Chapter 174 A detour at the Auction
Aria’s POV
"Ms. Smith, right this way please. We’ve arranged premium seating for you—second floor, private VIP box."
I’d barely stepped into the venue when the auction house manager materialized at my elbow, all polished courtesy and deferential smiles.
Two attendants stood waiting by the elevator, ready to escort me to the exclusive section.
I’d received the invitation weeks ago.
Jewelry wasn’t really my thing—I preferred simpler pieces—but Grace and Elena had both given me such generous gifts when Damian introduced me to his family.
They were clearly passionate collectors, and I wanted to return the gesture properly.
Tonight seemed like the perfect opportunity to find something special for each of them.
The auction house had clearly pulled out all the stops when they learned I was attending. The level of service bordered on excessive.
The private box was stunning—floor to ceiling windows overlooking the auction floor, plush seating, a fully stocked bar. An attendant handed me a tablet before I’d even sat down.
"All tonight’s lots are catalogued here, Ms. Smith. You can pre-select items, and we’ll prioritize them in the bidding order. If you have any questions, I’m at your complete disposal."
I scrolled through the digital catalog, already making mental notes.
"One more thing," I said, not looking up from the screen. "I’m here anonymously tonight."
The manager nodded immediately. "Of course. Your presence will remain completely confidential."
I could tell he was relieved—probably worried about the disruption if word got out.
The main floor was packed with Pack leaders, business tycoons, and their mates. I was here to shop, not network.
Two pieces caught my eye almost immediately.
First, an absolutely stunning imperial jadeite necklace—deep green, museum quality, with a bold Art Deco setting. It was sophisticated, powerful. Perfect for Grace’s commanding presence.
Second, a pair of exceptionally rare fancy vivid pink-purple diamond earrings. The color was extraordinary, shifting between rose and amethyst depending on the light.
They had a youthful elegance that reminded me of Elena—regal but with an undeniable warmth.
Price wasn’t a concern. I had access to the full Smith fortune now, and after everything Grace and Elena had done to welcome me into their family, this was the least I could do.
I selected both pieces on the tablet and handed it back to the attendant.
"These two, please. Make them priority lots."
"Of course, Ms. Smith."
The auction started promptly at eight. True to their word, my pre-selected items appeared in the first rotation.
The jadeite necklace came up first. I didn’t hesitate, entering a bid that immediately silenced half the room.
Whispers rippled through the crowd below.
"Must be one of the VIP guests..."
"That’s serious money right out of the gate. Think it’s Blackwood Pack? Or maybe Crescent Moon?"
I smiled slightly, settling back into my seat. Let them speculate.
The necklace was mine within three rounds of bidding.
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Ethan’s POV
"Blackwood Pack? Or maybe Crescent Moon?"
The name made my head snap up. Crescent Moon—Alpha Victor’s Pack.
I turned toward the opposite VIP section, trying to see through the privacy screens. Security personnel blocked the view, and heavy drapes obscured whoever was inside.
If it really was someone from the Smith family...could it be her? The mysterious Smith heiress I was supposed to meet next week?
Whoever it was had exquisite taste. Imperial jadeite of that quality was nearly impossible to find.
"Ethan, look at this one." Clara’s voice cut through my thoughts. She tugged on my sleeve, pointing at the display screen. "I love them. They’re perfect."
The pink-purple diamond earrings had just appeared on the auction block. They were extraordinary—rare fancy vivid stones that seemed to glow from within. Not quite as valuable as the jadeite, but far more unique.
Clara was staring at them with naked longing, her eyes practically glued to the screen.
"They’re nice," I said absently.
But I wasn’t really looking at the earrings. I was thinking about the VIP bidder again, about the Smith heiress.
I’d heard her voice on the phone that day—young, confident, with a melodic quality that had reminded me disturbingly of Aria. In my mind, I kept superimposing the two, imagining what this mysterious woman might look like.
If those earrings were on Aria’s ears, with her dark hair swept up, that dress she’d worn to our engagement party...
The image was so vivid it hurt.
Without thinking, I raised my paddle and called out a bid.
Immediately, someone countered—three hundred thousand higher.
The VIP box. Had to be.
I stood up, trying to get a better angle, some glimpse of who was making me look like a fool.
---
Aria’s POV
Through my opera glasses, I watched Ethan stand up, clearly trying to locate his mystery competitor.
I smiled coldly and raised my paddle again.
The auctioneer’s gavel came down. "Sold! To our distinguished guest in Box Seven."
Below, I saw Clara deflate visibly, her whole body sagging with disappointment. She’d actually thought those earrings were hers.
Ethan sat back down heavily, his expression dark.
Good. Let them both stew in it.
I turned to the manager hovering nearby.
"Have those gift-wrapped separately. And send the jadeite necklace to this address." I handed him Grace’s details. "The earrings to this one." Elena’s address followed.
"Of course, Ms. Smith. Shall I include cards?"
"Yes. ’With gratitude and affection, Aria.’"
"Beautiful choices, if I may say so." The manager smiled genuinely. "Your family members are very fortunate."
Family. The word sent a warm flutter through my chest.
My phone buzzed. Damian: [How’s the auction? Miss you.]
I typed back quickly: [Found perfect gifts. Heading out soon. Miss you too.]
His response was immediate: [I’ll be home when you get there. Drive safe, love.]
Love. He’d started using that word more often lately, and every time it made my heart skip.
I gathered my things and stood. "I’m finished for the evening. Thank you for the excellent service."
"Our pleasure entirely, Ms. Smith. Let me escort you to your car."
"One more thing," I said, pausing before he could turn away.
"Of course, Ms. Smith. Anything."
I leaned in slightly and whispered a few words close to his ear.
His face went pale almost instantly. "Ms. Smith, I had no idea. I’ll deal with this myself, tonight. I promise you, it won’t happen again."