Chapter 47
As Ash was about to enter the venue, Samantha blocked her path
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“This lady is one of our VIPs. She doesn’t need to show an invitation,” the attendant said politely, though there was a trace of impatience in his eyes.
Growing more furious, Samantha snapped, “Why do I have to show an invitation, but she doesn’t? What kind of ridiculous membership system is this? You’re clearly playing favorites.“–”
Another person who had been stopped chimed in, “Yeah, if invitations are required, it should be the same for everyone.”
The attendant looked hesitated. He knew Ash well from her frequent visits to buy herbs at auctions, but the situation was quickly escalating.
“No problem,” Ash said calmly. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a few invitations, and handed them to the attendant. “Will these work?”
“They’re gold!” someone in the crowd whispered in awe. “And she has three of them. Could she be connected to Prime Oasis’s boss?”
The attendant instantly became even more respectful. “These are absolutely valid,” he said. “With these, you can bring anyone in.”
Samantha’s face darkened. She demanded, “So what if they’re gold invitations?”
A bystander scoffed, “Clearly, you don’t know much. There are only ten gold invitations per auction. They’re made with pure gold leaf and are only given to the most influential people in Riverstone. She has three. You might want to watch your tone.”
Stunned, Samantha stood speechless. She had never been to Prime Oasis before. Tristan had always covered her expenses, so she had no idea about any of this.
She only knew there were valuable items here, and even if she couldn’t afford anything, she thought it would be fun to take some photos for Instagram. Now, she couldn’t even get through the door.
Meanwhile, Ash – the person she despised most – was not only recognized by the staff but had three of the coveted gold invitations.
Swallowing her frustration, Samantha walked up to Ash and demanded, “Take me in with you.”
Ash almost laughed. “If you’re asking for a favor, you might want to fix your tone. The way you’re talking, you sound more like a debt collector than someone asking for help.”
Samantha glared at her, furious that Ash acted so high and mighty just because she had a few invitations.
“You have three anyway,” Samantha added, raising her chin defiantly. “What’s the harm in giving me one?”
Without missing a beat, Ash calmly handed the other two gold invitations to the attendant. “Here, take these. And make sure this person doesn’t get in tonight.”
“Understood. I’ll follow your instructions exactly,” the attendant said respectfully.
Samantha’s face turned red with fury. She stomped her foot and tried to push her way in, but the attendant blocked her. “Miss, if you continue to cause a scene, I’ll have to call security.”
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Chapter 47
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Seeing that the attendant who had been so polite to Ash was now treating her with such indifference made Samantha even angrier.
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‘Why? I’m the real daughter of the Moreno family, yet I’m being reated like this. How does that bitch get so much respect?‘ she thought bitterly.
But no matter how much of a scene she made, no one paid her any attention. The attendant eventually called security, and they were about to escort her out.
Just then, Madeline, who had heard the commotion, stepped outside. She gave Samantha a quick, disdainful look before asking the attendant what had happened.
The attendant showed her the gold invitations and explained the situation.
Recognizing the invitations she had given to Ash, Madeline smirked and said with a cutting tone, “Where’s security? We don’t let just anyone in here. Get her out immediately.”
Feeling relieved, the attendant wasted no time in having security throw Samantha out onto the street.
Samantha’s face flushed with humiliation. She couldn’t comprehend how Ash, of all people, received such special treatment while she ended up humiliated and tossed aside.
At the entrance, Madeline watched with a cold smile before turning to head back inside. She wasn’t going to let anyone mess with her friend.
Inside the grand auction hall, the venue was divided into different sections. The ground floor was for regular customers who had spent over 350 thousand dollars at Prime Oasis over the past year.
The second, third, and fourth floors had private rooms reserved for regulars or those with assets over 30 million dollars.
The private rooms faced the auction stage directly, offering their occupants a perfect view. Guests could relax on plush sofas while casually raising their paddles to bid. Money bought the best experiences.
Meanwhile, Ash sat in the center room, sipping champagne and quietly observing the attendees.
If she wasn’t mistaken, representatives from Riverstone’s four major families were all present. It was clear this auction had some good stuff.
Jade had been waiting for Ash to embarrass herself. But to her shock, Ash was escorted in by the staff to the prestigious
center room.
Suppose Jade remembered correctly, that private room was rarely used. Aside from the one time Calvert sat there, not even the people from Riverstone’s four major families were granted access.
It was rumored to be reserved for the behind–the–scenes boss. She couldn’t fathom how Ash had
gotten
- in.
Thinking Ash would surely be kicked out once the mistake was realized, Jade stayed quiet and waited for the inevitable fallout. But as the auction began, Ash remained comfortably seated in the private room, much to Jade’s frustration. Backstage, Madeline stiffened when she noticed a familiar figure her boss. She quickly lowered her head. “Mr. Snider.”
Calvert entered with his usual air of nobility, his presence commanding attention. In a calm voice, he asked, “I’ve heard there’s a nourishing pill from Prunella up for auction today, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Madeline replied, hesitating slightly. “Mr. Snider, are you interested in it?”
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Calvert gave a subtle nod, his interest piqued.
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Madeline’s expression grew conflicted. She hadn’t anticipated that Calvert would want the item. “Mr. Snider, the news about the nourishing pill has already been leaked. Unfortunately, we can’t cancel the auction at this point.”
“I understand the rules,” Calvert replied evenly. “I’ll bid for it myself.”
“But the center room…” Madeline trailed off, unsure how to proceed. Finally, she decided to be straightforward. “Ms. Turner contributed an important item for today’s auction. Since we didn’t know you’d be attending, we offered her the center room. Should I arrange a different one for you?”
Calvert paused, his expression unreadable as his eyes flickered with recognition. “You mean Ash?”
“Yes, Mr. Snider.” Madeline nodded.
“No need,” Calvert said, his voice firm. “I’ll share her room. With that, he walked off, leaving Madeline momentarily stunned. The center room was rarely offered to anyone. Granting it to Ash had already pushed the limits of Madeline’s authority. Still, Calvert had made it clear that those who contributed significantly to the auction could use the private room, so she hadn’t completely overstepped.
But now, Madeline felt uneasy, uncertain of what Calvert’s next move would be with Ash.
