"Yes, you two beautiful ladies," the emcee continued. "All the young women here are invited to participate in the first bidding of the charity gala, and you both are included. Please join the other beautiful ladies at the front."
"Would it be rude to say no?" Natalie muttered under her breath.
"Let's just go see what this is about," Mia urged, pulling Natalie along as they walked toward the center of the hall. A few young women from wealthy families were already there, including Briena, who stood confidently at the front.
"Great," the emcee said, smiling as he gathered them. "We have five beautiful young ladies here. The first bidding of the night will be to claim the honor of the first dance. The man who bids the most on any of these five young ladies will have the privilege of sharing the first dance of the evening with the lady of his choice."
A round of applause filled the hall as the men eagerly prepared to bid on the women standing before them.