Biding My Time

James's smile froze in place, stiff as ice, as he inwardly cursed Selina for her bad timing. Still, he couldn't risk throwing her out in front of so many watchful eyes. Taking a deep breath, he forced a strained smile onto his face. "Ah, everyone, you don't know this, but my eldest daughter can be a bit headstrong. I admit, it was my fault for not notifying her earlier. Selina, how could I forget about you? Come on, let's go inside together." 

Katie seized the moment, stepping forward with a composed, virtuous demeanor. Her tone was filled with contrived guilt. "Selina, didn't you say you wouldn't come? Oh, this is my fault for not asking more carefully. I've made you feel wronged." 

The surrounding guests exchanged knowing glances as the scene unfolded, quickly piecing the story together. 

It seemed the Clark family's eldest daughter had thrown a tantrum and refused to come, only to shamelessly show up after all. 

"Mr. Clark, we understand. Every family has its difficulties. You're probably just trying to avoid any drama from your eldest daughter." 

"Exactly. The illegitimate daughter is so well-behaved, but the eldest seems like such trouble. You have it tough, Mr. Clark." 

As the crowd dispersed, James finally exhaled, though the anger simmering inside him was steadily rising. Lowering his voice, he bit out through clenched teeth, "You'd better behave yourself tonight! If you cause any trouble, I won't let you off the hook!" 

After a brief pause, he turned to Selina with a commanding tone. "And Natalia is a low alcohol drinker. If anyone offers her a drink, you'll take it for her. Natalia is so beautiful; there's no shortage of men with bad intentions. Use your head for once, will you?" 

Selina's cold gaze lifted, carrying a trace of mockery. Her lips curled slightly, and her voice was calm but biting. "Why should I take her drinks? Do you think I'm an idiot, Mr. Clark?" 

James was momentarily stunned by her retort, his anger flaring further. His voice dropped lower, heavy with fury. "You! Selina, have you grown wings now? I let you in, and that's already giving you face! If you refuse, then get out!" 

Selina couldn't be bothered to argue. She chuckled softly, casually tucking her hair behind her ear, her tone indifferent. "Got it." 

Her quick acquiescence left James momentarily speechless. Recovering, he snorted coldly. "Don't stand around blocking the entrance like an eyesore. Get moving!" 

Selina glanced briefly at Natalia, a faint, cryptic smile playing on her lips as she followed James into the hall. 

Entering the auction was only the first step. The real show was about to begin. 

...

Not far away, a sleek, low-profile luxury car sat quietly under the shade of a tree. 

Ethan rolled down the window, his gaze following Selina's retreating figure. His face showed a hint of surprise. "Logan, didn't you say you'd have the Clark family's eldest daughter wait for you before heading to the auction? Looks like she went in on her own." 

Logan narrowed his long, sharp eyes, an inscrutable, oppressive glint in his gaze. His voice was calm. "Oh?" 

Ethan shrugged, shifting slightly to give Logan a better view. His tone was teasing. "First time seeing someone dare to ignore your orders. Quite a rarity." 

Logan's thin lips curled into an ambiguous smile. His voice dropped, carrying an edge of something dangerous. "It seems she's forgotten my words." 

Ethan shivered involuntarily, clicking his tongue twice in amusement. His tone turned playful, laced with schadenfreude. "Does Selina not know you? She probably thinks you're easygoing. Standing you up… Looks like she's in for it." 

The more Ethan spoke, the more amused he seemed. Raising a brow, he asked, "So, Logan, how do you plan to teach her a lesson?" 

Logan's gaze darkened, the faint smile in his eyes impossible to decipher. He gave Ethan a brief, dismissive glance before speaking casually. "The auction is about to start. Let's go." 

...

Inside the auction hall, James escorted Natalia through the crowd, soaking in the endless stream of compliments with undisguised pride.

"Mr. Clark, I heard the highlight of tonight's auction is the 'Eternity of the Stars' necklace donated by Miss Natalia?" someone asked in astonishment.

James nodded, putting on a look of satisfaction, his tone tinged with pride. "That's right. It was originally an engagement gift I gave to Katie. Later, Katie passed it down to Natalia. Natalia, with her kind heart, decided to donate this priceless necklace entirely for charity."

Gasps erupted from the crowd at his words.

"My goodness! I've heard of the legendary 'Eternity of the Stars'! Someone once offered fifty million for it, and Miss Clark still didn't sell it. Who would've thought she'd donate it for free this time?"

"This just proves that the rumors about Natalia stealing her sister's fiancé must be false. Someone who's willing to give away such a treasure would never do something so dishonorable."

"Exactly! Anyone who donates the 'Eternity of the Stars' must have impeccable character. As for Selina, perhaps it's her bad behavior that made Mr. Carter reject her."

