Chapter 3

Inside was a ruby set that burned with a fire so intense it hurt to look at.

"Your father had this specially acquired for you. He believes his daughter deserves something with passion."

I stared at the stranger in the mirror. The girl from the Harding house in faded clothes felt like someone from another lifetime.

The dinner party was held on the top floor of the city's most luxurious hotel. Crystal chandeliers glittered with light, and the place buzzed with fancy outfits and clinking glasses.

I walked into the venue on Zayn's arm, instantly drawing a lot of attention.

Soon enough, I spotted Braeden and Yolanda in the crowd.

Yolanda was clinging to Braeden, beaming from ear to ear, and the sapphire necklace around her neck sparkled under the lights.

When she saw me, her smile froze, replaced by a look of judgment and disdain.

Braeden frowned too, his eyes full of scrutiny and annoyance, as if my presence somehow sullied this high-class event.

Yolanda pulled Braeden towards me, then "accidentally" bumped into a socialite right in front of me, splashing her red wine in my direction.

I was ready for it, though. I sidestepped, and the wine ended up all over her own expensive gown.

She shrieked, drawing everyone's attention.

"You!" she snapped, pointing a furious finger at me.

Before I could even open my mouth, a well-dressed man walked over.

He had a calm demeanor. It was Darin Simpson, the Mr. Simpson Zayn had mentioned.

He handed Yolanda a handkerchief, his voice flat. "Ms. Harding, do you need any help? The security cameras here should be pretty clear."

Yolanda's face went from red to white to red again. She just glared daggers at me and stalked off with Braeden.

Darin turned to me, giving a slight nod. "They didn't give you any trouble, did they?"

"No, they didn't."

Not far off, Braeden and Yolanda became the center of attention.

They held hands, accepting congratulations from everyone, and announced their upcoming engagement.

The room erupted in applause.

Yolanda's face was practically radiating smugness.

Next, the host announced the auction was starting.

The first item was brought out.

A small gasp rippled through the crowd.

It was a sapphire necklace called "Blue Dream." The design and the quality of the gem were identical to the one my adoptive mother owned-the one Yolanda was wearing.

Or rather, Yolanda's was a copy of "Blue Dream."

The host explained, "'Blue Dream' is the swansong of designer Roland, with a starting bid of five million."

Yolanda's face immediately fell.

To save face for her, Braeden quickly bid. "Six million."

The room quieted down. No one seemed willing to outbid Braeden just to curry favor.

"Ten million."

A cool, clear female voice cut through the silence. It wasn't loud, but it reached every corner of the room.

It was me.

All eyes snapped to me, including Braeden and Yolanda's faces, twisted in shock.

Braeden looked like he'd heard the funniest joke ever. "Are you insane? Do you even know what ten million means?"

I didn't look at him, just gave the host a faint smile.

"15 million." Braeden gritted out, glaring at me, practically trying to warn me with his eyes not to be an idiot.

"30 million." I raised my paddle again, calm as can be, like I was talking about some random number.

Braeden's face went completely black.

Thirty million was way out of his league.

Yolanda yanked on his arm, her fingernails almost digging into his skin, all the color drained from her face.

"Ding!" The auctioneer brought the hammer down.

"Congratulations to this young lady for winning 'Blue Dream'!"

Under everyone's varied stares, I calmly walked onto the stage.

I took the box holding the necklace, didn't even glance inside, and walked straight over to Yolanda.

Just as Yolanda and Braeden thought I was about to humiliate them, I passed the box to the stunned event organizer standing beside them.

"I'm donating this necklace to tonight's charity auction. I hope it can help more kids in need."

The room fell silent, then exploded into thunderous applause.

Braeden and Yolanda were completely frozen, like two ridiculous statues.