thanking me for my mercy!"

How could someone be so blind and foolish?

I didn't bother responding. I gave my security a look, and they moved to escort Lucas off the stage.

Lucas rolled his eyes. "A lowlife like you dares speak to me? You're the one who should leave."

He swung a punch at the guard, who dodged neatly. Lucas crashed off the stage, clutching his mouth and wailing on the floor.

Amid the chaos, the carved doors of the Art Palace swung open.

There he was, in his impeccable tailored suit, expression cold.

"My God, is that Josh, the richest man? Why's he interested in this?"

"Rumor has it he's all about work, not romance. Probably just wants a business alliance."

"He's so handsome. I'd give my entire fortune to marry him."

I looked at him, surprised.

My words from the other day hadn't scared him off?

Josh walked straight to the auction stage.

I stood nearby and saw his eyes, filled with affection, fixed on me. "I bid one billion dollars."

The crowd exploded.

Lucas scrambled up from the floor, spitting out a bloody tooth, screaming. "What? You're willing to spend a billion to marry this gold-digger?"