Chapter 87: The Ashridge Auction

Ashridge Hall stood proudly at the heart of Cracros City, a monument to centuries of wealth, power, and unbroken lineage.

Built more than three centuries ago, it resembled a royal palace rather than a private estate. Towering marble pillars—each carved from a single block of Carrara marble—lined the entrance, their surfaces etched with intricate reliefs depicting historical battles and coronations.

Enormous crystal chandeliers, each containing over ten thousand hand-cut crystals, illuminated the grand hall with a warm golden glow that seemed to breathe life into the space.

Ancient paintings—Rembrandts, Caravaggios, works by masters whose names were whispered with reverence—hung in gilded frames. Priceless sculptures occupied alcoves, their marble surfaces polished to perfection. Centuries-old tapestries, woven with gold thread and depicting scenes of conquest and celebration, decorated every wall.

This wasn’t simply luxury. It was history. It was legacy.

Today, the legendary Ashridge Auction was being held here—an event that occurred only once every five years, drawing the world’s elite like moths to flame.

Collectors, aristocrats, billionaires, and influential families from around the world had gathered under one roof, their combined wealth exceeding the GDP of small nations.

Mindy and Wade entered together, their steps measured, their expressions composed. Mindy wore a tailored navy dress—elegant, understated, expensive without being ostentatious. Wade wore a charcoal suit, his posture relaxed but alert.

An usher in white gloves politely guided them through the hall, past rows of velvet-cushioned seats, toward the second row—prime seating, close enough to see every detail without the scrutiny of the front row.

Andrew Bose had personally arranged their seats after learning they had come specifically for the auction.

"Over here!" Ana waved enthusiastically, her entire face lighting up. She immediately scooted closer, making room for Mindy, her movements eager and uncoordinated.

Andrew smiled warmly, his expression paternal. "I’m glad you both could make it."

"Thank you, Mr. Bose." Mindy smiled politely before taking her seat beside Ana, smoothing her dress as she sat.

Ana leaned close almost immediately, her voice dropping to an excited whisper.

"You have no idea how excited I am!" She pointed around the hall, her finger tracing invisible lines between objects.

"The Ashridges own almost everything you see here. That painting alone—" she gestured toward a massive canvas depicting a naval battle "—is worth over twenty million. And that staircase?"

She pointed toward the grand marble staircase that curved upward like a frozen waterfall. "It’s older than Greendale itself!"

Without waiting for a response, she continued, her words tumbling over each other. "My cousin Eleanor is having engagement with Theodore Ashridge tomorrow. Oh! And Lucian Ashridge—Theodore’s elder brother—is terrifying. He once made a billionaire cry during a negotiation. And—"

Wade chuckled, leaning toward Andrew. "Does she ever breathe?"

Andrew sighed, his expression long-suffering but affectionate. "Unfortunately... no."

Mindy laughed, the sound warm and genuine.

A familiar voice suddenly interrupted, cutting through the moment like a blade.

"Sister?"

Mindy didn’t even need to turn. She recognized that voice immediately—saccharine, false, dripping with manufactured sweetness.

Missy Hawthorne.

Mindy slowly looked over her shoulder, her expression neutral.

Missy, Drake, and Layton had just entered the hall, their presence drawing immediate attention.

Missy wore a pale pink gown that looked expensive but somehow cheap on her—too much lace, too many embellishments.

Drake wore a designer suit that didn’t quite fit. Layton wore black, his expression unreadable, his right hand wrapped in a white bandage.

They were walking toward the front-row seats—seats that cost a quarter million dollars each.

Missy smiled sweetly, her head tilting like a curious bird. "Sister, what are you doing here?"

Mindy rolled her eyes—a deliberate, visible gesture—then calmly turned back around, facing forward.

Ignoring her completely.

Drake frowned, his voice rising. "What’s with that attitude? Can’t you even greet us?"

Before Mindy could respond, Wade spoke, his voice cold and sharp as winter steel. "Why should she? Who exactly are you that deserves a greeting?"

Drake’s face darkened, his jaw clenching. "This is between our family. You stay out of it."

Mindy stood, her movements slow and deliberate. Her expression instantly became icy, her eyes narrowing. "Our family?" She looked directly at Drake, her gaze cutting. "No one wants to be part of your family."

Then her gaze shifted toward Missy, her voice dropping. "And why should I answer a criminal?"

Missy’s smile froze, her face going rigid. "Mindy—"

"There." Mindy smiled faintly, the expression cold and satisfied.

"That’s your real expression. So stop calling me ’Sister.’ And don’t provoke me." She stepped slightly closer, her voice dropping to a murmur that only Missy could hear.

"You wouldn’t want to be humiliated in another city too, would you?"

Missy’s face turned pale, the color draining from her cheeks. Hatred flashed through her eyes—raw, undisguised—but only for a second.

She immediately lowered her head pitifully, her shoulders curling inward, and gently grabbed Drake’s arm. "Brother... let’s go."

Layton remained silent throughout the exchange. His eyes stayed fixed on Mindy—studying her profile, the set of her shoulders, the way she held herself. There was guilt in his gaze. Regret. Longing.

