Amelia Wright turned around to see Hailey Smith pushing a wheelchair over, a tall man seated on it.
Although seated in a wheelchair and thus shorter than those around him, he seemed to sit on a throne looking down on everyone. The man wore a golden half-mask, and the visible eyes were filled with disdain for the world.
Julius Shaw?
What was he doing here?
Everyone was staring at the man in the wheelchair. Was this the second young master, rumored to have a violent temper and never seen by outsiders?
This was the first public appearance of the Wright family's second young master, stirring curiosity about the face behind the mask.
The waiter at the door of the Jade and Gold Pavilion was already sweating heavily.
What had he done? He actually blocked the Wright family's Young Madam!
Hailey Smith pushed Julius Shaw to Amelia Wright's side.
Julius Shaw's cold eyes turned to Elijah Jefferson and Marsh Smith, exuding the air of a reigning queen...
Marsh Smith, with a darkened face, withdrew back to Ava Wright's side. He could deceive Amelia Wright privately, but he didn't dare to offend the Shaw family.
Elijah Jefferson and Julius Shaw exchanged glances, showing no fear. Elijah waved to Amelia and said, "Little one, since your male companion is here, I'll take my leave."
Amelia Wright nodded in thanks to Elijah.
She then bent slightly, lowered her voice, and said, "Julius Shaw, what do you want to do?"
Previously, at the Elegant Art Academy, he had suddenly appeared, tied her up, and tasted defeat at her hands. Now he appeared here again without reason.
Amelia wasn't sure what Julius Shaw intended, but she knew this man's nature could very likely disrupt her plans.
Julius Shaw leaned close to Amelia, warm breath by her ear, "Don't be nervous. I'm just here as your male companion. Look, I'm even pretending to be crippled, sitting in a wheelchair."
"You're not to do anything unnecessary today," Amelia said coldly.
"Are you ordering me?" The corner of Julius Shaw's eye under the mask lifted slightly, as if surprised by Amelia's attitude.
Amelia's tone carried an even stronger warning. "Behave, or I'll knock you out right now!"
Julius Shaw seemed a little stunned.
Amelia had already straightened up, standing beside Julius Shaw's wheelchair.
Only then did Julius Shaw look toward the Jade and Gold Pavilion, cold and forceful: "Remember her face. Remember the face of the Shaw family's mistress. If there's a next time, this auction at the Jade and Gold Pavilion will not happen."
The doorman sat down with a thud, and the manager of the Jade and Gold Pavilion kept apologizing.
Even while sitting in a wheelchair, no one dared to belittle Julius Shaw, because he represented the Shaw family.
Amelia gently placed her hand on Julius Shaw's shoulder in warning.
She knew all too well what kind of person Julius Shaw was and what terrifying things he could easily do.
She couldn't let him ruin today's auction.
Feeling the slight pressure of the hand on his shoulder, Julius Shaw finally relented.
He and Amelia entered the venue together.
A server approached to take Amelia's coat.
In that moment, it was as if a light had illuminated a dark place.
Amelia was dressed in a gradient silk sky-blue gown, as if she had draped the night sky over her shoulders, yet even the vast sky couldn't overshadow her beauty.
Her skin was whiter than snow, her waist slender enough to hold, her long hair casually tied at the back of her head, and her slightly pale face had an enchanting beauty, like a celestial being walking on clouds, instinctively making people want to support her for fear she might fall.
The audience was mesmerized.
They were shocked by Amelia's beauty and the fact she wore the dress they all dreamed of having.
That seemingly low-key gown was never for sale by the Jade and Gold Pavilion.
It was a dress they couldn't buy even if they had the money.
This dress was the best invitation.
Some people in the venue began to reflect on their previous mockery of Amelia, which now felt like a slap in their own faces.
The doorman at the Jade and Gold Pavilion actually slapped himself.
Their store's treasure was worn by the Shaw family's Young Madam. Even with a coat on, he should have recognized her.
The beautiful woman and the man in the wheelchair, with a mask on his face, somehow made a perfect pair.
Oliver Wright saw Amelia appear and immediately stood up, calling out to her: "Amelia, over here."
Amelia, thinking about how long she had waited outside, realized Oliver was already here.
She went over to Oliver, and Julius Shaw naturally followed.
Someone whispered to Oliver that the man in the wheelchair was the Wright family's second young master. Oliver's eyes lit up, feeling more pleasantly surprised than he had expected.
Not only did Amelia come, she also brought the Wright family's second young master. This meant today's auction would go smoothly.
All the notable figures present saw Amelia with the Shaw family's second young master, seated beside Oliver.
The rumors of the Shaw family despising the Wright family were thus effortlessly dispelled.
The second young master had shown up, clearly supporting the Wright family.
Ava Wright was not by the Wright family's side; she was with Marsh Smith.
The jealousy in her heart was overflowing.
Why was Amelia the center of attention?
Those envious gazes should have been hers!
The auction soon began.
Oliver Wright successfully acquired a few items at not too high prices.
With the Shaw family's second young master present, no one dared to openly compete with Oliver.
Amelia lazily leaned back against her chair, appearing lethargic and not attempting to bid on anything.
Perhaps it was because in a past life, she was busy every day, doing too much. Reincarnated Amelia, except for when seeking revenge, was mostly lazy, not moving if she could, lying down if she had the option.
Julius Shaw was watching Amelia without any concern for others.
Hailey Smith simply watched his master...
Until an auction item appeared.
It was a painting of High Mountain and Flowing Water.
Amelia sat up slightly; this was a piece by Robert Reed, her inexpensive teacher.
Julius Shaw, always observing Amelia, naturally noticed where her gaze landed.
The charismatic hostess excitedly introduced, "An early masterpiece of Master Painter Robert Reed, starting at five million."
Soon someone began bidding.
"Six million."
"Seven million."
Marsh Smith placed his bid for the first time: "Eight million."
A female voice from a private box said: "Ten million."
Marsh Smith continued bidding: "Eleven million."
The person didn't relent: "Thirteen million."
Marsh Smith gritted his teeth: "Fourteen million."
The woman continued to increase the bid: "Eighteen million."
Marsh Smith was furious; it was clear this person was determined to fight him to the end.
And the way she increased her bid seemed more generous, as if she didn't lack money.
The painting's value was just about that, and any higher bids wouldn't be worth it.
Marsh Smith spoke softly to Ava Wright beside him, "Ava, it seems that person really likes this piece, and a gentleman doesn't take what others love. Let's not compete any further."
Ava Wright bit her lip and looked down without speaking.
At this moment, Ava felt even more disdain for Marsh Smith. He couldn't even afford a painting, just over ten million, and he already gave up.
She always wanted the best of everything; the excuse of a gentleman not taking what others want was just a lack of ability.
If only... if only she could marry the Shaw family's eldest young master.
Amelia had only married the Shaw family's crippled young master, yet people at today's auction were treating her like royalty.
"Eighteen million, first call."
"Eighteen million, second call."
Beside Amelia, the cold, aristocratic voice of the man in the wheelchair spoke: "Thirty million."