The Surrogate He Discarded

The first item was brought onto the stage. The bidding began.

Paddles rose almost immediately.

Mary watched from her seat, and the tension in her shoulders finally eased.

A satisfied smile curved her lips.

This was her territory, her stage.

She knew how to run a gala. She knew which families mattered, which businessmen were willing to spend, and which influential guests needed to be seen making generous donations.

She had planned this evening down to the smallest detail. For the first time that night, Mary felt completely in control. At last, everyone’s attention was exactly where it belonged...

On the auction. On the gala.

And, most importantly—

on her, Mary Dalton.

...

The first few auction items went smoothly.

A diamond necklace was sold for a staggering amount. A famous sculpture followed, triggering a fierce bidding war between two wealthy businessmen who seemed more interested in defeating each other than supporting the charity.

The ballroom buzzed with excitement.

Mary Dalton sat among the distinguished guests, wearing a satisfied smile.

This was the atmosphere she had wanted. People flaunting their money and influence... their social circle where Isobel could never belong.

Every successful bid added to the prestige of the evening—and to hers as the hostess.

She glanced toward Dawn.

The woman was seated beside Isobel, discussing the jewelry set she had just won at a bid of three million.

Mary’s smile faded for the briefest moment.

Even during the auction, Dawn seemed more interested in talking to Isobel than anyone else around her.

Then Mary noticed something.

Isobel’s attention had shifted toward the stage.

The auctioneer’s assistants were wheeling out the next item.

A large canvas, carefully covered with a dark velvet cloth, was placed on an easel beneath the spotlight.

The auctioneer smiled.

”Ladies and gentlemen, our next piece is one of tonight’s most anticipated work.”

The assistant pulled away the cloth.

A breathtaking landscape painting appeared beneath the lights.

The painting depicted a vast valley surrounded by towering mountains. A winding river cut through the lush green landscape, reflecting the golden light of the setting sun.

Far in the distance, tiny figures could be seen traveling along an old stone path, giving the enormous landscape a sense of scale and life.

A murmur swept through the ballroom.

”The painting is The Life’s Journey, an original work by the celebrated nineteenth-century landscape painter Leo Odran.”

Several guests leaned forward.

”It has remained in a private collection for more than a hundred years and has never before been offered at auction.”

The room became even quieter.

The auctioneer continued.

”The opening bid is one million.”

Immediately, several paddles went up.

”One million.”

”One point five.”

”Two million.”

The numbers climbed.

Isobel watched the painting intently.

Unlike the other guests, she wasn’t looking at the name of the artist or thinking about its value.

She was studying the composition.

The way the river led the eye toward the mountains. The placement of the trees.

The contrast between the warm light in the distance and the darker foreground.

She leaned forward slightly.

Dawn noticed.

”You like it?”

Isobel nodded.

”It’s beautiful.”

”Do you know the artist?”

”No.”

Isobel’s eyes remained fixed on the painting.

”But I like the way he used the light.”

Dawn followed her gaze.

”What do you mean?”

”The brightest part isn’t the center.”

Isobel pointed subtly toward the distant valley.

”Your eyes are drawn there because of the contrast. Then the river brings your attention back through the foreground.”

She smiled faintly.

”It makes the painting feel much larger than it actually is.”

Dawn looked at the painting again, then back at Isobel.

”I hadn’t noticed that.”

”It’s easy to miss.”

Isobel shrugged.

”Most people look at the mountains first.”

From a seat away, Selena heard them.

Her eyes narrowed.

That was supposed to be her saying those things.

Even now, Isobel had found another way to impress Dawn.

Mary, on the other hand glanced toward the stage.

The bidding had reached ten million.

Then an idea occurred to her.

A slow smile appeared on her lips.

If Isobel wanted attention so badly, perhaps Mary could give her some.

Mary turned toward them.

”Isobel.”

Isobel looked over. Mary smiled warmly.

”You seem rather interested in that painting.”

The conversation around them quieted.

A few nearby guests turned their heads.

Isobel blinked.

Mary’s smile became sweeter.

”Perhaps you’d like to bid for it?”

Selene looked at Isobel with interest.

Several people nearby began whispering.

Mary could feel their attention shifting.

Perfect. Now Isobel would have to make a choice.

If she bid, she would put herself on display in front of everyone.

If she refused, people might assume she had only been pretending to admire the painting.

Either way, Mary would win.

She lifted her glass and added casually,

”After all, as our honored guest, perhaps we should let you have the honor of winning the bid for the painting.”

The words sounded generous. The smile on her face looked sincere.

But anyone who knew Mary well could see the challenge hidden underneath.

Selene immediately understood what Mary was doing. A small smile appeared on her lips.

Let’s see what you do now, Isobel.

For a moment, Isobel said nothing. She glanced at the painting again.

Then she looked at the auctioneer. The room seemed to hold its breath.

Mary waited, and so did Dawn and Selene.

Finally, Isobel reached for the bidding paddle resting beside her.

She picked it up. She raised it.

”I’ll bid ten million.”

Silence descended into the ballroom.

The auctioneer looked almost surprised.

Then he quickly recovered.

”Ten million! Any other bid?”

”Going once, twice, sold!”

The room erupted in whispers.

Isobel calmly lowered her paddle.

She didn’t look embarrassed. She didn’t look nervous. She had enough money to buy the painting. Her Dad gave her a black card, and so did Morgan. Even Judy transferred 10 million to her account before she left.

Mary’s smile stiffened.

That wasn’t how this was supposed to go.

How could Isobel have won the bid? Wasn’t she just an orphan? Where did she get the money?

And worse—

Dawn looked delighted.

”Wonderful,” Dawn said, smiling at Isobel. ”I was wondering whether you were going to bid.”

Isobel turned toward her.

”The proceeds will go to the orphanage. And I really do like the painting.”

Dawn laughed softly.

Mary stared at Isobel.

For the first time that evening, she realized she might have made a mistake.

She put Isobel in the spotlight again.

But instead of shrinking under it—

Isobel looked perfectly comfortable standing there.

And everyone was watching her.

Especially Dawn.

Mary’s jaw tightened.

This was supposed to be a night of embarrassment for Isobel.

Yet somehow, she became the star of the show.