Chapter 27 – Thanks for Letting Me Have It
Selene turned to the auction manager with a knowing smile and gestured toward the murmuring crowd. “Go ahead, tell them why I was allowed in.”
The manager nodded respectfully before addressing the room with practiced ease. “Ladies and gentlemen, Ms. Carter is one of our esteemed VIPs. There is no need to question her status.”
A ripple of surprise spread through the audience, followed by hushed whispers.
Lyra’s expression faltered for the briefest moment before she forced a smirk. A VIP? Impossible.
The qualifications for VIP status at an elite auction house like this weren’t just about wealth; they required connections, prestige, and an invitation from someone influential. Lyra was sure that without the Carter name and without Caspian’s financial backing, Selene was nothing.
One of Lyra’s lackeys leaned in, voice dripping with condescension. “I heard the Carter family only left her an old house. And now she’s still trying to act high and mighty? Pathetic.”
The other friend snickered. “She’s obviously just here to keep up appearances. Bet she doesn’t have the money to bid on anything.”
Their voices were loud enough for Selene to hear.
She merely smiled, unfazed, and crossed her legs leisurely. If they thought she was going to lose her temper over their cheap provocations, they were sorely mistaken.
The auction began, with luxurious items being sold one after another. Selene sat quietly, never once raising her paddle.
Seeing this, Lyra’s smirk widened. “See? She’s just here to make a scene. Can’t even afford to bid.”
But just as Lyra and her friends were about to celebrate their so-called victory, the final item of the night was revealed.
The auctioneer’s voice rang out clearly, “Next up, our grand finale—an exquisite agate necklace. A stunning piece, starting at $100,000.”
Selene’s eyes darkened.
That was her mother’s necklace.
As expected, only a couple of bidders showed initial interest. Then, Selene raised her paddle.
Lyra’s gaze snapped toward her, and without hesitation, she lifted her own paddle as well.
Her friends caught on immediately, giggling. “Oh, I see what’s happening here. She really wants this necklace. We should make her work for it.”
Lyra smirked. “Exactly. Let’s see how high she can go before she humiliates herself.”
The bidding war began, climbing steadily from $100,000 to $200,000.
Lyra, thoroughly enjoying herself, leaned back in her chair, sending Selene a mocking glance. “You sure you want to keep going? Must be tough when you’re running out of money.”
Selene didn’t respond. Instead, she slowly rose from her seat, the soft rustling of her gown drawing attention.
Raised under Lazarus’s strict yet loving guidance, she carried herself with an air of quiet authority. Even among the wealthiest elite, she exuded a presence that was impossible to ignore.
The murmurs in the audience grew louder.
“Who’s that standing?”
“That’s Selene Everly, right? The Carter heiress.”
“Not anymore. I heard her family cut ties with her.”
“Then how is she a VIP here?”
Then, someone whispered Lyra’s name, and the room turned toward her.
“Wait, isn’t that Lyra Wren? I thought she moved abroad.”
“She’s back now. And rumor has it that she and Mr. Vale are… well, let’s just say very close.”
“Oh? So she’s the infamous childhood sweetheart?”
Lyra stiffened as she caught the not-so-subtle murmurs.
Selene tilted her head slightly, enjoying the shift in power. Then, her gaze locked onto Lyra, sharp as a blade.
The auctioneer cleared his throat. “Ms. Carter, would you like to place your bid?”
A slow smirk curled Selene’s lips as she raised her paddle and pointed directly at Lyra.
“Let’s raise the stakes.”
A hush fell over the room.
Lyra’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean?”
Selene turned toward the auctioneer. “I’ll bid double whatever Ms. Lyra offers.”
Gasps erupted across the hall.
A double bid.
This move wasn’t just about outbidding someone—it was a direct power play. Once the price exceeded a certain threshold, the auction house would require a full financial verification from the bidder before continuing.
Which meant…
Lyra had no way to continue bidding.
A flicker of panic crossed her face.
The Lyra family’s financial situation wasn’t strong enough to withstand scrutiny, and she knew it. If she kept bidding and got exposed, it would be a humiliation she couldn’t afford.
In the end, she had no choice but to back down.
The hammer fell.
“Sold! To Ms. Carter.”
Applause erupted across the room, but all Selene did was turn toward Lyra and flash a saccharine smile.
“Thanks for letting me have it.”
The words weren’t just about the necklace.
They were a thinly veiled reminder that she had already taken something else Lyra wanted—Caspian.
Lyra’s face burned red with humiliation, her fingers digging into the armrests of her chair.
But Selene wasn’t done yet.
She picked up the necklace with care, brushing her fingers over the delicate design. Then, without missing a beat, she turned to the auctioneer and said,
“I’ll be making a donation in my grandfather’s name. Keep this necklace and put it up for charity next year.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd once more.
While Lyra had been bidding to show off, Selene had never intended to keep the necklace. This wasn’t about wealth—it was about showing Lyra her place.
The realization left Lyra shaking with fury.
And yet, there was nothing she could do.
Because in this game, Selene had already won.
