They had called an auction house to the home. That must have cost a fortune.
I quietly pulled Sophie aside and sent a quick text to my assistant.
A few minutes later, she replied. [It’s done. I’m on my way now.]
I breathed a sigh of relief and told Sophie to stay calm.
The men from the auction house walked straight to Rosalind, laying out case after case of exquisite jewelry before her. “Miss Kane, here are the items the gentlemen won for you when they
lit the lamp at the auction. We’ve brought them personally. And here are some new arrivals they asked us to bring for your consideration.”
Rosalind shot a triumphant look at my daughter, then delicately touched a diamond necklace with a perfectly manicured finger. “Oh, there’s so much,” she sighed with fake nonchalance. “I‘
m running out of room.
Gabriel glanced at Sophie. “Well, since Sophie’s getting married and moving out, her room will be free for your things.”
The auctioneer smiled. “In that case, gentlemen, if you would please settle the final payment today.”
Even Mr. Warren’s eyes widened at the dazzling display. “Truly the heirs of the Shaw fortune. So generous.”
At his words, Rosalind’s pride swelled. She deliberately picked up a crystal hairpin shaped like a rooster and pinned it in my daughter’s hair.
I recognized it instantly. It was the “Phoenix Pin,” the final masterpiece of a legendary designer, and by far the most expensive item there.
“I think this suits you,” she said to Sophie, her smile a cruel slash across her face. “A gift.” Then she feigned surprise. “Oh! It’s a chicken. I thought it was a phoenix.”
With that, she yanked the pin out and threw it to the ground. The crystal shattered. “How tacky. We don’t want something as low–class as a chicken here.”
Sophie started to lunge, but I stopped her with a cold laugh. “Smashed it? Wonderful. You couldn’t afford to replace it even if you sold yourself.”
Lucas grabbed my arm. “Charlotte, Roz didn’t mean it. Besides, she’s the future daughter–in–law of the Shaw family. Of course she can afford it.”
Shane and Gabriel chimed in. “Yes, didn’t you always teach us to be generous with the people and things we love?”
Yes, I did. I thought they would cherish my daughter. Even while I was abroad, I sent them a substantial allowance every month, so she would want for nothing. I never dreamed they wou- Id spend it all on the housekeeper’s daughter.
Lucas pulled out a black credit card and handed it to the auctioneer. “Move all of it to Rosalind’s room.”
A few seconds later, the machine beeped. Insufficient funds.
Lucas frowned. “How is that possible? Try this one
”
05.55
The same result.
Shane and Gabriel laughed, handing over their own cards. “No money, and you’re still trying to light the lamp for Roz? Don’t worry, we can afford it.” I pulled Sophie over to a chair, sat and calmly sipped my tea as the card machine repeatedly chirped its denial.
The auctioneer’s patience was
value.”
“Gentlemen, are you certain you can afford these items? As you know, lighting the lamp and then failing to pay incurs a penalty of double the
Finally, they all turned to me, their faces pale with
At that exact moment, my assistant burst
aborations have been terminated as well!”
Panic. “Charlotte,” they stammered, what did you do?”
followed by a team of people in sharp suits. “Mrs. Shaw, we’ve pulled all funding from the Warren Group’s domestic projects! All overseas coll-
