Chapter 222

Rachel's POV

Not a single paddle moves. Perfect.

"No opening bids?" I touch my strand of pearls. Watching Serena maintain her composure. *Acting all calm, but I'll show everyone who you really are.*

I suppressed my excitement and continued, "Well, to keep our auction moving along for the Children's Hospital... Serena, dear-" I give her a sympathetic look.

Just as Serena starts to gather her gown to leave the stage, that unmistakable voice cuts through the silence: "Five hundred thousand."

Everyone turns toward Lucas Harrington. I stared at Lucas in shock, my heart feeling like it had been sucker-punched. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine he would swoop in at this critical moment to protect Serena, completely destroying my pride.

My carefully maintained smile slips for a moment. Since the engagement announcement between Thorne Industries and Harrington Holdings, Lucas has played the perfect corporate fiancé. Now he's choosing to challenge me in front of every board member and society elites?

I meet his gaze, but those grey eyes - show zero remorse. As if it is completely normal. The steely determination in his eyes told me nothing I said would stop his bidding now. My thoughts spiraled into chaos as I stood frozen on stage, painfully aware of the murmurs rippling through the crowd below, completely paralyzed with indecision.

"Six hundred thousand." Atticus's voice burst through the room.

Their voices rang out in turn, echoing through the hall.

Lucas: "Seven hundred thousand."

Atticus: "Eight hundred."

Lucas: "Nine hundred."

Atticus: "One million."

Lucas: "One point two."

Atticus: "One point five."

As Lucas reacheed for his paddle again, I couldn't help but interject: "Lucas." I said softly. "As Serena said, this is just the opening act. While your enthusiasm for children's benefit is admirable, there's plenty more to come." My voice came out almost like a plea, as I completely forgot I was center stage in front of everyone.

Instead of taking the hint, Lucas gives me that familiar cold stare and raises his paddle again.

My smile freezed. *I've practically groveled, and he won't even grant me this?*

Just as my carefully curated image threatened to crack, Serena's voice rany out: "Two million."

Atticus's POV

I watched the society columnists practically salivating - a Sinclair heiress bidding on her own charity auction dance? The Met Gala had nothing on this drama.

"Twenty million to St. Jude's Children's Hospital," she announced in confidence and a hint of tremble. "I'm bidding on my own dance card." Her determined showed in every syllable.

The whispers erupted louder than before.

Serena turned to Rachel Thorne, who was emotionless and emitted a tense air around her. "The bylaws don't prohibit self-bidding at charity auctions, do they, Rachel?" Serena asked Rachel Thorne directly, her tone perfectly balanced between politeness and challenge.

I noticed Rachel's momentary confusion - clearly, she hadn't anticipated this move. Serena Sinclair had always been unpredictable, and even Rachel couldn't read her intentions now.

"I have immense respect for the Thorne Foundation's dedication to charitable causes," Serena continued smoothly. "I simply wish to contribute in my own way. I hope everyone can understand my intention." The elegant deflection wasn't lost on me - she was gracefully sidestepping both Lucas Harrington's and my potential bids.

"Of course," Rachel quickly agreed.

I knew she was worried about Lucas Harrington driving up the price further. While money wasn't the issue, her pride was at stake.

She extended her hand to Serena. "Since you've shown such generous intent, who are we to refuse? The first dance is yours. Thank you for your remarkable support of the Thorne Foundation's charitable initiatives."

Serena returned the handshake with perfect poise before gracefully exiting the stage to thunderous applause. Every eye in the room followed her.

I tried to put Rachel on the spot and make her look bad, but Serena smoothed things over. I had to acknowledge that the rumors about Serena Sinclair were true - brilliant, beautiful, and formidable.

She turned out to be more intriguing than I expected. Her performance tonight was masterful, simultaneously honoring Rachel's position, maintaining her own independence, and garnering universal acclaim.

The air seemed to crystallize when she passed Lucas Harrington, their unspoken tension visible to anyone paying attention. When she finally reached my side, I couldn't resist commenting, "Serena, you never cease to amaze."

She brushed past me without acknowledgment, leaving the ballroom.

I rubbed my nose ruefully, knowing I'd earned her displeasure tonight. To be honest, I had my own agenda - my goal was to drive a wedge between Lucas and Rachel, and ultimately challenge Rachel's position. I'd been upfront about this when Serena and I first formed our alliance.