Chapter 227

The moment the emerald and diamond necklace was unveiled, the entire ballroom erupted in gasps.

Every discerning eye could see the flawless cut of the diamonds, the impeccable craftsmanship—this was a masterpiece worth millions.

For the Chambers Group to donate such a priceless piece to a charity auction? They were making a statement.

A spotlight suddenly illuminated Avery's striking figure as he stood near the stage.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as heads turned. His sharp features and aristocratic poise drew admiring glances.

But his gaze, dark and intense, was locked solely on Evadne. As if she were the only person in the room.

"Who is that? He's breathtaking!"

"Must be the Chambers heir. Who else could afford such extravagance?"

"Is he involved with Evadne?"

"Why not? She's stunning. They'd make a perfect match."

The murmurs grated on Thaddeus' nerves.

Perfect match? What nonsense.

Avery's smooth, beardless face and those calculating eyes reminded him of nothing but scheming villains from history books.

"The emerald and diamond necklace starts at two hundred thousand. Bidding begins now!"

Paddles shot up instantly.

"Three hundred thousand!"

"Four hundred!"

"Four fifty!"

"Five hundred!"

The energy in the room was electric, the competition fierce.

Evadne had been nursing a headache earlier.

But watching the bids skyrocket? Instant cure. Money was the best medicine.

Meanwhile, Elspeth and Glynnis looked like they'd swallowed poison.

They'd come expecting Evadne to embarrass herself. Instead, the auction was a roaring success. Their petty attempts to undermine her now seemed laughable.

"Mom! Avery's here representing the Chambers Group, throwing money at her like it's nothing!" Glynnis hissed, jealousy twisting her features.

Elspeth smirked. "Jealous?"

"Of course I am!" Glynnis tugged at her dress, frustration boiling over. "No man has ever treated me like that. Not just her brothers—Jareth, Avery, even Thaddeus isn't as cold to her anymore. What does she have that I don't?"

She dreamed of Evadne's life—adored, spoiled, surrounded by powerful men.

But what did she have?

A useless sister and shattered pride.

"Stop whining," Elspeth pinched her thigh sharply, making Glynnis yelp. "You're my daughter. Act like it."

She shot Evadne a venomous glare. "Jareth is yours. That marriage will happen. As for Avery? Let her have him. The more she tangles with that worthless heir, the better."

Glynnis frowned. "But if she marries into the Chambers family—"

"She’d be digging her own grave," Elspeth sneered. "Avery’s a disgrace to his father. No shares, no power. If Evadne shackles herself to him? Perfect."

By now, the necklace had reached six million.

The room quieted.

Evadne was thrilled—this was an incredible start.

Then—

"Seven hundred thousand."

A deep, commanding voice cut through the silence.

Evadne’s smile vanished.

Gasps filled the air.

Thaddeus sat in the front row, paddle raised, his expression unreadable.

"Thaddeus Abernathy? When did he arrive?"

"So low-key yet so extravagant!"

His gaze burned into Evadne’s back.

Seven hundred thousand, and she didn’t even glance his way?

Fine. He’d spend more.

"This is ridiculous," Iris muttered. "Such a waste."

"The more fools like him, the better for charity," Evadne said coldly, mentally cursing him.

"Sold to Mr. Abernathy! Thank you for your generosity!"

Applause erupted.

Thaddeus barely smiled for the cameras.

Avery adjusted his glasses, his stare icy.

The auction continued smoothly.

Jewelry sold for staggering sums—even Elspeth made a token bid.

But what infuriated Evadne was Thaddeus deliberately overpaying for pieces no one wanted.

In an hour, he’d spent over three million on three worthless items.

She wanted to strangle him.

"That piece isn’t worth four hundred thousand. Is Thaddeus blind?"

"Or maybe he’s doing it on purpose?"

"He’s only bidding on the cheap items. It’s obvious—he’s helping Evadne."

Edith’s fists clenched, nails digging into her palms.

The man she longed for was throwing money at Evadne—who couldn’t care less. The humiliation burned.

Thaddeus smirked at the whispers.

At least someone understood.

Too bad Evadne still refused to look at him.

His smirk faded.

"Pathetic," Avery muttered.

Did Thaddeus think Evadne could be bought?

"Next, we have a stunning teardrop diamond necklace, surrounded by blue diamonds—donated by Miss Ada!"

The moment the necklace was unveiled, Glynnis turned white.

Edith froze, fingers twisting together.