Finally, Harris thought of a topic that might ease the tension.

“Mr. Grant, Dunnville Auction House sent an invitation for the upcoming auction. It’s scheduled for tomorrow night.”

“I’m not interested,” Galebi rejected outright.

Harris hesitated before adding, “One of the…”

Galebi had an excellent memory. Almost immediately, he recalled the emerald bead necklace he’d heard about at the Whitmore estate. He changed his mind instantly. “I’ll attend.”

The auction was held in a grand mansion. Elegantly dressed guests and luxury cars arrived one after another outside the entrance. “Extravagance” perfectly described the scene.

Yasmin stepped from her car in a custom-made, moonlight-white gown. The ruby ring on her finger accentuated her fair skin. Though not particularly tall, her perfectly proportioned figure and stunning features made her instantly eye-catching.

Yasmin felt the sudden hush around her. People stole glances at her and Brenda, whispering among themselves. She was used to being the center of attention. As a child, her beauty, academic excellence, and impressive talents had earned her adoration. But now…

A group of socialites approached Yasmin and Brenda, their smiles masking the malicious glint in their eyes.

“Yasmin, are you here alone? Where’s Caleb? Why isn’t he with you?”

“Oh, Wendy, don’t rub salt in her wounds!” others chimed in.

“Please, she’s bold enough to show up after everything, so surely she’s not afraid to hear about it, right?”

One after another, they mocked Yasmin.

“What do you mean Yasmin is alone? Am I invisible? And judging by appearances, I look a lot more human than you do.” Brenda rolled her eyes.

Brenda possessed bold, captivating features. While not unique in high society, her dazzling charm set her apart. It was often joked that Yasmin and Brenda chose friends based on looks. After all, they were Dunville’s two most gorgeous heiresses, and best friends.

The women’s expressions twisted with annoyance at Brenda’s retort.

A short-haired beauty sneered, “Oh, look who it is! The former Mrs. Howard!” She paused. “I wonder if your dear Mr. Howard even remembers what you look like, considering he’s been gone so long.”

Yasmin glanced at Brenda, who patted her hand reassuringly. Yasmin’s gaze turned cold. “Wendy, do your parents know you’re still obsessed with George?”

“W-Who said I like George Howard?” Wendy panicked.

A year ago, just before Brenda and George’s wedding, Wendy had bribed a hotel staff member and sneaked into George’s suite—completely naked—only to be caught red-handed by Brenda and George’s parents. The scandal had made headlines in high society.

Brenda, remembering Wendy’s lingering crush, smirked. “Oh, I see now. No wonder you and Veronica get along so well—you’re cut from the same cloth.”

Wendy’s face twisted with rage.

“Brenda Rhodes, watch your mouth! Everyone knows Caleb has never loved Yasmin! And I thought you had some self-respect, but since you clearly don’t, let’s lay everything out in the open!”

She pointed at Yasmin and snapped, “Yasmin Whitmore, you shamelessly climbed into Caleb’s bed the moment he blackmailed George into marrying you. If not for her, he wouldn’t have spared you a second glance!”

Her voice was loud and sharp, drawing everyone’s attention. Brenda was the only daughter of the wealthy and powerful Rhodes family. A year ago, her father died unexpectedly, and her grief-stricken mother succumbed to depression and passed away. Fearing greedy relatives would exploit her daughter’s vulnerability, Audrey Rhodes, before her death, sought out George. Shortly after, George proposed to Brenda, despite little prior connection, and they quickly married.

The Rhodes family’s greedy relatives saw their dreams of fortune crumble while George—a man many socialites dreamed of marrying—became someone else’s husband. Brenda, in turn, became a target of jealousy and scrutiny. Whether openly discussed or not, everyone in high society knew the truth behind both Yasmin’s and Brenda’s marriages.