"A girl from the countryside like Selina probably doesn't even know what a necklace like that looks like. She can't compare to Miss Natalia."

Someone took the opportunity to probe further, their tone fawning. "Mr. Clark, are you planning to groom Miss Natalia as your successor? She certainly carries herself like an exceptional young lady."

James, hearing this, grew even more delighted. His smile stretched so wide it was almost impossible to hide. His gaze drifted toward Selina, who stood at a distance, the contempt in his eyes evident.

Katie, seeing this as his cue, stepped in gracefully. With a modest smile, she added, "You're all too kind. Natalia simply wanted to do her part. We've always taught her that while life may be privileged, she must remain grateful and use whatever means she has to help others. It's a lesson she's always kept close to heart."

As soon as Katie finished speaking, the conversation shifted entirely in Natalia's favor. The crowd nodded and praised her endlessly.

"Mrs. Clark really knows how to raise a daughter. Not only is Miss Natalia beautiful, but she also has such a kind heart."

"No wonder Mr. Clark admires her so much. Miss Natalia truly embodies the ideal socialite."

Even Katie, once the target of rumors about being a mistress, was now lauded as a model of grace and charity. Any whispers about her rise to power were effectively silenced in the eyes of the crowd.

James seized the moment to glance at Selina again, the derision in his gaze sharpening. With a soft scoff, he added, "Listen to how people praise Natalia! Why can't you learn from her? Stop being so selfish! Natalia is willing to donate her own necklace for charity. And you? All you do is waste money!"

Selina lifted her head, a cold smile tugging at her lips. The smile, however, never reached her eyes.

Natalia immediately stepped forward, her tone gentle as she spoke, "Daddy, please don't be upset. As long as my sister is happy, that's all that matters. You're too hard on her."

This statement only deepened the admiration of those around them.

"Miss Natalia really has a good heart."

"Yes, even with Selina sulking, Miss Natalia still sympathizes with her. She's so magnanimous!"

Natalia lowered her head, the smug satisfaction on her face hidden beneath her lashes. 

Her mother was right—Selina's return wasn't a threat. She couldn't change anything. All she could do was stand by helplessly as her mother's keepsake became Natalia's crowning glory. 

Selina must be seething inside. But it didn't matter. For the rest of her life, she would remain beneath Natalia's feet, never able to rise again.

...

The auction's atmosphere reached its peak as the host announced the final item of the evening. All eyes turned to the centerpiece of the night—the "Eternity of the Stars" necklace. 

The host smiled warmly, his tone filled with admiration. "This 'Eternity of the Stars' necklace has been generously donated by Miss Natalia Clark. Its market value exceeds 60 million, and Miss Natalia's contributions to charity are widely recognized. As such, our auction house has decided to honor her with a special medal—" 

Gasps rippled through the audience. The charity auction house was a prestigious institution, renowned nationwide, and in its more than ten years of existence, it had awarded only nine medals. Recipients were invariably prominent figures of high moral standing and exceptional influence. 

Natalia, barely in her twenties, was about to join their ranks. This remarkable recognition earned her the admiration and respect of everyone in attendance. 

The spotlight illuminated her figure. Natalia lowered her head with a modest smile, though her excitement was barely concealed. She listened to the waves of praise around her, her heart leaping with joy. 

Everything was perfect. After tonight, all the stains on her reputation would be washed away. The gossip about being an illegitimate child or the product of a mistress would vanish into thin air. No one would dare look down on her again! 

She stared at the medal in the host's hand, her gaze blazing with longing. 

The host, still beaming, raised the medal and declared, "If there are no objections from the audience, I now officially announce that this medal will be awarded to—" 

"I object." 

A cold female voice abruptly interrupted him. 

The room fell silent in an instant. All eyes turned toward the source of the voice. Selina had risen from her seat, her expression icy and resolute, her gaze sharp as a blade. Her voice rang out, clear and unwavering, cutting through the tension like a knife: 

"This 'Eternity of the Stars' necklace is my mother's keepsake! Sister, using the belongings of the first wife to adorn yourself and trading it for glory—don't you think that's shameless?" 

The moment her words landed, the hall erupted in chaos. 

Whispers spread like wildfire, shock and disbelief written across every face. No one had imagined that the necklace, widely celebrated as Natalia's generous donation, had such a hidden backstory. 

On stage, the smile on Natalia's face froze instantly. Her outstretched hand stopped mid-air, leaving her motionless. A buzzing noise filled her ears, and the pride that had filled her heart moments ago gave way to mounting panic. 

At the edge of the stage, James finally understood. Selina's appearance at the auction tonight wasn't a coincidence—this was all premeditated! She had come to disrupt the event and sabotage Natalia's moment of glory. 

But James scoffed inwardly. Did Selina really think a few words could ruin Natalia's honor? How naive!