?Chapter 40:


    Dani’s gown from Elite Lux quickly became the center of whispered awe among the socialites. Without intending to, she had turned into a living showcase for Elite Lux.


    As the auction unfolded, Joyce, driven by a need to assert her presence, enthusiastically lifted her bidding paddle time and again. She was clearly in no position to fund anything herself—most of the money came from Caiden’s pockets.


    Dani gazed at the stage, her expression one of detached disinterest, while Lillian seethed next to her.


    “This is an outrage! That money was your mother’s. She was the cornerstone of the Harper family’spany. And now, this woman has the audacity to squander it? Dani, how can you remain soposed? I’m livid!”


    Years ago, Caiden had used his charm and striking good looks to win over Dani’s mother, a billionaire heiress. Despite her vast wealth and strong personality, she had fallen hopelessly in love with him, her judgment clouded by affection. Her love for Caiden was fervent, yet she maintained her iron will,pelling him to adopt the role of a docile spouse while he quietly nurtured his bitterness.


    Merely days after the tragic death of Dani’s mother, Caiden hastily married Katrina. The once obedient husband changed overnight, parading around as if he owned the world, reveling in his emancipation and shamelessly unting his elevated status. He had discarded his earlier facade of servility and ttery towards Dani’s mother. It seemed he had even convinced himself of his fabricated narrative—that he was the sole architect behind the sess of Harper Group.


    “There’s no reason to be distressed,” Dani replied aloofly, fidgeting absentmindedly with a small trinket in her hand.


    “Since my mother chose to marry Caiden, he rightfully inherited a portion of her fortune. Whatever he does with it is beyond my concern.”


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    Lillian exhaled a weary sigh. Dani had a knack for amassing wealth, yet she remained indifferent to its allure. She effortlessly generated an abundance of ie, a sum she regarded as trivial, and she never found herself flustered over mere pennies.


    The auction progressed smoothly.


    When a jade tiger was presented, Lillian’s eyes sparkled with excitement. She turned to Dani, her expression filled with earnest hope, imploring her to purchase the striking artifact.


    Lillian, a founding pir of Elite Lux, had umted a fortune in the billions. Money wasn’t an issue for her; she simply wanted Dani to indulge her.


    Dani, ever eager to keep her people happy, found joy in moments like these. Owning the auction house herself, she felt it was only fitting to add a touch of excitement by participating in the bidding.


    With a flourish, Dani lifted her paddle to ce a bid.


    At that moment, Joyce, spotting Dani’s bid, quickly raised her paddle too, eager for the challenge.


    The bidding for the small jade tiger escted from eight million to fifteen million.


    Joyce hesitated, her mind racing as she tried to stay within the constraints of the budget Caiden had set for her.


    In contrast, Dani sat poised and assured, her every movement as she bid exuding autonomy and influence.


    Many spectators, particrly the women, admired herposed yetmanding demeanor, coveting her financial independence and confidence.


    Ovee with envy, Joyce could barely contain herself as whispers of admiration for Dani circted among the socialites gathered around her. Steeling herself, she raised her paddle once more, determination in her hand.


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