?Chapter 618:


    After all, she had only given subtle hints. Any misunderstandings were not her fault.


    “Cathy, how can you be so shameless? No one would associate you as Helena’s protégé unless you suggested it yourself.”


    “Clearly, lyinges so easily to you.”


    “Cathy, you’ve exploited Helena’s reputation for your own gain and now feign innocence. Your deceit knows no bounds.”


    “It’s actually funny. Who really started the rumor that Cathy was Helena’s protégé?”


    “Of course, she’s denying it now that she’s been exposed.”


    Monica tilted her head slightly and asked, “Cathy, did you hear that? They’re all wondering—who said you were Helena’s protégé?”


    Turning to Elena, Monica continued, “Elena, were you aware she imed to be your protégé?”


    Elena’s face remained expressionless, as cold as ice. “I’ve never taken on any protégés.”


    Monica smiled. “There you have it. You heard Elena. She doesn’t take protégés.”


    Cathy’s face flushed with shame, as if smeared with dirt. She stubbornly held her ground, ming others for the misunderstandings before finally retreating in embarrassment.


    Yvette hurried after her.


    Monica finally felt a sense of satisfaction. Cathy’s audacious attempt to pass herself off as Helena’s protégé had been thoroughly exposed.


    Even Monica had never used Helena’s reputation in such a way, yet Cathy had gone that far.


    Despite the unexpected turn of events, the winner’s trophy still ended up in Monica’s hands.


    As Elena was about to leave, a voice from the crowd called out, “Elena, name your price for that crystal hairpin.”


    Simultaneously, multiple bids erupted from the crowd.


    “I also want to buy it!”


    “I’ll take it!”


    Without hesitation, Elena announced, “It goes to the highest bidder.”


    While ss art typically held modest value, the bidding for the crystal hairpin skyrocketed from ten thousand to eighty thousand. A bidder confidently offered, “One hundred thousand.”


    This price for a piece of ss art was extravagant, nearly matching the cost of real jewels.


    Although owning a piece crafted by Helena was tempting, the steep price deterred many potential buyers.


    Eventually, the crystal hairpin sold for a staggering one hundred thousand. Before Elena could leave the venue, the payment was promptlypleted.


    Upstairs, in a private room, a gentleman approached Wesley and respectfully handed him the crystal hairpin. “Mr. Spencer, here is the crystal hairpin you requested.”


    Wesley’s subordinate couldn’t understand why Wesley had spent a million on a ss hairpin. Although the design was intricate, the price seemed excessive. Still, questioning Wesley’s judgment was out of the question. After presenting the hairpin, the subordinate quietly left the room.


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