Chapter 274
Olivia had no clue what was really going on. She just assumed everyone was admiring her looks, so she held her chin high and soaked in the imaginary praise.
“Joe, where are our seats?” she asked, already scanning the room for the best spots. The second floor was all VIP, and she knew Joe wasn’t getting them up there. Still, maybe they could snag something in the first few rows.
Joe leaned in, pointing to the far end of the hall. “Over there.”
She followed his gaze. The smile on her face faded, replaced by a cold shock. “You mean… those seats?” Her voice was tight, holding back disappointment.
Way in the back, tucked almost out of sight. Two seats, practically hidden by a thick pillar. Not exactly the entrance she’d imagined.
Joe looked uncomfortable. “Yeah. Everyone here tonight is a big deal. With my family’s status, we’re lucky to even get inside.”
Seats were handed out by wealth and reputation. If you didn’t have either, you ended I up in the shadows. Sitting behind that pillar, Olivia knew she’d never get a real chance to meet anyone important.
“I need the restroom,” she said, her expression icy as she turned away. The effort she’d put into her look tonight suddenly felt pointless.
As she reached the bathroom, she spotted someone she recognized in front of the mirror. Even with a hat pulled low, Olivia could tell exactly who it was.
“Charlotte? What are you doing here?”
Charlotte lifted her head slowly, her pretty eyes cool and distant. She didn’t answer.
“How did you even get in?” Olivia pressed, watching as Charlotte walked past her like she didn’t exist. Olivia trailed after, her tone sharp. “Oh, I get it. You spent the money I paid you to buy your way in, right?”
Charlotte didn’t even blink, completely ignoring her.
“You—” Olivia started, but stopped short when she saw Charlotte heading for the entrance to the VIP section upstairs. She couldn’t believe it.
Every item at this auction went for tens of millions. Maybe Charlotte got in because of her ‘Echo’ persona but how could she afford a VIP seat? Was that guy she’d found really loaded?
The more Olivia thought about it, the more jealous she felt. She hurried after Charlotte, trying to catch a glimpse of the mystery man who’d brought her here.
Just as she reached the entrance, two security guards stopped her.
“Miss, this is the VIP area. Please show your invitation.”
Olivia frowned, fishing her invitation out of her bag. The guard barely glanced at it before looking back at her with a smirk. “Sorry, your seats in the audience section.”.net
“The audience section?”
“That’s right. Audience members can’t bid.”
That hit Olivia like a punch to the gut. Joe didn’t even have bidding rights. What was the point of coming tonight?
She yanked her invitation back, her face burning with anger. She spun around, not noticing someone behind her, and crashed right into them.
“Can’t you watch where you’re going?” Olivia snapped, blaming them for her own mistake.
Anne quickly grabbed her friend’s arm. “Patricia, are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Patricia said, shooting Olivia a glare as she stormed offe “No manners at all.” She patted Anne’s hand, sounding urgent. “Let’s get upstairs before someone else buys that diamond.”
She was determined to win that diamond for Charlotte as a welcome gift.