Chapter 28

The Stewart Group's Pearl Bay Auction House had built its reputation on glamorous charity events.Invitations were coveted, serving as the golden ticket for anyone hoping to join Kretol's elite circles.

The Morrisons had always been on the outside,never once having received an invitation to such celebrated gatherings.

"I had to pull quite a few favors for this. I've prepared five million for you to attend the auction tonight,"Laura said.

"Isn't the charity auction just for show? Do we honestly have to throw around that much money for it?" Jaxton replied.

"Clearly, you're missing the point. Anyone who steps into Pearl Bay Auction House is already someone of consequence. That money will do more for our reputation than any business deal ever could," Laura said.

Year after year, Laura's scolding rolled off Jaxton's back. When she failed to bring up Amelia this time,he sensed something was off. "So you're not letting me bring Amelia for this?"

"| might have spoiled her too much, and now, she thinks she can do as she pleases. Tonight, she needs to see that the Morrison name is her only access to the elite circle."

"You should have taken a firmer hand with her ages ago. Amelia's gotten reckless because you always let her get away with things," Jaxton said.

"That's enough! Even if Amelia's not going with you,you are not taking Dayna there, not under any circumstances," Laura snapped.

Jaxton hadn't even thought of bringing Dayna. But now that Laura had said that, a stubborn streak inside him flared up, stronger than before. He gave Laura his word on the surface, repeating his assurances that he would not bring Dayna.

But as soon as he stepped outside, Jaxton wasted no time and called Dayna.

When he told her about the auction and invited her instead of Amelia, Dayna immediately agreed and asked Janessa to help arrange her discharge from the hospital.

Janessa, who grasped the weight of the Pearl Bay event far better than Dayna did, recalled Ricky's warning and dared not breathe a word of this to him.She scraped together five million from nearly all her savings for Dayna.

Nestled on Kretol's southern shoreline, Pearl Bay Auction House stood by the sea.

By eight o'clock that evening, Amelia slid her car into a parking lot of the auction house.

Wyatt had promised to pick her up, but last-minute work at the Stewart Group had pulled him away.

Refusing Wyatt's offer to send a driver, Amelia took the wheel herself to come here.

Tonight, Amelia wore a bright yellow gown. The off-the-shoulder style highlighted her graceful neck and striking figure.

The layers of yellow roses in the pattern on her dress made her resemble a blooming flower.

Passersby couldn't help but let their gaze linger on her.

Rushing toward the entrance, she had just reached it when a guard blocked her path. He offered a polite smile. "Excuse me, Miss. Could you show me your invitation?"

Embarrassment rushed to Amelia's cheeks. It hadn't crossed her mind that an invitation was required to enter the auction house.

While she fumbled with her phone, ready to text Wyatt, the sound of derisive laughter reached her ears.

Dayna walked over in a crisp white gown, clinging sweetly to Jaxton's arm. She stopped in front of Amelia. "Amelia, Pearl Bay Auction House isn't a place where anyone can just wander in. Only those with invitations can get past the doors."

"Have you been waiting for me all this time, Amelia?If you're so desperate to go in, you can beg me. And I might bring you in."

Jaxton, who had noticed the striking woman by the entrance, was shocked when he realized it was Amelia. His astonishment then faded almost at once.

Though Amelia wanted to ignore Jaxton at first,something in Dayna's cold stare made her change her mind.

A quick check with security confirmed the rule-one guest with an invitation could only bring one company. Fixing Jaxton with a pointed look, Amelia asked, "If you take me with you, what about Day/na?" "Dayna can ride home with the driver. She is obedient and sensible, unlike you, who fusses over every little thing," Jaxton said.

That answer sent Amelia into a fit of laughter.

Her laughter drew the attention of many, including Wyatt, who was just preparing to get out of his car.

Davin, who was about to open the car door for him,quickly said, "Mr. Stewart, I'll go handle that."

"Wait." Wyatt stopped him.

When Amelia's laughter faded, she fixed Dayna with a piercing stare. "Dayna, would you give up your spot for me tonight?"

Dayna tried to smile, but her expression was closer to a grimace. Of course, she wasn't willing to do that.This chance was rare; why should she hand it over to Amelia?

When Dayna kept quiet, Amelia turned to Jaxton with a knowing look. "Looks like Dayna isn't willing to give up her spot for me."