Outcast Queen: Her Return from Hell novel Chapter 210

"Everyone, as expected, Lumina Jewelry's 'The Secret of Venus' has secured the overwhelming majority of votes. Congratulations to Lumina on claiming the championship."

Thunderous applause followed Charles's announcement. It was a well-deserved victory, and absolutely no one voiced an objection.

Eager anticipation rippled through the crowd as the elites prepared for the upcoming bidding war.

"Should I buy it and give it back to you?" Meredith suggested excitedly. "Even though you designed it, getting it back through an auction would be such a power move."

Macy lightly flicked Meredith's forehead. "Merry, you really don't understand how this works, do you?"

"Understand what?" Meredith rubbed her forehead, pouting. "Isn't making her even more famous a good thing?"

In her mind, if Phoenix was famous enough, no one would ever dare look down on her again.

Macy sighed, glancing at a smiling Phoenix. "Winning the championship is more than enough prestige. There's no need to hog the spotlight. Besides, whoever buys the piece will instantly owe a favor to Lumina Jewelry. It's an automatic alliance."

"Oh, is that how it works?" Meredith spent her time immersed in art; high-society networking was completely lost on her.

"To put it simply, gaining a powerful friend is far more valuable than stacking another trophy," Phoenix added.

Realization finally dawned on her. "I get it! You two really think of everything."

"Now that you'll be studying under Master Padraig for a while, I'll have Macy keep an eye on Lumina Jewelry for you."

"That's perfect!" Meredith beamed. She had been stressing over how to juggle everything, but Phoenix had already solved the problem.

She linked arms with Macy, her tone playful. "I'm leaving Lumina in your very capable hands, Macy."

Macy rolled her eyes. "You foolish girl. Aren't you worried I'll execute a hostile takeover?"

"Take it, it's yours. We're practically family anyway, it doesn't matter who runs it," Meredith replied breezily, devoid of any ulterior motives.

Phoenix and Macy exchanged a helpless, affectionate glance.

Up front, Charles officially opened the bidding.

He announced that half of the final hammer price would be donated to charity, throwing extra fuel onto the bidding fire.

"The starting bid for 'The Secret of Venus' is five million dollars," Charles said with a smile. "Minimum increments of one hundred thousand. Let the bidding begin."

"Six million!"

"Seven million!"

The guests aggressively hurled their numbers. No one bothered with the minimum increment; they were jumping by millions.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the current bid sits at twenty million dollars. Do I hear any higher?" Charles was more than thrilled with the number. It was a massive win for charity and guaranteed a trending headline.

"Thirty million."

Someone casually tossed out another ten-million-dollar increase.

The crowd gasped, whipping their heads around to locate the bidder. It was a gentle-looking man, a faint smile resting on his lips.

Phoenix furrowed her brows. It was Zander Vaughan, the eldest son of the Vaughan family.

Meeting her gaze, Zander offered a polite nod. The gesture was impeccably measured—not overly intimate, but clearly extending an olive branch.

What is he playing at? Phoenix found it incredibly bizarre. The Vaughan family hadn't exactly been welcoming to her.

Yet Zander's aggressive bid was a blatant display of goodwill, putting her immediately on guard.

"Looks like the Vaughan boy is trying to steal your girl, Pierce."

Caspian glanced over his shoulder at Pierce, who was lounging on the sofa.

Pierce paused mid-sip. Hearing the taunt, his knuckles turned white as his grip tightened dangerously around his glass.