"Handbags don't interest me these days," Madilyn stated coldly. She marched forward and seized Arthur's arm. "Arthur, Mr. Slade will be here shortly. Let's go welcome him and ask him to join us later." She deliberately spoke louder, pretending an intimate familiarity with Joseph just so Virginia would get the message about the difference in their status. The Myers family were honored guests of Joseph. The Ford family? They could only watch with envy! Arthur looked uncomfortable. With Jennifer clinging to one arm and his mother tugging the other, he felt stretched between them. "That's enough. We're at the auction now. Mind your behavior," Arthur murmured quietly to both women. "Don't worry, Arthur. I know how to act properly," Jennifer responded with her gentle smile. Arthur simply grunted in reply. Ever since witnessing Chloe being escorted upstairs by Joe, his mind kept conjuring images of her cozying up to a wealthy man, trading her dignity for financial gain. If Chloe had truly sunk that low and people found out, the Myers name would be dirt. How much longer would she keep dragging them through the mud? His grandfather always claimed she was a rare treasure, that marrying her was Arthur's greatest fortune—a blessing for their entire family. Fortune?What nonsense! Grandpa is lying unconscious now. If he wakes up and sees how Chloe is behaving, will he still consider her so precious? Suddenly, excited murmurs rippled through the crowd. Arthur immediately focused. No guessing needed—the main event had arrived. Joseph was here. The doors swung open slowly, revealing Joseph in a classic suit. He greeted the guests with a polite nod and walked into the auction hall with Joe.Right behind them, Landon and Chloe entered the hall in succession. Eugene followed closest behind Chloe, maintaining a slight but noticeable distance. Eugene walked with one hand in his pocket, his expression unreadable. Curiosity filled every face as people observed the group following Joseph. Landon was a known special guest—he managed Cosmos Group's local operations, and most industry insiders recognized him. His presence wasn't surprising. What truly captured everyone's attention were the other two. The stunning woman behind Landon, wearing a light-colored gown, was particularly eye-catching. Everyone had already been wondering about Chloe. She had entered with a red invitation. She'd been publicly invited upstairs to Joseph's private area. Now she walked in right behind Joseph. Who exactly was she?And that man with the commanding presence—who seemed to radiate authority. Who was he? Had anyone ever seen him in Capaville's business circles before? Why did he feel like a complete mystery? Joseph arrived! As the crowd's excitement grew, Madilyn pulled Arthur's arm, signaling him to stay alert. The event hosted over 20 gold invitation holders. Everyone wanted to get closer to Joseph. The Myers family was no exception. "Arthur! Try to strike up a conversation with Mr. Slade later. Make sure he remembers you. With your grandfather incapacitated, you need to seize every opportunity," Madilyn whispered urgently in his ear, her gaze fixed on the entrance. What caught her attention next was Chloe's confident, graceful figure. Madilyn froze momentarily, taken aback.One glance was enough to captivate anyone—regardless of gender. Chloe moved with natural elegance, like a goddess descending to earth. Every gesture held mesmerizing grace. Everyone else seemed dull and common by comparison, completely out of her league. Madilyn's face contorted with jealousy. She emitted a bitter snort. That country girl certainly knows how to clean up well. Hah! All she has is a pretty face to seduce men. And clearly, she's developed some special connection with Mr. Slade. Appearing publicly with him like this? Their relationship couldn't be simple. Madilyn shot a meaningful glance at Jennifer. Now it was Jennifer's time to perform. Jennifer had always craved Arthur's attention, right? Madilyn's eyes flashed with resentment. With Chloe stealing the spotlight, Jennifer would need to find ways to regain Arthur's favor. She should understand what needed to be done. Jennifer caught Madilyn's look and understood at once. Madilyn wanted immediate action. Jennifer had spotted Chloe the moment she entered. Chloe looked absolutely radiant. That dress she wore—nobody knew its origin, but it instantly captured the attention of every wealthy woman present.