The Tower Reversed: Back to 18 (Venus) novel Chapter 100

Chapter 100 The Charity Auction

Finished

It was a private collector’s charity auction. Every item sold would have its full amount donated to the Children’s Critical Illness Foundation, helping families who couldn’t afford high medical bills. Everything was transparent and open to the public.

Darcy explained that his grandfather had started the tradition.

It was held once a year.

Since Archer was still recovering, Darcy had to take full charge.

He handed Venus a catalog listing all the auction items.

She flipped through it quickly-mostly antiques, paintings, fine jewelry, and rare artifacts.

“Ms. Oracle,” Darcy said with a smile, “see anything you like? I’ll bid for it under your name and give it to you as a gift.”

Venus rejected him with a polite smile. “Mr. Weston, there’s no need to be so generous. If I see something I like, I’ll bid for it myself.”

With a blank check in her bag that could easily stretch into the millions, she supposed she counted as a quiet little millionaire now.

The auction was held in a private art gallery filled with elegance and taste.

By the time they arrived, many artists and collectors were already mingling.

Venus, dressed simply in a linen blouse and plain skirt, drew attention the moment she stepped inside.

“Who’s that girl Mr. Weston brought?” Someone whispered.

“She looks so poor,” another murmured.

Their whispers caught Axel’s attention.

He glanced toward the door and froze.

When he saw Venus, it felt like his blood stopped flowing.

What is she doing in a sophisticated, high-class event? How could she even show up in such occasion?

His face darkened. Axel quickly walked up to her and hissed under his breath, “Why are you here?”

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Chapter 100 The Charity Auction

Venus didn’t bother to answer. She brushed past him as if he were invisible.

“You-!” Axel started to follow her, but Darcy stepped in front of him.

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“Ms. Burn is my guest,” Darcy said calmly. “Do you have a problem with that, Mr. Burn?”

Axel’s eyes turned cold. “You knew she’s on bad terms with my family, and you still brought her here? What are you trying to do? Embarrass my family or turn this auction into tomorrow’s headline?”

Darcy couldn’t help laughing. “Ms. Oracle has helped both me and my grandfather. I’m bringing my benefactor to a charity auction my family organized. Do I need your permission for that?”

He smiled politely, but his words carried a sharp edge. “As for you, Mr. Burn, you’re free to leave anytime. No one’s stopping you.”

Axel’s face darkened instantly. His jaw clenched tight as he hissed, “Fine. Since she’s your honored guest, I hope you’ll keep an eye on her so she doesn’t make a fool of herself and embarrass everyone here.”

Darcy’s smile faded. His brows drew together. “Ms. Oracle is my guest. I’d appreciate it if you spoke with a little more respect, Mr. Burn.”

Axel sneered coldly. “You don’t know her like I do. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you when you regret it later.”

The tension between them was thick enough to cut.

Venus spoke calmly, her voice low and steady. “Mr. Axel, if you keep your mouth shut and don’t talk to me. No one here would know you and I have any kind of connection.”

She tilted her head slightly, her tone laced with mockery. “You’re the one sticking to me like gum on a shoe, and now you’re worried I’ll ruin your image?”

Her eyes glinted coldly. “Didn’t expect you to like to invite humiliation as Neil.”

Axel’s expression froze. He hadn’t expected her to talk to him like that, especially here. His face turned stormy in seconds. “You-”

Venus just shrugged, smiling sweetly. “Mr. Axel, if you keep arguing with me, people will start wondering what’s really going on between us. And when that happens, you’ll be the one embarrassed, not me.”

Axel glanced around. Surely, people were watching them. His pride forced him to drop his voice. “Fine, Venus. Looks like you’ve grown bold now that Mr. Weston’s backing you up.”

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Chapter 100 The Charity Auction

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He continued through gritted teeth, “This is a charity auction. Everyone here is someone important, and no one leaves empty-handed.”

“Venus,” Axel said coolly, “let’s see how much your pride is worth when it comes to charity.”

With that, he walked to the other side of the gallery, ignoring her completely.

Darcy leaned closer and whispered, “Ms. Oracle, don’t take what he said to heart. Anything you like here—if it’s under eight figures, I’ll handle it. You just bid. I’ll cover the cost.”

Venus gave a small smile. “Then thank you.”

The usher soon led them to their seats-front row, center stage. The most prestigious spot in the house.

Axel sat in the same row, just three seats away.

From the corner of his eye, Axel watched Venus. She sat upright, calm and unruffled, as if the room and its glittering crowd had nothing to do with her.

His brows drew together in surprise.

Venus had always hated these “elegant” events. She’d always been self-aware enough to know she didn’t fit in this kind of world.

Every time their family hosted a party or got invited to one, she’d refuse-shaking her head, scrambling for excuses, doing whatever she could to stay away. Now, she sat there, poised and unflinching, as if she truly belonged.