3. Auction (1)

The lights of the whole banquet hall was dimmed and a middle age man stood on the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Mr. Kohl. I will be conducting our tonight's auction," Mr. Kohl introduced and motioned for a girl to bring the first item onto the stage.

On the screen flashed a silver necklace and earrings. The simplicity of the design caught the attention of the guests.

"The first item is the Eternal Star made of 925 silver and platinum," Mr. Kohl described the first jewelry. The bid starts at 100,000."

"200,000!"

"200,500!"

The bidding start with a blast as most of the socialites try to beat each other. A lady named Cristina won the first item in 1,000,000.

The auction have gone smoothly with most of the items sold at an exorbitant amount in comparison to its true market value. As some of the jewelry are part of the limited jewelry collection that is to be launched by December's company, the guests have made sure that they will be the first to have the collection piece.

The Precious Gems is known for producing limited stocks of jewelry that cater to both the common people and the nobles.The company have just began its operation in City C just two years ago and have already surpassed the other jewelry companies in the whole Country P where the city lies. Known for its global reputation, the Precious Gems have even garnered the respect of the royal family.

But the shock of discovering its owner have rendered the family speechless when they have received the invitation for tonight's banquet, thus the reason why July was obliged to attend despite her unwillingness.

"Now, we have a special item from our beloved princess, Princess July Chrystaline de Pierre. She have donated her beloved Zirconia Diamond necklace and earring that she used on her coming of age ceremony. This set of jewelry was made the famous designer Snow. Each diamond embedded in the middle is cut beautifully and surrounded with micro diamonds…"

As Mr. Kohl continue on with the description of the set pf jewelry given by July, the guests, particularly the ladies were all eager to make sure that they will be the one to obtain it. Even the male participants of the auction are very excited to the heated competition in order to show off their wealth and capabilities to their partners and the people present.

This made July's pride soar and she look smugly at December's direction who is also looking at her. December lift her wine glass in a toast at July with a smile on her lips.

"This highness is really stupid, if I may say," a voice behind December said that made her chuckled.

"That is rude. You know that you can be put to death if others hear you blaspheme the princess like that," December lightly reminded the woman who stood beside her.

The woman stood out in the banquet as she is the only one who wore jeans and a plain white shirt. Her blonde hair was a bit wild from the wind as she rode a motorcycle on the way here.

"You wearing something like that have just insulted me, Dianne."

Dianne laugh and take a wine from the waiter who stopped before them. "You know that I hate this type of parties. Better be grateful that I even attended this event of yours, Snow."

Yes. December, the CEO of the Precious Gem is Snow who have designed the jewelry of July. Her alias is widely known in the jewelry industry with her intricate designs and her mysterious persona. Snow's personality cannot be trifled with since she does not simply design jewelry. She's very picky of her clients and that is why most of the elites are trying to curry favor with her.

She use her identity Snow when she started in jewelry making and she do not intend for others to know her true identity. However, if one look into Snow's identity, one can easily find information that can lead to Dianne being the said designer. Dianne, on the other hand, is the one who introduced December in this business, otherwise known as Snow's master.

"Still, that sister of yours is ignorant. I can imagine her face when she discover that you are the one behind her jewelry she's gloating about. I also hope I've brought enough money for the last item. I really want it to be part of my collection."

December chuckled and drained the wine in her glass.

It is truly laughable for December that her sister is trying to provoke her with one of her masterpiece.

"15 million!"

"20 million!"

The crowd was astonished when the price escalated quickly that they have expected.

"20 million going once.."

"Going twice…"

"And sold! Congratulations to Lady Monique Silvia for winning the Zirconia Diamond!"

The whole hall erupted with applause as Monique Silvia stood up and bowed to July.

"I am deeply grateful for her highness for giving me the opportunity to have her jewelry."

July's chest puffed and answered, "I am just simply helping my sister. No need to thank me, Ms. Silvia."

July then turned to her partner. "I think that this event does not need our presence anymore. I am tired," she said hinting Conrad that it is time for them to leave.

"There is still one last item."

July was a bit irritated hearing her partner's reply but did not dare to say anything and just glared back at the stage where a girl placed a glass box covered with a dark cloth.

"For the last item of our tonight's auction, this piece of jewelry was wore by the late Queen Castiella. It was said that this necklace is her favorite, but was lost when the Queen met the accident that have took away her life…" Mr. Kohl sighed and stayed silent for a while for the people to digest what he is saying.

July suddenly stood up and her jaw dropped when Mr. Kohl revealed the said jewelry beneath the cover.

The crowd gasped and immediately recognized the necklace with a teardrop pendant of emerald, the favorite stone of the late Queen.

"Is this for real?!"

"Impossible!"

"The royal family have tried their best searching for this jewelry. Who would have thought that it can be found here!"

"Behold, everyone, the late Queen Castiella's favorite and masterpiece: The Angel's Tear."