Chapter 38

The auction house entrance swarmed with journalists, their access blocked to safeguard the elite attendees' privacy. Cameras flashed relentlessly as reporters jostled for position, forced to remain outside like spectators at an exclusive gala.

Inside, the atmosphere crackled with quiet intensity. True connoisseurs and financial titans moved through the space with calculated grace, their interest solely fixed on the treasures up for bid. Media attention meant nothing to these individuals—their currency was profit, not publicity.

Except for three women.

Every year without fail, Elspeth transformed this charity auction into her personal runway show. She'd linger at the entrance, striking poses for the paparazzi until staff practically dragged her inside. It was as if she feared the world might forget she'd once been famous for wrecking a marriage twenty years prior. Frederic hadn't graced the event in two years, likely considering it beneath his stature.

This year, however, Elspeth yielded the spotlight—not out of generosity, but because Una had begged her sister the night before to let her and Acacia shine. Family ties, however strained, demanded some concessions.

So today, the media circus belonged to Acacia and her mother.

"The Stirling Group is honored to participate in tonight's auction," Una announced to the reporters with practiced poise, every inch the society matriarch. "We look forward to acquiring exceptional pieces while supporting worthy causes."

A journalist shoved a microphone forward. "Mrs. Stirling, rumors suggest your company is nearing bankruptcy. Any comment?"

Another voice cut in. "Has Ives been cleared of those fraud allegations? Will he face prison time?"

Then came the question that made Acacia's blood boil. "We've heard there's romantic trouble between your daughter and the Abernathy Group president. Care to address that?"

"Romantic trouble?" Acacia lunged forward, eyes blazing. "What nonsense are you spreading?"

The reporter remained unfazed. "Ms. Acacia, it's a reasonable question. With your family's financial troubles, one might expect your fiancé Thaddeus to intervene. His silence speaks volumes, don't you think?"

"I haven't broken up with Thad!" Acacia's voice cracked, the strain of Thaddeus's recent distance evident in her shrill tone. "Stop fabricating lies!"

Una swiftly pulled her daughter back, pasting on a serene smile. "My daughter and Mr. Thaddeus's relationship remains strong. As for business matters between our companies, those are confidential."

"Then why didn't Mr. Thaddeus arrive with Ms. Acacia tonight?" a reporter pressed.

"Multiple witnesses saw him enter alone thirty minutes ago," another added.

The color drained from both women's faces.

Meanwhile, Thaddeus moved through the auction hall with Gordon at his side.

"Thad!" Jareth materialized from the crowd, his mischievous grin at odds with the formal setting. He wrapped an arm around Thaddeus's waist with casual intimacy. "Your gym sessions are paying off. Impressive physique."

Thaddeus stiffened. "Behave."

Jareth chuckled, undeterred. "Remember when we were kids and you'd—"

"Don't." Thaddeus cut him off with a warning glare.

"Fine, fine." Jareth switched tactics, nodding toward the entrance. "Your future in-laws just arrived. No greeting?"

"Best avoided."

"Smart man." Jareth's expression turned serious. "The Stirling Group's reputation is toxic. Anyone associated with them ends up tainted."

Thaddeus's jaw tightened. "Watch your words."

"I'm looking out for you. Grandfather only allowed them entry because of you. Frankly, they're out of their depth here."

"Acacia will be my wife. You'll treat her with respect."

Jareth sighed dramatically. "If you insist. But between us? That ex of yours—the fiery one—was better suited to you. A man like you needs a woman who can match your intensity."

Gordon coughed into his fist to disguise a laugh.

Thaddeus's expression darkened. "That chapter is closed. Rekindling old flames is beneath me."

"Whatever you say." Jareth changed subjects smoothly. "See anything you're bidding on tonight?"

"The Dante Chair." A birthday gift for his grandfather.

"Excellent choice. I'll make sure no one outbids you."

Thaddeus shook his head. "Let the auction proceed naturally. Forcing outcomes defeats the purpose."

As they took their seats in the front row—reserved for society's uppermost echelon—whispers followed in their wake.

"Thaddeus Abernathy is divine. That man could ruin me and I'd thank him."

"Save your fantasies. He's practically married to that Stirling girl."

"That tacky home decor family? Please. They're not fit to lick his boots."

"Rumor has it he divorced his first wife for Acacia. What does that tell you?"

"Poor ex-wife. That Stirling girl won't last—she's all flash, no substance."

Thaddeus sat with regal indifference, his imposing presence creating an invisible barrier. Then his gaze snagged on a nameplate across the aisle: Cassius. His jaw clenched.

"Don't blame me," Jareth murmured. "Grandfather handles seating arrangements. Even your stepmother got relegated to the back. Cassius is Emeric's heir—we can't slight him."

Out in the lobby, the Frost sisters held court with other socialites. Glynnis and Acacia exchanged saccharine compliments while Mari remained conspicuously absent.

"Where's your sister?" Acacia asked innocently.

"Who cares?" Glynnis sneered. "That timid mouse embarrasses the family."

Acacia hid a smirk behind a sympathetic pout. Driving wedges between sisters was child's play—and necessary insurance for her future position in the Abernathy household.

The atmosphere shifted abruptly as commanding footsteps echoed through the space. Heads turned as Evadne entered, her tailored black suit and sky-high heels making the other women's elaborate gowns seem garish by comparison. Jason followed, looking equally polished.

Elspeth's greeting dripped with false warmth. "How surprising to see you here, Evadne. How... democratic of the organizers."

Evadne paused, one hand in her pocket, and smiled. "The world contains many surprises for those with narrow perspectives."