Mindy only glanced at him briefly, her gaze falling upon the white bandage wrapped around his right hand—the hand that had punched through glass, that had bled in the darkness of his study.

She looked away, her expression unchanged. As though she hadn’t seen it. As though he didn’t exist.

Layton lowered his eyes, his chest tightening painfully.

Before, she would’ve rushed over immediately. She would’ve asked him a hundred questions—"How did you get hurt?" "Does it hurt?" "Did you see a doctor?" She would’ve fussed, worried, cared.

Now, she hadn’t even asked. Not one word.

His chest tightened painfully, his breathing shallow.

She had truly let him go.

The three of them took their seats in the front row, the plush velvet cushions swallowing them.

Missy deliberately spoke louder than necessary, her voice carrying.

"Layton, thank you for getting us these seats."

Layton merely nodded, his expression distant.

When Missy instinctively reached for his arm, her fingers brushing his sleeve, he quietly pulled it away.

Missy frowned slightly, her lips pressing together. But she didn’t think much of it.

A ripple spread through the hall—a shift in energy, a collective intake of breath.

Theodore Ashridge and Eleanor Bose entered together, arm in arm, their presence commanding immediate attention.

Theodore was tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and sharp features—handsome in the way old money always was, effortless and assured.

Eleanor was elegant, her smile warm, her dress a deep emerald green that complemented her dark skin.

Guests immediately stood to greet them, a wave of movement rippling through the hall.

Theodore exchanged greetings with several influential businessmen—handshakes, brief conversations, polite laughter—before spotting Layton.

"Layton!" His voice was warm, genuine.

The two men shook hands before sharing a brief hug, their movements familiar. They had attended the same university years ago—Oxford, where they’d been roommates for two years.

After exchanging a few words, Theodore noticed Andrew sitting nearby. He and Eleanor walked over together, their steps synchronized.

Andrew stood, smiling. "Eleanor."

Theodore greeted him warmly, his tone respectful. "Mr. Bose."

Ana jumped in excitedly, unable to contain herself. "Cousin!" Then she pointed proudly at Mindy. "This is Mindy Wilson. The one I keep telling you about."

Eleanor laughed, her eyes crinkling. "So you’re Mindy. I’ve been hearing about you almost every week."

Ana folded her arms proudly, her chin lifting. "I never exaggerated. I only told the truth."

Mindy laughed softly, the sound genuine. "It’s nice to meet you."

Eleanor smiled warmly, her expression sincere. "I watched the Maxine Portfolio. Your designs were absolutely breathtaking."

Theodore turned toward Wade, his expression shifting to one of recognition. "Mr. Wilson. My grandfather speaks about you quite often. He’s good friends with Mr. Jasper Wilson. He always says jest the Wilson siblings are extraordinary."

Wade smiled politely, his tone measured. "That’s very kind of him."

Theodore asked, his tone curious, "Looking for anything specific today?"

Mindy smiled calmly, her expression giving nothing away. "Nothing in particular. We’re just hoping something catches our eye. My grandfather’s birthday is coming soon."

Theodore nodded, his expression understanding. "I hope you find something. Please join us after the auction. It would be our pleasure."

Missy silently listened from the front row, her fingers curling into fists. A calculating smile slowly appeared, cold and sharp.

The atmosphere shifted again, the air growing heavier.

The hall gradually fell silent, conversations dying mid-sentence.

Someone important had arrived.

Sebastian Valecroft.

Tall—easily six-foot-three. Elegant, his movements precise and economical. Expressionless, his face a mask of aristocratic indifference.

The eldest heir of the Valecroft family, one of the oldest and most powerful families in Cracros. His family’s antique empire rivaled even the Ashridges, their collection spanning continents and centuries.

Beside him walked Tori Cooper. She was smiling brightly, saying something while subtly trying to flatter him, her voice carrying just enough to be heard.

Sebastian barely acknowledged her, his gaze distant. His attention seemed elsewhere, his mind occupied with thoughts she couldn’t reach.

He took his seat in the first row, his movements unhurried. His assistant—a young man in a dark suit—quietly stood behind him, hands clasped.

As Sebastian settled down, adjusting his cufflinks, his eyes casually swept across the hall—a predator surveying its territory.

For the briefest moment, they met Mindy’s.

Their gazes locked—hers steady, his curious.

Then he looked away, his expression unchanged.

Missy noticed. Her fingers clenched beneath the table, her nails digging into her palms. Why? Why did powerful men always notice Mindy? First Matthias. Now Sebastian. Even Layton...

At the sight of Tori, Mindy unconsciously tightened her grip around Wade’s sleeve, her knuckles going white.

Wade immediately covered her hand reassuringly, his touch warm.

Layton noticed everything—the way Mindy’s hand gripped Wade’s sleeve, the way Wade covered her hand, the way her shoulders tensed.

He had been the one who gave her Tori Cooper’s name, who’d handed her the weapon she needed.

