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Novel Catalog
Chapter_61
Sophia’s face flushed, but she quickly masked her irritation with a tight-lipped smile. Her eyes narrowed as she observed Alyssa’s calm demeanor. This was no longer the naive girl from the past. Alyssa had changed, and Sophia didn’t like it one bit. The very fact that Alyssa had managed to catch the attention of the elite in such a short time was something Sophia could hardly bear.
“You seem confident today, Alyssa. But we both know you’re still a stranger to this world,” Sophia said, her words laced with veiled contempt.
Alyssa tilted her head slightly, her gaze meeting Sophia’s with quiet amusement. “Perhaps. But you should know, I’ve learned a lot from watching people like you, Sophia. After all, you’ve been a part of this world for years. How’s it working out for you?”
There was an edge to Alyssa’s words now, a subtle jab that left Sophia blinking in surprise. The years of jealousy and rivalry between them had not dulled Alyssa’s wit or her composure.
“Are you implying something?” Sophia’s voice was cold, her smile now fully gone.
Alyssa’s smile only deepened, though her eyes remained sharp. “No, I’m just stating facts. It’s not really a surprise that charity events attract all kinds of people, is it? Some come to contribute, others… to maintain their image. But I’m sure you already know that.”
Betty, standing nearby, was watching the exchange unfold with a mix of curiosity and delight. Liana’s lips curled into a smile as well, though it was thin and forced.
Sophia stood still for a moment, her mind racing. She had been trying to undermine Alyssa from the moment she had set foot in this world, but now it seemed like the tables had turned.
Before she could respond, Liana stepped forward, positioning herself between the two women. She flashed a fake smile at Alyssa, her voice syrupy sweet. “It’s so good to see you, Alyssa. I didn’t expect you to be here. Are you here with Sean?”
Alyssa raised an eyebrow, clearly uninterested in the attempt to steer the conversation. “I’m here because I choose to be,” she replied coolly, keeping her tone steady.
Betty snorted, unable to hold back her disdain. “That’s rich. I don’t know why someone like you would bother showing up at a place like this. You’re not even on the guest list, are you?”
Alyssa’s lips curled into a grin as she glanced over at Sean, who stood at her side with a look of quiet amusement. “I don’t need to be on anyone’s guest list,” she said casually, her voice low enough for only those around her to hear. “I’m more than capable of creating my own opportunities.”
Sophia’s eyes flicked over to Sean, her expression tightening. Sean was known for his connections, and though he wasn’t as wealthy or influential as some of the other guests at the auction, he was a rising figure in the business world. His presence alone was enough to add weight to Alyssa’s position.
“I see you’re not here to just look pretty, then,” Sophia said, her words biting, though she was still trying to maintain her composure. “I’d suggest you remember your place, Alyssa. This is an event for people who actually contribute to the industry.”
Alyssa’s smile deepened, and she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping just low enough for only Sophia to hear. “I don’t need to prove anything to you, Sophia. But if you’re trying to get ahead, you might want to watch who you step on.”
Sophia’s jaw clenched, and she fought the urge to lash out. But before she could respond, the auction began, and everyone in the vicinity turned their attention to the stage.
Jasper, still seated in the VIP section, couldn’t help but glance over at the unfolding scene. He felt an odd sense of satisfaction watching the tension between Alyssa and Sophia, though he knew it wasn’t the kind of satisfaction that would solve anything.
His eyes flicked to the chair labeled “Jonah Taylor” across the aisle. His thoughts briefly turned to Jonah and the Taylor family. He had known them for years, but his relationships with their members were always complicated. Still, he couldn’t ignore the fact that Jonah’s presence at this auction meant there would be no easy path for him to secure the Antique Rosewood Chair.
Landon, noticing the direction of his gaze, chuckled softly. “Looks like you’ve got some competition. I’d watch out if I were you. Jonah doesn’t lose easily.”
Jasper’s lips pressed into a thin line, his focus shifting back to the auction. “I don’t care about competition. If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be.”
The lights dimmed as the first item was presented for bidding, but Jasper’s mind wasn’t entirely on the auction. Despite his calm exterior, a storm was brewing within him—one he couldn’t ignore. The quiet sense of discontent gnawing at him about his family, about Liana, about the endless expectations placed on him—it was all beginning to feel suffocating.
As the auction proceeded, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something had shifted in the room. It wasn’t just the usual competition over rare antiques or the allure of wealth—it was something deeper, more personal.
And for the first time, Jasper wondered if he was truly ready for what lay ahead, both in the auction and in his personal life.