Chapter 4
As soon as Rosa stepped into the auction hall, she headed for her seat. But just as she was about to sit down, someone yanked the chair out from behind her.
She didn’t even have time to react. With a dull thud, she landed hard on the floor pain shooting straight up her tailbone. Her face went ghostly pale.-/
She tried to push herself up, but before she could, a cold splash of red wine poured night over her head in an instant, her carefully chosen dress and flawless makeup were ruined. The room, which had been quiet a moment ago, erupted in laughter.
When Rosa looked up, she saw the three Schuler brothers standing over her, looking down like she was nothing
Lev’s eyes were icy, nanowed in disdain. “Didn’t you say you’d never come looking for us again? What happened? Couldn’t help yourself?”
Austin smirked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. 1 almost believed you’d finally moved on. But then I hear the Schuler family has a wedding coming up in two weeks. So, which one of us did you choose?
Aiden’s expression was dark, his jaw clenched tight. “Doesn’t matter who you pick. Let me wam you–this is just a taste. If you actually marry into our family, things will only get worke
Their cold words sent a ripple of whispers and gasps through the crowd
“God, how humiliating. The heiress of such a big family treated like that
They’ve never liked her, those Schuler boys. If it were me, I would’ve given up ages ago.”
Tight? She’s not even mamed yet and already suffering. Imagine what life will be like if she goes through with it
People pointed and gossiped, some with smug delight, others with a bit of pity.
Rosa drew a shaky breath. After a long pause, she dug out a few wipes from her purse, cleaned the sticky wine from her face and arms, then quietly righted her chair and sat down
I say this one last time she said, her voice steady. “Yes, I’m getting married in t
two weeks but none of you are the groom
Lev frowned. “Aren’t you manying into the Schuler family?”
am, Rosa replied, calm and dear
Austin gave a cold laugh. “So first it’s no, now it’s yes? Besides us, who else could you be marrying in the Schuler family? You think playing games will get our Attention?”
Aiden rolled his eyes, sounding totally fed up. “You really think any of this will change our minds? We don’t like you. Abby’s the only one we care about. Stop wasting your time
Rose opened her mouth to answer but at that moment, the auction officially started.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight’s charity auction. Let me introduce our first item. I
Abigail, looking soft and gentle, tugged on the boys‘ slaves. “Lev, Austin, Aiden, Ms. Swanson is still engaged to your family. She’ll be Mrs. Schuler soon–maybe you shouldn’t treat her like this.
“Abby you’re the one we want, the brothers answered, practically in unison. Even if we marry
ry her, it’s just a title. She’ll never mean as much to us as you do.”
Trying to impress Abigail, the three of them started bidding on everything she showed the slightest interest in
Ross ignored them, staying quiet as she waited for the last lot to come up.
Finally, the auctioneer presented the watch
The moment the bidding started, Rose raised her paddle. She kept bidding, not hesitating outbidding everyone else every single time. The Schuler brothers glanced over, clearly annoyed.
The watch, called Devotion, was obviously meant as a gift Probably for one of them, everyone gueled
How ndculous, they thought. She’d been rejected again and again, but here she was, still trying to please them.
But in the and Hops won the watcht
She held in her hand–fat solid, expensive, and meaningful She couldn’t help but imagine how Phil would look weaning it
As the auction drew in a close and Roca got ready to leave, she heard Abigail’s faint, trembling voice cut through the noise
“Tenc Austin, Aiden, my stomach wally hurts. I think it’s that time of the month. Could you maybe help me buy, um, those supplies?
nearest
The brothers instantly tensed, exchanging serious glances Without a word, they split up–cne rushed off to buy sanitary products, another headed for the ne pharmacy, and the third pulled out his phone to call the private doctor
