Disguised As A Boy To Attend Belmont High School
Chapter 168: Sold!!!

Chapter 168: Sold!!!

Lucas’s face lit up, his grin wide. "Deal."

"So..." Olive began, her curiosity piqued. "Tell me, what exactly is this party about? Yeah, I get that it’s a gathering of the rich, but what’s the actual purpose? What are you celebrating?" Her brows arched inquisitively.

Lucas chuckled lightly. "It’s an auction party. Every prominent family brings treasures to be put on auction, and whoever bids the highest wins. But it’s more than that, it’s also a social event, a chance for families to network, form alliances, and seal business deals."

Olive’s eyes widened as the weight of his explanation sank in. "An auction party? That sounds... intense."

Lucas nodded, his expression softening. "It is. For families like ours, it’s a significant tradition. The stakes go beyond just money, it’s about power and influence."

Olive’s mind wandered as she processed the information, the enormity of it making her feel both intrigued and slightly daunted. Before she could dwell too much, Lucas’s tone shifted, his voice warm but firm. "Just remember, Olive, you’re with me. No one will bother you."

Her lips curved into a reassuring smile. "Got it."

As they finished their impromptu picnic, Olive found herself battling a mix of emotions. The morning had been a whirlwind of surprises, each moment more breathtaking than the last. Lucas’s efforts to make her happy were undeniably touching, and while she didn’t want to admit it out loud, she had enjoyed herself immensely.

_______________

The full moon cast its silvery glow over the cityscape, illuminating the skyline with a dreamlike radiance. The distant hum of car horns echoed faintly, blending with the soft symphony of urban life. From afar, the twinkling city lights resembled scattered fireflies dancing in the night.

"All right, how do I look, my lady?" Lucas’s voice interrupted the stillness as he emerged from the bathroom, impeccably dressed in a tailored black suit with a crisp white shirt and a black bow tie. His confidence radiated effortlessly.

Olive looked him over, her lips curling into a playful smile. "You look perfect, sire," she replied, her tone teasing.

She herself was dressed in a matching suit, the sharp lines accentuating her slender figure. Her curly brown hair was tied neatly into a bun, giving her a striking, boyish charm.

Lucas crossed the room and sat beside her, his intense gaze locking onto her face. He lifted a hand, his fingers gently tracing her cheek. "You look... absolutely stunning," he murmured, his voice filled with admiration.

Olive’s cheeks warmed under his touch, and she offered a soft, "Thank y..."

Before she could finish, Lucas leaned in, pressing his lips against hers in a kiss that was tender yet fervent. His arms wrapped around her, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. Olive, momentarily stunned, melted into the moment, her hands instinctively finding their way to the back of his neck.

It felt like time had stopped. For Olive, this was their first real kiss since officially becoming a couple, and it was everything she hadn’t realized she’d been yearning for.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

The sound jolted them back to reality. Lucas sighed, pulling away reluctantly as he stood to answer the door. He opened it to reveal Aiden, Lara, and Mark, all dressed to the nines in elegant formalwear.

"Hey, guys!" Lucas greeted them with a grin, ushering them inside.

Aiden’s jaw dropped as he took in the opulent suite. "Lucas, you’ve really outdone yourself this time."

Lara’s lips curled into a sly grin. "I see Olive’s been thoroughly spoiled. And damn! You look so hot in that suit!" Her gaze flicked over Olive, who chuckled lightly.

"Thanks, Lara. And might I add, you look absolutely stunning in that evening gown," Olive replied warmly.

Lara beamed, twirling playfully. "Why, thank you! But seriously, this place is incredible."

"Okay, okay, enough admiring the decor," Mark interjected, his tone urgent. "The party’s about to start. We need to head downstairs before Mrs. George starts breathing fire."

The group laughed, nodding in agreement. They knew better than to test her patience.

As they descended into the grand ballroom, the sound of laughter, music, and clinking glasses enveloped them. The space was dazzling, a masterpiece of opulence and elegance.

The walls were adorned with intricate gold-leaf patterns, while frescoed ceilings depicted celestial scenes. Polished marble floors, gleaming under the light of ornate chandeliers, reflected the vibrant hues of the lavish decor. A live orchestra played soft, classical melodies from a secluded alcove, adding to the room’s sophistication.

To one side, an area was cordoned off for the auction. Exquisite treasures were displayed on pedestals: rare artwork, glittering jewels, and priceless antiques. Rows of plush, cream-colored chairs awaited the eager bidders. Nearby, buffet tables groaned under the weight of culinary masterpieces, and pyramids of champagne glasses sparkled invitingly.

Olive’s breath hitched as she stepped instead further. She felt like she had been transported to another world. Lara, walking beside her, looked equally awestruck.

"Remember," Lucas whispered softly into Olive’s ear, his presence reassuring. "I’m here. You’ll be fine."

Olive gave him a small, grateful smile as they moved through the crowd. However, moments later, Lucas excused himself. "I need to show my face to my mother. I’ll be back soon," he promised, disappearing into the sea of guests.

"Well, I guess it’s just you and me tonight," Lara said, grabbing two glasses of juice from a passing server and handing one to Olive. "With the boys caught up in family business, we’ll have to make our own fun."

Olive laughed softly. "I figured as much. But hey, at least I’ve got you. Let’s make the most of it."

As they sipped their drinks, Lara’s eyes locked onto a familiar face across the room. "Oh, look who it is."

Annabella, clad in a flowing blue floral gown, had spotted them as well and wasted no time striding over. "You two are here?" she said with a smug smile. "I suppose being friends with the 3RM has its perks."

"And what about you?" Lara clearly annoyed shot back, her tone sharp. "Last I heard, you were still on rocky terms with your dad. Surprised he let you show your face after you embarrassed him."

"Lara," Olive chided gently, trying to diffuse the tension. "Let’s not...."

But the damage was done. Annabella’s face flushed with anger as she turned on her heel and stormed off.

"I suppose bad habits die hard though. She’s not in prison and now I guess her bad behaviors might return soon since her friend Rose is already given a scholarship." Lara gritted her teeth in anger. "That spoilt brat!"

The auctioneer’s voice boomed through the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, the auction is about to begin. Please take your seats."

The group quickly regrouped with Lucas, Aiden, and Mark, settling into their seats near the front. The atmosphere grew charged as the first item was revealed.

"We present the pièce de résistance of tonight’s auction: the legendary ’Starlight Serenade’ necklace!" the auctioneer announced with a flourish.

Gasps rippled through the crowd as the necklace a masterpiece of diamonds and sapphires was unveiled.

Lucas leaned toward Olive. "That’s a rare piece," he explained. "Crafted by one of Europe’s finest jewelers. It’s from his first collection."

The bidding began in earnest.

"Five hundred dollars," one bidder started confidently.

"Six hundred!" came another voice.

"Two thousand!"

The numbers climbed rapidly, and soon a bold voice declared, "Ten million dollars."

Olive and Lara froze, their heads snapping toward Lucas, who stood confidently.

"Lucas!" Lara hissed, her eyes wide. "Are you serious?"

He didn’t flinch. "The value of that necklace is worth more than that but others just can’t see it."

The auctioneer’s voice rang out: "Ten million going once, going twice....sold!"