Chapter 2 The Auction and Wine Tasting Event

Julian squinted, trying to get a better look at the dazzling figure in front of him.

The woman had her back to them, her skin glowing under the lights, looking all delicate and tempting. She was rocking a golden, shimmering evening gown that made her look like she was wrapped in starlight and moonlight, just oozing beauty.

How could he have forgotten someone so striking?

In a moment of realization, Julian's mind clicked – that silhouette, that posture, it had to be Cecilia.

Right on cue, Cecilia turned around and started walking towards them, all graceful and stuff.

Her face was so stunning that everyone around couldn't help but stare. Julian and Tamsin both froze for a moment.

"Is that Cecilia? She's gorgeous," Tamsin said, her eyes glued to Cecilia, trying to hide her envy and jealousy.

If Cecilia was a striking flower, then Tamsin was just the plain green leaf next to her.

"Yeah," Julian replied, trying to sound casual.

Cecilia usually didn't go for such flashy outfits; Julian had expected her to dress modestly like she always did. But tonight, she was shining bright.

People around them started whispering. "Isn't that Mrs. Russell? She's got such a presence. But why is Mr. Russell  accompanying Tamsin?"

"That's their business, let's not get into it."

Cecilia chuckled softly as she stopped in front of Julian and Tamsin, her strong presence making Tamsin shiver.

She glanced at Tamsin's wrist, making Tamsin quickly pull her hand away from Julian's arm.

"I'm Cecilia, but you can call me Mrs. Russell," Cecilia said, extending her hand to Tamsin. "Julian talks about you a lot. Even though you come from a humble background, your knowledge and taste in wine are quite impressive."

"Thank you, Mrs. Russell," Tamsin said shyly, shaking Cecilia's hand. "I just know a little about wine."

Cecilia nodded and looked at Julian, who had been silent. "Seems like Julian values you a lot. Keep it up."

Julian stared at Cecilia for a long time, feeling a bit thrown off by this new, sharp-edged version of her. He finally spoke, "Tamsin doesn't have much experience. I brought her here to familiarize herself with these sorts of events before she goes abroad."

'How thoughtful. When has he ever shown me such consideration?' Cecilia thought, a sneer twisting her lips. The effort Julian expended on Tamsin dwarfed anything he'd ever done for her.

Everyone in Skyview City knew Cecilia was just Julian's wife in name only. Tamsin, the ever-present college student, was the true favorite.

How ridiculous and pathetic. But none of that mattered to Cecilia now.

She was at the banquet not just to embarrass Julian and Tamsin but for another reason too.

During the peak of the banquet, there would be an auction of fine wines, a perfect chance for her to make some serious money.

"Well, I won't keep you. See you around." With that, Cecilia walked away gracefully.

Julian pressed his lips together. Tonight's Cecilia felt like a stranger; he couldn't believe this was the same spoiled and arrogant woman he knew.

He'd been bracing himself for a confrontation, but she'd simply walked away.

Cecilia gently pushed open the balcony door of the banquet hall, letting the breeze take away the noise and stuffiness. She took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling much better.

"Stargazing?" a smooth, masculine voice asked.

Cecilia then noticed a man standing by the balcony railing, holding a lit cigarette and smiling at her.

She remembered this guy was Alaric, a big shot in the overseas black market.

Cecilia smiled and said, "Just getting some fresh air."

Alaric took a drag from his cigarette, then paused and asked, "Mind the smoke?"

Cecilia blinked and shook her head, signaling it was fine.

Moonlight bathed Alaric, the smoke swirling around him like a light veil, giving the scene a dreamy, ethereal vibe.

They stood there in silence for a bit.

After a while, Alaric broke the silence, staring at her. "You're very charming."

"Thanks, so are you," Cecilia replied, meeting his gaze, her eyes sparkling under the starlight. "I should head back in."

"I'll join you," Alaric said, tossing his cigarette into the trash with a playful smile.

They walked back inside together, catching Julian's gaze from across the room.

Alaric raised an eyebrow at Julian, a look of defiance that made Julian's expression darken even more.

Cecilia had no interest in dealing with him; he and Tamsin were busy tasting wine.

Tamsin was really good at appreciating wine; she knew her stuff and could identify different aromas and flavors. She also had a knack for promoting wine.

In her previous life, Julian had genuine feelings for her, partly because of her skills. At this wine auction, Tamsin helped Julian score some valuable wines.

Cecilia just gave Julian a faint smile and found a seat on the side.

The fine wine auction soon began.

In her element, Tamsin got a bit bold, successfully bidding on five bottles of fine wine.

Julian sat beside her, massaging her right hand that had been holding the bidding paddle, making her blush even more.

The auctioneer announced, "Macallan 1926, starting bid at $500,000!"

"Two and a half million dollars," Cecilia calmly raised the bid, drawing everyone's attention and making the atmosphere tense and excited.

Julian frowned; Cecilia didn't know much about wine. Was she losing it again?

At that moment, Alaric raised his paddle. "Five million dollars."

Seeing this, Kian, who sat beside Alaric, widened his eyes in shock. Cecilia shot a cold glance at Alaric. "Ten million dollars."

Kian's jaw dropped. "Are you guys nuts? No Macallan is worth that much!"

The room buzzed with commotion, people whispering and discussing.

Julian couldn't stay calm anymore. He pulled up Cecilia's contact on his phone and sent a message: [Cecilia, what are you doing?]

"Fifty million dollars," Alaric said with a roguish smile.

Was he messing with her on purpose? Cecilia bit her lip in anger, glaring at Alaric. "One hundred million dollars."

Julian was furious, typing: [Crazy!]

Alaric shrugged, politely gesturing for Cecilia to take the bid.

"One hundred million dollars, once! One hundred million dollars, twice! One hundred million dollars, three times! Sold!" The auctioneer's gavel struck, and the room erupted in applause and cheers.

Cecilia took a deep breath. She got the wine, but the price had skyrocketed for no reason! Just thinking of Alaric's face made her grit her teeth in anger.

"Holy crap! Cecilia's a badass," Kian nudged Alaric. "That death glare was scary. If she kills you, I won't help hide the body."

"She won't," Alaric said with a light smile.

Tamsin was stunned by the scene. She tugged at Julian's sleeve. "Mr. Russell, Cecilia was a bit impulsive this time."

Julian just nodded slightly, then noticed Cecilia hadn't even looked at his message, his face darkening further. "When she suffers the consequences, I won't help her."