The impact she had made on every man present was undeniable.

Yet she faded into obscurity the moment Elise Scott stepped onto the stage.

If one were to describe Elise’s beauty, it would be this: wherever she went, no one could look away.

Likewise, no woman standing beside her could ever hope to compare.

Not only did Sophia pale in comparison—even Victoria, in her elegant gown, seemed slightly diminished.

Elise had a way of eclipsing every other woman in the room.

At the same time, Sophia’s smile vanished the instant Elise appeared.

Why did Elise have to show up everywhere?!

Why must Elise constantly steal Sophia’s spotlight?!

Sophia could clearly see the admiring gazes that had been fixed on her now shift entirely to Elise.

In an instant, Elise became the center of attention in the entire ballroom.

While Sophia suppressed her fury, Victoria spoke smoothly. “It seems tonight truly is a special evening. I randomly called two numbers, and both turned out to be my dearest friends. What’s more, they’re sisters! Even I surprised myself.”

Her words were polished and effortless.

After Victoria finished speaking, the ballroom fell into an uneasy silence.

No one raised a paddle.

Sophia had initially been upset by Elise’s earlier speech, which had left her feeling humiliated.

But watching this scene unfold brought her a twisted sense of satisfaction.

It was Elise’s own fault for putting on such a virtuous act—it would be far more embarrassing for a woman if no one bid for her at all!

Naturally, as Sophia inwardly sneered, Victoria also felt a surge of delight.

After all, she had given explicit instructions beforehand that no one was to bid for Elise.

She had planned this specifically to humiliate her.

Thus, Victoria was actually taken aback that Elise seemed to have anticipated this and delivered such a lofty speech earlier.

That way, even if no one bid for her, Elise wouldn’t appear completely defeated.

Still, the outcome would be humiliating regardless—and even more so once the gossip spread.

“Is no one placing a bid?” Victoria exclaimed in feigned surprise, looking genuinely stunned.

Elise, on the other hand, remained perfectly composed—just as she had been from the beginning.

It was as if even if the world were ending, she would face it with unshakable calm.

“Well, since there are no bidders, let’s not delay the upcoming auctions…” Victoria said, turning to Elise with an apologetic, awkward expression. “I’m sorry, Elise. Could you please step down from the stage?”

Elise nodded, her demeanor as serene as when she had first walked up.

But just as she lifted the hem of her gown to leave…

“500 thousand!”