Not A Small-Town Girl

Chapter 16-1

When the auction ended, Juniper began to feel her anger rise. "What the hell are those idiots doing? Do they even know what the Crimson Lily is? If it wasn’t for them, it would’ve been ours, no question. It was practically in our hands!" she fumed, clearly pissed off.

She went on for a while, ranting, until she finally noticed Danielle sitting next to her, effortlessly relaxed with a little smirk on her face. She looked like someone who hadn’t been caught up in the chaos at all.

"Aren’t you pissed, Danielle? We got totally screwed out of the Crimson Lily!" Juniper asked, still a little confused by her friend’s cool attitude.

Danielle just shrugged, her tone completely casual. "The Crimson Lily just wasn’t meant to be. Let’s forget about it. The party’s starting. We should go."

Meanwhile, in the VIP box, David sat back on the black leather sofa, one long leg casually crossed over the other. He held a glass of red wine, his gaze fixed ahead, exuding the kind of regal energy that made people take notice.

After a beat, he spoke up, his voice calm but authoritative. "Who’s in room number two?"

Nathan, standing nearby, replied, his voice respectful. "It’s someone using the alias ’Anonymous’ from Black Web. He’s the founder, and a total mystery.

"You remember the miracle healer who did the surgery on the old man? That was arranged through Black Web. But we have no clue what ’Anonymous’ wants with the Crimson Lily."

David pursed his lips and narrowed his eyes, but Nathan couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

As night fell, the manor was lit up beautifully. The main hall, in particular, was lavishly decorated, and the fountain at the entrance to the hall was set alight with spotlights, reflecting a multitude of shimmery colors and splendor.

Laughter could be heard echoing through the halls as the attendees exchanged name cards and traded banter, most of which was about business.

"Danielle, let’s grab a bite," Juniper said as they entered the hall and laid eyes on the array of hors d’oeuvres and pastries. Both women shared a love of sweets, and they kept to themselves in an inconspicuous corner as they sampled the offerings.

"Juniper, this strawberry shortcake is to die for. Try it," Danielle gushed. It seemed like she had transformed into a girly teen again under the spell of the desserts.

"Oh my god, you have to try this Orange Swiss Roll, too," Juniper said as she took a big bite.

David had made his way to the main hall as well. Dressed in his custom-made suit that accentuated his figure, he kept a close eye on the two ladies while sipping on his wine.

Nathan stood at his side, a little puzzled as to why his boss had decided to attend the party but refrained from socializing with anyone. In the past,