The host—a distinguished man in his sixties with silver hair and a perfectly tailored tuxedo—walked onto the stage, his steps measured.

"Ladies and gentlemen," his voice echoed through the hall, amplified by hidden speakers, "welcome to the Ashridge Grand Auction."

The room erupted into applause, the sound thunderous.

Item One: The Crown of Saint Aveline

A spotlight illuminated the stage, revealing a glass case. Inside rested a crown—breathtaking, otherworldly.

A sixteenth-century ceremonial crown crafted from white gold, adorned with three hundred eighteen diamonds, forty-six Burmese rubies, and a flawless fifty-eight-carat blue sapphire that seemed to glow from within.

Legend claimed only three queens had ever worn it—each meeting a tragic end.

"Opening bid," the host announced, his voice reverent. "Twelve million dollars."

Immediately, a paddle rose. "Twenty million."

"Twenty-two."

"Thirty."

"Thirty-five."

The bids climbed rapidly, the numbers escalating with dizzying speed.

Finally, Sebastian calmly lifted his paddle, his movement economical. "Fifty million."

Silence. Complete, absolute silence.

No one challenged him. No one dared.

"Going once." The host paused. "Going twice." Another pause. "Sold."

Item Two: The Emerald Phoenix Necklace

The next item appeared—a necklace that seemed to capture fire and ice simultaneously.

Starting Bid: Twenty million dollars.

Crafted from Colombian emeralds, Burmese rubies, and natural pearls, each stone hand-selected. Once belonging to an exiled empress who wore it the night she fled her burning palace.

The bidding began immediately.

"Thirty million." A paddle rose from the third row.

Missy raised her paddle confidently, her smile bright. "Thirty-five."

Mindy smiled slightly, her expression amused. "Forty."

Missy immediately looked back, her head whipping around. Their eyes met across the rows.

Mindy smiled wider, her expression innocent.

Another bidder entered—a woman in the fourth row. "Forty-two."

Missy frowned, her jaw tightening. "Fifty."

Mindy raised hers without hesitation, her movement lazy. "Sixty."

The hall buzzed with whispers, heads turning.

Missy raised the paddle again, her voice rising. "Seventy."

Mindy raised hers without hesitation, her tone bored. "Eighty."

Missy bit her lip, her face flushing. She turned toward Drake, her voice dropping to a pleading whisper. "Brother... I really wanted this necklace. I want to buy this for Mom.. But if Sister wants it....."

Drake glared at Mindy, his expression darkening. Then he raised his paddle, his voice loud. "Ninety."

Mindy didn’t even hesitate. "Hundred."

The room gasped, the sound collective and sharp.

Drake hesitated, his paddle lowering slightly. He had another mission today—the land, King’s Meadow. Raymond had specifically instructed him not to overspend, to save their resources.

But Missy squeezed his sleeve, her eyes wide and glistening. "It’s alright. You don’t have to buy it. Maybe Sister wants it more."

Drake’s pride instantly flared, his chest puffing. "No. She can’t have everything."

He raised his paddle again, his voice defiant. "One hundred and five million."

The entire hall fell silent, the air thick with shock.

Mindy slowly lowered her paddle, her expression serene. Then she whispered under her breath, just loud enough for Wade to hear—"Idiot."

Wade tried not to laugh, his shoulders shaking. "That necklace was worth seventy million at most. You just made him overpay twenty-five million."

Mindy smiled innocently, her eyes sparkling. "He should’ve known better."

Drake proudly glanced backward, expecting frustration, expecting anger.

Instead, he saw Mindy laughing—her hand covering her mouth, her eyes bright with amusement.

Beside her, Ana had buried her face between her knees, desperately trying not to burst into laughter, her shoulders shaking violently.

Even Eleanor blinked in confusion, leaning toward Theodore. "...Did he really just pay one hundred and five million? That necklace was worth seventy at best."

Drake’s smile froze, his face going rigid. Only then did he realize—Mindy never wanted the necklace. She had simply played him, manipulated him like a puppet.

His face darkened, his jaw clenching so hard his teeth ached.

Sebastian, watching quietly from the front row, allowed himself the faintest smile—barely a curve of his lips. Interesting.

Item Three: King’s Meadow

The auctioneer smiled, his expression shifting to something more serious. "Now, our third item."

A massive image appeared behind him—an aerial photograph of sprawling land, green and untouched, bordered by ancient trees.

King’s Meadow.

"For centuries," the host began, his voice dropping to a reverent tone, "no one has been permitted to build upon this land. The Ashridge family refused every offer—from developers, from governments, from royalty. Legend says an ancient royal treaty forbids the land from ever being divided."

He paused for effect. "Developers believe it may become the most valuable property in the country."

The instant the name echoed through the hall, Mindy’s eyes narrowed, her posture shifting.

A memory from her previous life surfaced—sharp, vivid, painful.

This land. This exact piece of land.

Slowly, a knowing smile curved across her lips, cold and calculating.

"There it is... the piece of land."

Wade glanced at her, his expression questioning.

Mindy’s smile widened, her eyes glinting.

This was going to be interesting.