Raven wore a shimmering blue satin gown, adorned with dazzling jewelry, making her the most captivating woman at the auction. Everyone knew the front row symbolized status. Raven and Matteo took their seats in the center of the first row, immediately drawing envious glances.

“The center of the first row… so prestigious,” whispered someone. “I wonder what it feels like to sit there. Their status is obvious, and they’ll probably be spending a fortune tonight. My God—”

“Stop talking, it’s making me more jealous,” another voice responded. “People really can make you feel inferior.”

Jessica leaned in and whispered to Freya, “They’re sitting in the first row, but we’re stuck in the back…”

This wasn’t the first time Matteo had shown favoritism toward Raven. Freya was used to it; she didn’t care. Her main goal was buying her grandmother a birthday gift. The seating arrangement held no concern for her.

Jessica continued, “Doesn’t Matteo know our seat numbers? Why isn’t he even glancing over here?” Freya wasn’t surprised. She thought of the banquet and tech exhibition, where Matteo had ignored her completely.

Lost in thought, Freya barely noticed the auction begin. The host took the stage, silencing the room. She had already reviewed the auction list; she was interested in a set of emerald jewelry and a piece of embroidered art, her final choice depending on the situation.

The auction commenced swiftly. Freya focused, only raising her paddle for items she truly desired. Matteo and Raven remained quiet. After some time, they noticed Raven raising her paddle for a diamond bracelet designed by an internationally renowned master—clearly intended for her by Matteo.

The starting price was $200,000. Raven bid $400,000, then others raised it to $500,000. Raven leaned in to whisper to Matteo, then clearly announced, “One million.” The room buzzed. The bracelet was nice, but not worth a million dollars; $500,000 was already excessive. However, Raven clearly adored it.

Matteo, with his vast fortune, didn't want anyone competing with Raven, so he directly offered one million dollars as the bid. Everyone was shocked by his extravagance and obvious affection for Raven, sparking whispers throughout the room. After the million-dollar bid, no one else dared compete. Raven secured the bracelet.

Jessica gritted her teeth, green with envy. “I can’t believe it,” she muttered. Freya remained silent. Another round of bidding began.

Later, an antique vase was presented. Raven again raised her paddle. Her opening bid of $1.5 million, compared to increments of $70,000 or $150,000 by others, quickly thinned the competition. Still, wealthy individuals remained.

A young man's voice interjected, "Two million."

Freya looked over. "That's Rex Hardin," Jessica informed her.

Raven hesitated, glancing at Matteo. It was clear to Freya and Jessica that she coveted the vase. Then Freya remembered her grandmother, Mrs. Brown, loved antiques. It dawned on her that Raven was bidding for Mrs. Brown.

Matteo nodded, and Raven bid, “Five million.”

Rex laughed. “Eight million.”

Raven hesitated, whispering to Matteo, suggesting they withdraw. Matteo shook his head. Raven bid, “Ten million.”

Rex countered, “Twenty million,” smiling toward Matteo.

Raven furrowed her brow and whispered, “How about… we forget it?” Twenty million was too much.

Matteo smiled. “It’s fine. Didn’t you say your grandmother likes it? Just bid for it.”

Raven, warmed by his smile, bid, “Twenty-five million.”

Rex followed with, “Thirty million.” Then, loudly and clearly, he said, "President Wilson, our elderly family members love this kind of thing. Could you do me a favor and give me a discount?"

Matteo politely smiled, “Sorry, Hardin, but my family also has elderly members who like these kinds of things.”

Freya and Jessica clearly heard their exchange. The vase was for Mrs. Brown, yet Matteo referred to the elderly person as his own family, implying he considered the Browns family as his own. This detail gave Freya pause; it contrasted sharply with his attitude toward her family.

Raven raised her paddle: “Fifty million.”