Victoria stood on the stage, her gaze sweeping across the grand hall. "Is Number 62 present tonight?"

The auction paddles had been distributed earlier with a specific system—odd numbers for gentlemen, even numbers for ladies.

When Elise Scott received her paddle, she hadn't thought much about the numbering convention. She assumed it was for some charitable game or lottery to enliven the evening. Now she understood—the numbers were meant for this very moment.

Patrick Montgomery, seated beside her, leaned closer with a knowing smile. "What an interesting twist of fate."

Elise shot him a sharp look.

Fate? She had already been skeptical when Victoria selected Sophia with such precision for the first number. Now that Elise herself was chosen, her suspicions only grew stronger.

There were only so many coincidences in the world—Victoria had orchestrated this, and as the hostess, she had countless ways to access every guest's paddle number.

"Number 62..." Victoria's voice echoed through the silent hall.

"Right here!" Patrick suddenly announced, pointing directly at Elise. Victoria feigned surprise, her hand flying to her chest. "Elise? Is that you?"

"Yes," Elise replied, her voice calm and measured.

"How wonderful! You and Sophia... Oh, this is absolutely perfect!" Victoria exclaimed with theatrical delight. "Please, do come join us on stage."

Elise pressed her lips together, feeling a wave of distaste.

Patrick noticed her hesitation. "You don't have to go up there if you don't want to..."

But Elise wasn't about to create unnecessary drama.

If Patrick challenged Victoria on her behalf, it wouldn't end well—not with the ongoing power struggle between their families. Besides, Elise had no intention of owing him any favors.

She began moving toward the stage. As she passed William, his hand shot out to grasp her wrist.

She smoothly raised her arm, avoiding his grip—but their skin brushed briefly in the motion, the contact fleeting yet electric.

William clenched his fist, watching helplessly as Elise gathered her gown and ascended the steps with graceful composure.

Earlier, Sophia had captured the men's attention with her delicate demeanor and striking figure.

But no matter how captivating Sophia had been, she instantly faded into the background when Elise stepped onto the stage.

Elise possessed a rare beauty that commanded attention wherever she went.

Similarly, no woman could truly compare when standing beside her.

It wasn't just Sophia who seemed diminished—even Victoria, in her elegant designer gown, appeared slightly less radiant.

Elise had that effect—she could effortlessly eclipse every other woman in the room.

Meanwhile, Sophia's smile vanished the moment Elise appeared.

Why did Elise have to be everywhere?!

Why must Elise constantly steal Sophia's spotlight?!

Sophia could clearly see how all the admiring gazes that had been fixed on her moments before were now directed at Elise, who had instantly become the center of attention in the entire ballroom.

As Sophia struggled to contain her fury, Victoria spoke again. "What an extraordinary evening this has become. I called two numbers at random, and both happen to be my dearest friends. Most remarkably, they're sisters! Even I'm surprised by this wonderful coincidence!" She certainly knew how to work a crowd.