Tonight, the Seraphic Heights Hotel was buzzing with excitement, hosting the most anticipated trading event since it first opened its doors.
Even the host, who was used to high-profile events, couldn't hide his excitement.
With a wide grin, he took the microphone and addressed the room: "Next, we'll begin the auction for tonight's main attraction—the first night of Miss Aurelia Prescott!"
A collective gasp echoed through the room, followed by a flood of murmurs.
Everyone knew that Miss Aurelia was the daughter of the wealthiest family in Everstone Hill.
Just days ago, she was the top socialite in the city, living a life of luxury.
And now?
She was on the auction block, awaiting the highest bidder. The irony of it was not lost on anyone.
It was as if the very world had turned against her, punishing her for trusting the wrong person.
Aurelia Prescott, sitting on the stage, maintained a calm, collected expression.
She stared blankly ahead, her face betraying no emotion. The entire room, however, was filled with tension and whispers as the bidding began.
"Ten million!"
"Twenty million!"
Joseph Walker, who had just returned from abroad the day before, found himself unexpectedly at this extravagant event, dragged along by friends eager to attend the city's most elite gathering.
At twenty-eight, Joseph Walker had seen many things, but never in his life had he imagined he would pay five million for something as intimate as a woman's first kiss.
The thought alone unsettled him, but there was something more, a strange, almost uncontrollable feeling inside him.
He could still feel the tingling sensation of her kiss lingering on his lips.
Without thinking, he raised the paddle high. He wouldn't let her fall into someone else's hands.
"Fifty million!" the auctioneer called out, and the crowd roared with approval.
But then, a voice cut through the noise, louder and more confident than the others:
"Eighty million!"
All eyes turned to the person who had bid, including Aurelia's.
In the far corner of the room, a man sat surrounded by his friends.
He wore a tacky, overpriced suit with a thick gold chain hanging around his neck.
His face was greasy, his ears large and prominent, he looked every bit the nouveau riche.
A ripple of disapproval spread through the crowd.
Whispers circulated: he must be some wealthy newcomer who'd struck it big.
What a shame it was that the most coveted woman in Everstone Hill would fall into the hands of someone like him.
Joseph glanced over at the man, noting how he seemed to constantly adjust his ears, as though trying to hide something.
Joseph's instincts told him that the true mastermind wasn't even here, and it only made him more determined.
He had to win Aurelia tonight, even if he had only known her for an hour.
Without hesitation, he raised his hand, his voice cold and confident as he called out, "Ninety million!"
The man in the corner looked flustered, his earlier bravado fading.
He leaned forward and whispered urgently, "Boss, they're offering ninety million."
Meanwhile, atop the tallest skyscraper in Everstone Hill, a man sat alone in a darkened room, staring at a computer screen.
His black shirt contrasted sharply against the glowing light from the screen, casting shadows across his sharp features.
His brow furrowed as he listened to the report from his assistant.
Assistant Foster, standing nervously in the corner, cleared his throat.
The president had been in a foul mood all evening, and he could feel the tension in the air.
Not wanting to add to it, he stepped forward with a steady voice. "President, is there anything I can do for you?"
The man's fingers, long and elegant, hovered over the keyboard before he spoke in a low, controlled tone, "Find out who this person is."
Assistant foster quickly leaned in, scanning the screen.
His eyes widened as he immediately recognized the name. "President, this is Joseph Walker, the eldest son of the Walker family. He's the heir to the Walker enterprise."
The man's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile.
He tilted his head slightly, indicating with a lazy gesture that Assistant foster should leave the room.
Without another word, Assistant foster hurried off, eager to get to work.
As he exited, he couldn't help but wonder what had gotten into his boss.
The president had always loathed such interference, especially when it came to someone like Aurelia.
It was strange to see him so involved in this auction, almost as though something about this particular woman had caught his interest.