Chapter 8

"The General Manager suffered such humiliation?"

"They claim that security dragged Miss Isabella out. Can you imagine that?"

A few days following the company's anniversary celebration, gossip began to circulate. The news of what had happened had spread throughout Lanchester, from the streets to the company to coffee shops.

Additionally, it was reported in the newspapers.

That night, nobody had anticipated that things would change so drastically. Haven strutted around like a king, believing he was untouchable. Isabella had been arrogant, believing she was superior to everyone.

And Mrs. June, her haughty self, was now nothing more than a laughing stock.

However, now? They were now the targets of mockery.

Haven and Isabella made every effort to blend in after the incident, but they were unable to avoid the stares and whispers that followed them everywhere.

Some expressed disbelief, while others expressed satisfaction.

What I cared about most, though, was that Mrs. June, Isabella, and Heaven had been publicly humiliated.

And this? This was only just the start.

"There is something coming up this week, Johnson."

"Something? What might that be?"

During a quiet dinner at home with my parents and Natasha, the conversation turned interesting.

We were seated around the dining table, with the warm glow of the chandelier lighting up our meals.

The aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, and the rhythmic clinking of silverware against plates accompanied our conversation.

My father was reading a business magazine while seated at the head of the table.

 My mother listened to Natasha discuss an impending house auction as she took tiny, cautious bites of her food.

"There is a house auction coming up next week," Natasha said casually, slicing her steak with ease.

I was not really interested. I saw auctions as simply a venue for wealthy individuals to bid on properties they most likely did not need.

I picked at my food and muttered, "I do not like those events."

Natasha crossed her arms and leaned back as though anticipating that response.

"Oh, you will enjoy this one."

I stared at her in amazement. "Why?"

A knowing smirk slowly formed on her lips. "The reason is that Isabella and Haven will be present."

That got my attention.

My fork hung over my plate as I stopped in the middle of my bite.

"What are they doing at an auction?" I pretended not to be interested, but my curiosity was already aroused.

"Haven intends to purchase a home for Isabella's mom. She does not seem to like the one she is staying in anymore," Natasha clarified. "So, he is going all out—he intends to place the highest bid in order to secure the property for her."

It nearly made me laugh.

Obviously.

Haven continued to demonstrate his value and try to win Isabella over. As long as he had Isabella for himself, he did not care how much he spent.

"You should come," Natasha said, observing me intently.

I laughed. "What would make me do that?"

She took a sip of her wine and shrugged. "Because I know you are interested."

I rolled my eyes; she had certainly captured my attention. "Who mentioned that I was interested?"

Natasha chuckled and tilted her head. "You have stopped eating."

Damn. She caught that too, right?

My mother, who had been listening quietly, finally said something. "Johnson, are you thinking about buying a house?"

I turned to her and gave her a small smile. "Not exactly."

It was not actually about the house.

I already had more property in my name than I needed. Real estate was not something I was concerned about.

But seeing Haven's expression when things did not go his way? That was something I could not say no to.

I could already see the annoyance in his eyes if someone outbid him. Perhaps I would be that person.

After a moment of silence, my father set down his magazine and turned to face me. "You should go, in my opinion. Even without purchasing anything, auctions are a fantastic way to see how people manage their money. You will see who has money and who just pretends to have it."

That was right.

Money was the most important factor at auctions. It was a place where people displayed their wealth or revealed their desperation.

I twirled my fork between my fingers while thinking.

"Who else is going to be present?" I inquired because I wanted to know how the crowd would be.

Natasha smirked as she began listing. "There are a lot of big names. CEOs, investors, and businesspeople. People interested in making profitable deals."

I sat back in my seat.

Haven would be present. Isabella as well.

They were definitely still licking their wounds after what transpired at the anniversary event.

And the thought of seeing them again was enticing, particularly in a situation where power was determined by wealth.

This is very tempting.

A slow smile spread across my lips. I never thought I would agree to accompany Natasha to the auction; it was definitely not my thing.

"I will come." I said while looking at her with a smile.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, unsure whether I meant what she had just heard. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah. Let us see how much Haven is prepared to spend in order to win over a worthless woman." I gave a nod.

My father giggled. He understood exactly what I was trying to accomplish. "Just do not do anything reckless."

"Oh, of course not." I let out a smirk as I gave a reply.

My mother sighed, giving me a look that indicated she did not fully believe me.

We continued to eat, but my thoughts were already on the auction.

Haven had always thought he stood above everyone else. He believed that money could solve all his problems.

They believed that power was determined by how much money you have and could spend.

They had always called me poor.

However, I was going to make sure they had to learn their lesson the hard way.