All eyes were drawn to the stage as the first lot was unveiled—a dazzling crown, rumored to have once graced the head of a European queen, every inch of it adorned with exquisite, precious gemstones. The auctioneer''s voice rang out, trembling with excitement, her fervor rippling through the crowd until the entire room seemed to pulse with anticipation.


    People leaned forward, unable to restrain themselves.


    "It''s stunning-I really want that crown!"


    "Me too! I want to own it!"


    "That crown is mine, just watch!"


    One by one, guests voiced their longing, each more enthusiastic than thest, their excitement mounting into a near frenzy.


    Seated amid the buzz, Portia leaned closer to Calliope. “Callie, is that the one you''ve been after?"


    Calliope nodded. “Yes. This is the first item I came for." She hadn''te to the auction just to catch up with old friends—she nned to bid on several pieces, some destined as gifts, others at the request of friends who trusted her to win prized lots. Her to-do list was anything but short.


    "It''s absolutely gorgeous,” Portia breathed, unable to tear her gaze away. "I bet it''ll cost a fortune."


    "It won''te cheap," Calliope said matter-of-factly. With so many people eager to win it, thepetition would be stiff, the final price sky-high. But that was precisely what made such treasures covetable—the fight for them proved their worth. If no one wanted it, what value would it have?


    Bidding kicked off at once-a volley of offers, the numbers climbing at breakneck speed. Calliope joined in, each of her bids calm but unmistakably assertive. Her confidence silenced a few hopefuls nearby as they realized she was in it to win.


    But not everyone dropped out so quickly. Blythe, too, had her sights locked on the crown, determined to go head-to-head with Calliope, her rivalry adding fuel to the fire.


    ver


    Meanwhile, Lisette could only watch, burning with envy. She had neither the wealth nor the influence to even try-a spectator at best, desperate for even a slice of the excitement.


    Monty, watching Calliope bid again and again, swallowed hard in disbelief. “She''s really that rich?" he muttered under his breath. When she''d been part of the Jewell family, he''d never imagined she had this kind of money, let alone so many friends and connections. He''d always thought of her as little more than a nobody.


    Now, watching her takemand of the room, regret twisted painfully inside him. What if he''d treated her better back then? If he''d been kinder, maybeshed have repaid them with generosity, with wealth. Not like Lisette, who had nothing and barely any real friends. The more he watched, the more he wished he could turn back time.


    But Monty stayed silent, eyes fixed on Calliope, curious to see if she''d really im the crown.


    As the bidding raged on, one contender after another bowed out, until atst, only Calliope and Blythe remained, locked in a stubborn duel. Blythe did want the crown —at first. Now it was just about not letting Calliope win. Even as the price soared far beyond herfort zone, she refused to back down.


    She shot a re at Calliope, jaw clenched tight. She longed to keep going, but she knew she''d already overstepped her limits.


    "Blythe, that''s enough." Mrs. White, who had watched her foster daughter the whole time, saw right through her. She could tell this was less about the crown and more about making things hard for Cathope. Concerned she leaned in and murmured, "Blythe, I know you''re not fond of her, but it''s not right to make trouble for someone just because you can."


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