Attending events like this was, for many, an opportunity to network, forge business relationships, and further the growth of one's company.
However, Kael Renforth's actions defied convention. Instead of mingling and engaging in the social opportunities before him, he boldly took Lyria away from the crowd, drawing the attention of all.
To the onlookers, it appeared as though Kael Renforth had little regard for anyone else. After all, who did he think he was, to act so dismissive in such an important social setting? But little did they know, Kael Renforth's true status was beyond their comprehension. To them, he was just another person, a man they felt they could disregard — but the truth was, he was far above them.
"Did you bring the items?" Lyria's voice was filled with worry as she noticed Kael Renforth standing there, empty-handed.
Despite the Denvair family's ongoing recovery, much of their wealth was still controlled by her uncle and grandmother. The Denvair company itself was just a small player in the grand scheme of things. For Lyria, who rarely attended such events due to her family's decline, this gathering felt unfamiliar, and most of the people there were strangers. If they failed to present something of worth at the auction, she feared it would be a huge blow to her company's reputation.
And yet, when Kael Renforth produced a black stone in his hand, her concern grew. What was this? It was an odd, dark object, neither metal nor stone. If anyone else had presented it to her, she might have thought it a joke.
"Take it to the registration," Kael Renforth said calmly, not sensing her doubts. Lyria hesitated but ultimately decided to trust him.
When she reached the registration desk, her choice was met with immediate skepticism.
"Are you really planning to use this as an auction item?" the clerk asked, eyeing the stone disdainfully.
"What is this? Did you just pick it up from a mud pit somewhere?"
"Is this some kind of joke? Is this a marketplace? Because it certainly doesn't belong here!"
"Denvair, huh? I didn't know they had fallen this far. With a top-tier expert like Erik Lundström in attendance, this could only end in embarrassment."
The harsh words struck Lyria like a slap to the face. The whispers and criticisms filled the air, but instead of shrinking back, she straightened her posture.
"Yes, this is the one."
"Really? This?"
The crowd's murmurs of disbelief filled the space. Everyone was waiting for this spectacle to fail. Lyria knew the stakes. This wasn't just about an auction—it was about her family's dignity. Negative press would be unavoidable. Tomorrow's headline might read:
"Millionaire Heiress Offers 'Stone' to Charity Auction—A Scandal in the Making"
This kind of backlash could tarnish the reputation of Denvair company irreparably. The thought was unbearable.
"Ah, look who it is—the Denvair princess herself."
A voice, dripping with mockery, cut through the tension. Lyria turned and saw the smug face of Ezio Joffe, the man who had once tried to exploit her family's wealth, then abandoned them when they were at their lowest. His smirk made her stomach turn.
When Denvair was thriving, the Joffe family had clung to them like parasites. When the family faced crisis, Ezio had kicked them while they were down, seizing every opportunity to undermine them. He'd even orchestrated a contract termination, taking a hefty compensation while luring other companies away.
Lyria clenched her fist, remembering the humiliation of those days. She hadn't forgotten what he had done.
Ezio stepped forward, his eyes contemptuous as he glanced at the object in her hands.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Denvair heiress. Have you all gone mad from poverty? You really think you can pass off a mere stone as a legitimate auction item? No one would even bother picking this up off the street!"
His words were like daggers, and Lyria's heart raced with anger. But she refused to show any weakness. Kael Renforth had placed his trust in her, and she would not let it go to waste.
This chapter portrays the struggle and resilience of Lyria, who finds herself at a critical crossroads. With her family's reputation on the line and the weight of expectations bearing down on her, she chooses to stand firm against the mockery and doubts. Her resolve will be tested, and the consequences of her decisions will shape not only her future but the future of the Denvair legacy.