Chapter 221

Serena's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, before we move to our silent auction items, I have an exciting addition to tonight's program," Rachel announced with her beautiful charm.

I have a vague feeling of a bad premonition.

The crowd of elites turned their attention to the stage, champagne glasses pausing mid-sip. Rachel continued, "We're adding a special auction lot - a spotlight dance at the Winter Ball tonight. Two lucky ladies will be selected to have their first dances auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting the Children's Hospital's new pediatric wing."

I observed the subtle reactions around the room. The crowd was buzzing with discussion. I saw clear anticipation on Nina's face. I felt this was a trap set up for me.

"Any volunteers?" Rachel's voice carried across the room.

The room buzzed with nervous energy. Several groomed girls shifted in their seats, chatting with their mothers quietly.

Atticus knocked back his wine and leaned over. "You should do it. I'll make sure you outshine everyone tonight."

"Save it," I replied, though he just grinned at my response.

When the volunteers failed to materialize, Rachel smoothly pivoted. "Well then, let's make this more interesting. Everyone received a numbered paddle for tonight's auction. I'll draw two numbers, and those ladies will have the honor of participating in our special lot."

A wave of relief swept through the room - the burden of choice lifted from their feet.

"Number 5," Rachel announced.

Nina stood up, wearing a emerald gown while trying to channel old Hollywood ingenue. "That's me," she said with practiced modesty.

"Nina Sinclair, everyone!" Rachel's tone warmed considerably. "One of Manhattan's brightest young philanthropists. Please, join us on stage."

As Nina made her way up, Rachel pulled another number. "Number 71."

My auction paddle suddenly felt heavy in my hand. My brain kept thinking about possible scenarios and considering countermeasures.

"Do we have number 71?" Rachel's voice carried just a hint of knowing. Her words snapped me back to reality.

Atticus, never missing a chance to stir the pot, smirked. "What are the odds? The Sinclair sisters in the spotlight again."

I shot him a icy look. This was no coincidence. Rachel would have had her staff memorize every major donor's paddle number before the event even started.

"Number 71..."

"Right here," Atticus called out, ignoring my death glare.

Rachel's surprise was sounded pompous. "Serena? Oh, this is perfect! Our two most generous young donors together. Please, come up."

"Of course," Having accepted this reality and with a plan already formed in my mind, I drew a quiet breath and responded with composure.

I made my way toward stage, catching the light. I catched Lucas's caring gaze, and the raw emotion in his eyes threatened to crack my composed facade. Forcing myself to ignore his tender look, I found my heels carrying me to the stage almost of their own accord.

Nina's POV

I'd spent hours with my stylist perfecting tonight's look - a emerald gown and Winston diamonds. Standing on the stage, I could feel the appreciative glances. I know my strengths - an innocent, vulnerable expression. But then Serena glided onto the stage, and suddenly it was like I'd become invisible.

God, I've always envied her effortless grace. She has that rare quality that makes even Vogue editors do double-takes - the kind of presence that makes everyone else, even someone like Rachel Thorne look like they're wearing off-the-rack from the department store.

Watching her step up, I felt my society smile falter. I could literally track the moment when every fund manager and real estate mogul's attention shifted from me to her. Once again, she'd stolen the spotlight without even trying.

Fighting back my irritation, I listened as Rachel announced, "Well, this is turning into quite the New York moment. Two of Manhattan's favorite sisters - I couldn't have planned it better myself."

After some society small talk, Rachel got down to business: "Let's move on to the highlight of our evening. We'll be auctioning off the first dance with these lovely ladies. Nina, you're first up."

I stepped forward, channeling my best charming smile as I took the microphone. Playing up my sweetheart image, I said, "I'm honored to be part of tonight's St. Jude's Children's Hospital benefit. As a first-time participant in this wonderful tradition, I'm truly touched by everyone's presence. I hope you'll all bid generously to support such an incredible cause."

The bidding started:

"Two hundred thousand."

"Three hundred thousand."

"Five hundred thousand."

"Eight hundred thousand."

Finally, some tech mogul won my first dance for a million dollars. Despite his messy hair and inappropriate clothes, the price point saved face. I'd expected maybe half that, and there had been decent competition from several venture capitalists - not too shabby.

Then came Serena's turn. I watched with barely concealed disdain as she took the mic: "St. Jude's Children's Hospital holds a special place in my heart. While this dance auction is a cherished tradition, I encourage everyone to save their most generous bids for the remarkable items we have later tonight."

Watching her effortlessly command the attention of every power player in the room, I felt that familiar burning resentment.

She was always putting on this holier-than-thou act, spouting empty platitudes. I couldn't stand her attitude - she obviously loved the attention just as much as anyone else, so why put up this pretentious act of being above it all? I silently fumed, cursing her name.

But Rachel had promised everything was arranged - the key players had been persuaded to keep their paddles down during Serena's auction. I hid my smirk behind my champagne flute, anticipating the coming humiliation.

Rachel raised her diamond-adorned wrist to adjust her microphone, announcing with excitement, "The bidding for the first dance with Serena Sinclair, CEO of StarRiver Group, begins now!"