Chapter 4

The group of men spoke in low tones, but their words carried a sharp edge, and the occasional glances they threw Jaycie's way made it clear their comments were meant for her ears.

She didn't react, though. Soon enough, they'd be standing before her, addressing her respectfully due to her real identity.

The auction continued, and the next item was brought to the stage—a crystal sculpture named "Timeless Harmony". The piece was exquisite, made from high-quality crystal, but what really caught everyone's attention was the auctioneer's announcement that it was the work of Castiel Rivero, the legendary master of crystal sculpture.

Eileen's eyes lit up when she heard Castiel's name. She immediately raised her bidding paddle and turned to Cole. "This piece has incredible value! Your grandmother's birthday is the day after tomorrow. This would be perfect as a gift for her!"

Jaycie, who had glanced up at the sculpture when Castiel's name was mentioned, quickly looked away. Her voice was calm but carried a weight that seemed to douse Eileen's excitement. "It's a fake."

Eileen stared at her, disbelief written all over her face. She was about to snap back with something like, "What would you know, you country bumpkin?" But with Cole sitting right there, she forced a polite smile instead. "And how would you know that, Ms. Stanton?"

Jaycie replied evenly, "Because the real one was given by the heiress of the Stantons to her grandmother."

There was only one authentic piece in the world, and it was in her family's possession. The one on the stage had to be a counterfeit.

Jaycie had meant it as a simple warning, but Eileen burst into laughter, and the group of men behind them joined in, their mocking voices growing louder.

"Jaycie, if you don't know what you're talking about, just keep quiet. You're embarrassing yourself."

"Yeah, and what, were you hiding under the bed when the Stanton heiress gave it to her grandma? Or do you think just because your last name is Stanton, you're somehow related to the great Stanton family?"

Their laughter and jeers grew until Cole finally shut them down with a cold glare. He turned to Jaycie, taking her hand in his. "Jaycie, I know you've been reading up on art appreciation lately, but you can't learn everything from books. Eileen's been attending auctions since she was a kid, and she's studied crystal sculptures extensively. She knows what she's talking about."

His words weren't harsh, but the implication was clear—he thought she was wrong.

Jaycie simply smiled and said nothing.

In the end, Eileen spent a staggering 15 million to win the bid for the sculpture. As she swiped her card to complete the purchase, Jaycie couldn't help but chuckle. She wondered how Cole's grandmother would react when she found out her gift was a fake.

Jaycie didn't intervene or dwell on it. She excused herself to the restroom. As she washed her hands, a familiar voice rang out behind her.

"Jaycie, I thought I made myself clear. Yet here you are, still clinging to him. Are you really that desperate to be a mistress?"

The voice was sharp and cutting, a far cry from the poised and gentle demeanor Eileen had displayed earlier.

Jaycie turned to face her, her expression calm. "Ms. Wise, let's get one thing straight. I've been with him for five years. If anyone's a mistress, it's not me."

She moved to leave, but Eileen wasn't done. "Five years, and he still hasn't married you. Ever wonder why? I'm the Wises' heiress, and he's the heir to Benson Corp. We're a perfect match. But you? What do you have? A father who gambles and a sick mother. Your family's a mess. What could you possibly offer him?"

Jaycie froze. The story about her family was one she'd made up on a whim, but she hadn't expected Cole to share it with Eileen. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. If her background were truly that bleak, then her so-called boyfriend—the one who claimed to love only her—had handed Eileen yet another weapon to hurt her with.

"You're right," Jaycie said, the ache in her heart sharp but fleeting. "I'm not good enough for him. You two are perfect for each other. I hope you'll be very happy together."

With that, she walked away.

Not long after, her phone rang. It was her mother, Andrea Stanton.

"Jaycie, you need to come home soon. The whole family's waiting for you, and we've got so many gifts for you! Your father and I bought you a castle overseas. Megan got you a diamond tiara—apparently, it once belonged to the Queen of Angloland. And your uncle filled an entire garage with luxury cars for you…"

As Andrea rambled on about the extravagant gifts awaiting her, Jaycie couldn't help but laugh. "Mom, I'm coming back to take over the family business, not to bankrupt it."

Just as she finished speaking, a familiar voice came from behind her.

"What do you mean, 'take over the family business'?"