The auction officially began, and every guest present today was a true


    heavyweight. Winning a coveted item here required not just deep pockets, but also patience and nerves of steel.


    The host, brimming with enthusiasm, introduced the first item up for bidding. It was quickly imed by a wealthy-looking matron. In the blink of an eye, ten more items found new owners, and soon it was time for the eleventh lot.


    "An early Renaissance Italian porcin vase, starting at sixty thousand dors. Bidders may increase in any increments," the host announced, his voice ringing through the hall.


    An olderdy immediately raised her paddle. "Eighty thousand."


    Almost at once, a young woman''s voice followed. "One hundred thousand."


    Eleanor didn''t need to turn around to know it was Vanessa. She frowned-did Vanessa want this vase too? Was she nning to give it to Grandma Magdalen Goodwin?


    Eleanor lifted her paddle. "One hundred twenty thousand."


    "One hundred fifty thousand." Vanessa matched her, gaze locked on Eleanor. Clearly, Eleanor wanted this for Mildred. Well, Vanessa had no intention of letting her score any points with Mildred so easily.


    "Two hundred thousand," Eleanor called.


    "Three hundred thousand," Vanessa replied, sounding nonchnt.


    "Five hundred thousand." Eleanor''s paddle was in the air again.


    A ripple of surprise swept through the room-this was well beyond the market estimate.


    Vanessa hesitated; this exceeded what she''d nned to spend. But this vase was from Magdalen''s favorite period, and she was sure Magdalen would be thrilled to receive it.


    Gritting her teeth, Vanessa pictured Magdalen''s delighted smile. She steeled herself. "Six hundred thousand."


    Nearby, Joy felt her heart racing. She nced at Vanessa and caught the smug little smile on her lips. But Joy knew that smile wouldn''tst.


    “One million,” Eleanor said smoothly, as if she were discussing a ten-dor purchase.


    Vanessa nched. Was Eleanor doing this on purpose? Trying to drive the price up and make a fool of her?


    But actually, Eleanor would be the one overpaying, wouldn''t she? Vanessa smirked coldly and dropped out.


    "One million, going once. One million, going twice. One million, sold! Congrattions to bidder number ten."


    Apuse broke out. Eleanor caught Mrs. Ellington''s grateful gaze and nodded in acknowledgment.


    Mildred squeezed Eleanor''s hand, her voice low and warm. "You really are something else, youngdy."


    Vanessa overheard and stiffened. Did that make her the timid one now?


    "You really didn''t have to spend so much." Mildred''s tone was tinged with concern; she knew Eleanor''s circumstances.


    Eleanor smiled. “Grandma, it''s only right to contribute to a good cause."


    Besides, this charity event had been organized by the mayor''s wife herself- Eleanor felt her money was well spent.


    Vanessa heard all this and struggled to contain her anger. Eleanor''s faux modesty made her sick. She imed it was for charity, but in reality, she was just currying favor with Mildred. Eleanor was bing an expert at social climbing.


    No wonder Faye had said Eleanor was so sessful in academia-it was all about knowing how to y the game. Looking at her now, Vanessa realized Faye hadn''t been wrong.


    Eleanor sat out the rest of the auction, and Vanessa also kept quiet. The remaining lots were sold without a hitch. As the final item was imed, Mrs. Ellington took the stage, smiling as she congratted the sessful bidders. She wrapped up the event with a few words, announcing that the golf course would be open for everyone to enjoy for the rest of the day after lunch-a perfect chance to rx and unwind.