Chapter 840:
The manager’s expression darkened, his brows knitting tightly. “Our auction house operates with the utmost fairness. We don’t conspire with guests. But if you keep stirring up trouble and throwing baseless accusations, don’t blame us if you’re permanently blacklisted from future events.”
Katie’s face turned ghostly pale at the warning. A blacklist from this auction house? News of that would spread through elite circles like wildfire. If that happened, nobody would want anything to do with her.
Her mind shifted to Thea, who used to be seen at every social function by her side. Yet, Thea had mysteriously vanished along with her entire family. And the Reed Group? Obliterated in the blink of an eye. Dorfield no longer had any trace of them.
The Reed empire. The internet was already buzzing with whispers—rumors claiming the entire Reed family had fled overseas.
Brendon felt a sharp pang of anxiety twist in his gut. If Katie were blacklisted from the auction house, the entire Dawson family’s reputation would take a serious hit. He hastily said to the auction house manager, “My sincerest apologies—my sister spoke without thinking. She truly didn’t mean any harm. I deeply regret the incident and hope you’ll be generous enough to let this slide.”
Then, turning to Katie with a frigid expression, he shot her a cutting glare. “Apologize. Now.”
Katie’s cheeks flushed a deep red, heat burning beneath her skin. Her fists balled tightly at her sides, and her molars ground together as she bit down hard in frustration. She didn’t believe she’d said anything wrong, but with the auction house manager’s sharp threat hanging in the air, she had no choice but to apologize.
Head lowered, she gave in. “I’m sorry. I was out of line. I shouldn’t have spoken so rashly or accused the auction house of being unfair. Please forgive me this time.”
The manager’s face remained stoic, unbothered by her reluctant apology. “You need to apologize to this lady as well,” he said, gesturing toward Christina—the woman Katie had publicly doubted.
𝔽𝗂𝗋𝖲𝗍 𝖘𝗍𝗈𝗋𝗒 𝗋𝖾𝗅𝖾𝖺𝗌𝖾 at ⳑ𝖆Ⱡ𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․ⅽ𝗈𝗆
Katie’s insides churned with bitterness. Her fists clenched tighter, her teeth grinding in protest. Why in the world should she apologize to that insufferable woman?
“Move it, Katie. Apologize,” Brendon said sharply, his tone ice-cold and laced with a warning.
With visible reluctance, Katie forced the words out. “Sorry. I misunderstood you. Please forgive me.”
“Apology accepted. I’m not that petty, after all,” Christina replied coolly, a frosty smirk tugging at her lips. “Just remember to use that brain of yours and think before you talk next time.”
“You—” Katie fumed, practically shaking with rage, but Yolanda quickly reached out to hold her back, murmuring urgently, “Calm down. Don’t lose your temper.” Turning to Christina, Yolanda offered a soft smile and said in a honeyed tone, “Christina, there’s really no need to take Katie’s offhand words so seriously. She used to be your sister-in-law. Couldn’t you show her a little patience?”
“Spare me your fake smiles and nonsense. Reserve them for those retarded audience of yours,” Christina cut in bluntly. “I am not a fan of your manipulative tricks.” With that, she turned away, pointedly dismissing them without another glance.
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