The makeup artist put the final touches on Rachelâs makeup. She looked at Rachel in the mirror in satisfaction and pride. âMiss Bennet, I didnât believe it when Eva said that you were exquisite looking.
But now that I have seen you with my own eyes, I have to say that youâre the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Youâre so pretty, and your skin is so tender and fair.â âEva?â Rachel glanced at the makeup artistâs chest and saw the word âGardeniaâ on her uniform.
She had been thinking about her plan tonight and hadnât noticed that the makeup artist was one of Gardeniaâs employees. But since she had met Eva only twice, Rachel didnât know her that well. She just smiled. The maid walked over with a glass of warm water and said, âYes, Miss Bennet, you are the most beautiful woman Iâve ever seen. I think you will be the most exquisite among the ladies tonight!â
Rachel looked at herself in the mirror.
She blinked a couple of times but didnât say anything. There were only ten minutes left for the auction to start. Rachel stood up as she estimated that it was time to leave, and at the same time, someone knocked on the door. Ivan was at the door and was stunned for a moment when he saw Rachel. âMiss Bennet⦠Mr. Sullivan is busy with something, so he asked me to pick you up for the auction.â Rachel nodded, lifted the hem of her dress, and walked forward in her high heels.
After taking a couple of steps, she turned to look behind and realized that the maid wasnât following her.
She stopped and asked, âArenât you coming with me?â The maid looked up and asked uncertainly, âYou want me to come with you, Miss Bennet?â âYes.â An inexplicable look flashed across Rachelâs eyes.
The maid was an integral part of her plan tonight. Of course, she had to be there. The maid didnât notice it at all because she was so immersed in the joy of just being able to attend the auction. âOkayâ¦
Thenâ¦â She got excited by just thinking about all the young men from wealthy families who would also be attending the auction.
But she suddenly realized something and looked down at her clothes. âBut my clothesâ¦â âWell, there are still ten minutes left. Thereâs a dress in the bedroom, and the makeup artist will help you apply some simple makeup,â Rachel said with a smile.
The maid smiled and nodded. As night fell, the moonâs reflection glittered like diamonds on the dark waters. The ship was Sailing at a constant speed, and it was bright enough on board as if it was daytime The auction was in an indoor banquet hall on the highest floor, and the after-party would be on the open-air deck. By the time Rachel and the maid entered, many people were already present in the hall. Men in suits and leather shoes, women decked up in all their finery. People were drinking and chatting, portraying the elegance of the upper class.
Soon, Victorâs eyes rested on Rachel. She was wearing a stunning blue dress, and the hem was encrusted with tiny pink diamonds. The lights reflected on the diamonds making it look surreal.
She had left her long hair loose, and the ends curled appealingly. It was difficult for anyone to take their eyes off of her. Towards the front of the banquet hall, the president of the Chamber of Commerce spoke to Victor about cooperation. However, as soon as he finished speaking, Victor immediately excused himself.
Before the president could react, Victor left him. With quick strides, he closed the distance between him and Rachel.
Rachel noticed him too. Seeing him approach, she stood still. The presidentâs secretary came over and said, âI heard that Mr. Sullivan and Mr. Jimenez had a fight over her on the deck yesterday. I didnât believe it at first, but it was true.â âThey fought?â The presidentâs face showed his surprise. âYes. Whatâs so special about that woman? That two distinguished men from affluent families fought over her like common thugs!â
The secretary looked at Rachel from afar and then looked down at her own dress. Her tone was full of jealousy. She had been preparing for the past three months. She thought she would be the most beautiful woman at the auction, but Rachel came and stole her limelight.
The president cast a calculative glance at Rachel. âI have a task for you.â âWhatâs that?â âTry to get familiar with Miss Bennet tonight. You are both women and should have a lot to talk about.
According to what you said now, she must be very special to Victor. Maybe through her, we can find a way to get Sullivan Group and Jimenez Group to cooperate.â The secretary frowned unhappily and said, âShe is just a spoiled and stupid woman who can achieve nothing on her own. Bennet Group is now under her control.
I heard that it was almost going bankrupt. Do you think Mr. Sullivan will listen to her business-related opinions?â âStupid?! I donât think so.â The president smiled. âA woman who can get Victor and Roger to fight over her is not ordinary or stupid.â
âBut I heardâ¦â
âItâs just a rumor. Just think about it. Everyone kept saying that Bennet Group would go bankrupt under Rachel. But has it? Itâs still there.â
The secretaryâs eyes widened. She looked at Rachel and Victor and felt a shiver go up her spine. It wasnât long before the auction started. The host walked onto the stage with a microphone in hand, dressed to the nines. âGood evening, ladies and gentlemen! Sorry for the delay. The auction starts now.
The first item is antique porcelain which is five hundred years old. The starting price is three hundred thousand dollars.â
A pretty-looking assistant carefully uncovered the red cloth and revealed the artifact. âThree hundred and fifty thousand!â âFour hundred thousand!â âFive hundred thousand!â âFive hundred and fifty thousand!â
People kept bidding, and the price kept rising. Rachel looked on indifferently. She was not interested in these kinds of events. As the auction continued, she could hear Quintin complain though her earpiece from time to time. âFive hundred years?
I can tell, at a glance, theyâre all defective. These are nothing compared to the treasures stored in the allianceâs storage. And these fools are bidding hundreds of thousands of dollars on it?â âNo way! How can one spend five million for that shabby painting?! What use does he have for it? Does he want to use it to ward off evil?â
. âThe pearls are too dim, isnât it? Seven hundred thousand?! If thatâs the case, the one in my room will fetch a cool million!â âWhat the hellâ¦â Rachel was speechless. Of course, these items couldnât compare to those of the alliance. The least expensive one was worth twenty million.
Suddenly, she heard Quintinâs voice again. âThereâs one item that seems nice. Itâs a pure vivid blue diamond necklace. Boss, how about I gift it to you?â Soon, the host said excitedly, âLadies and gentlemen, the next piece is the last item of todayâs auction. The blue diamond necklace named Beloved.â