Raised From The Wild-Chapter 166: The Auction

That Saturday morning, Amaya together with her Daddy Ibarra and her cousins went to the Luxe Mall for the store opening of Simply Jewel. Dave has invited many of his friends. Julienne also attended the event.

The event was simple. The crown prince cut the ribbon and opened the door to the store. The front of the store was decked with flowers sent by well-wishers. People who attended the store opening were given invitations to the action that will be held in the evening.

Simply Jewel’s flagship products were luxury items. The gems used were after all rare and precious. Amaya did not want to discriminate against people so she also came up with designs suitable for average-income earners. These jewelry were the ones that sold fast during the opening day.

...

The night of the auction finally arrived. A makeup artist came to the palace and styled Amaya. Her hair was pulled up into a neat bun with a few strands left hanging at both sides of her face. She also helped her into her mermaid gown that featured the color of the galaxy at night. The gown perfectly hugged her body outlining her hourglass figure. She wore diamond-dangling earrings that looked like two water drops chasing each other and she wore the same tiara that she used on her 18th birthday. Tonight was a jewelry auction and she should showcase the best of her jewelry.

"You are so beautiful, Princess. You looked like a goddess that descended the mortal world." Her makeup artist complimented her.

Amaya stood in front of the full-length mirror. She looked different. Her makeup was a bit heavy and bold turning her into a mature-looking woman that exuded power and confidence.

She went to the venue of the auction ahead of the others. This was her first time attending an auction. While Clarissa has instructed her what to do, she still wanted to go early to be more confident.

A lot of paparazzi were waiting at the entrance of the hotel. She only had a few guards with her and they were in the car ahead and behind her. The guards surrounded her car and opened the door for her. Amaya hesitated but then she saw Marx coming toward her. He extended his hand and she took it and got out of the car.

"You look different tonight. You have an air of mystique around you." Marx whispered in her ear as he lead her to climb the grand staircase to the second floor where the main banquet hall where the auction will be held.

A buffet table and cocktail tables were set up at the back of the banquet hall. Marx handed her a fruit juice which she happily accepted.

"Shouldn’t we go to the door to welcome the guests?" Amaya asked.

"It is still too early. Guests will start arriving in thirty minutes."

"Okay." Amaya lifted the glass and drank half the juice. She was not really thirsty but since Marx has given her juice she felt that she needed to drink it.

Marx was looking intently at Amaya. Amaya blushed. He reached out and brushed the corner of her mouth with his thumb. His touch was so gentle that it was like a feather touching her skin. Her face turned red even more and her heart started to race.

"Your lipstick smudge." He smiled naughtily as he withdraw his hand.

"The store manager told me that customer turnout today was great. They sold a lot of the Island Treasure collection."

Amaya was visibly happy. "That’s great! I am happy to know that people like my design."

Marx passed her his cell phone. He showed her the post about the opening of Simply Jewel in the morning and she show photos of customers who visited the store and who were wearing either a necklace or earrings. The majority have good reviews and only a few were slandering the store.

There was a commotion at the door. Amaya glanced at Marx. "I think the guests have started arriving."

Marx led her to the door. He frowned when he saw who was the first guest to arrive.

"Prince Raquim, You are here." but before Raquim can say anything, a shrill voice shouted excitedly.

"Amaya, look at you. You are so beautiful. I almost did not recognize you." Tamara embraced Amaya tightly. She considered herself as Amaya’s close friend. Amaya could only smile at the enthusiasm of Alabanya’s First Princess.

Marx on the other hand gave Tamara a disapproving look. When Tamara felt a chill down her spine, she looked up and met the narrowed two ocean-blue orbs that threw daggers at her.

She awkwardly smiled at Marx and then let go of Amaya. "When I received your invitation and followed the website, I can’t believe you were the one who designed those exquisite jewelry so I pestered my brother to come with me and bid for the pieces I like."

"I will find you later. Go enjoy the food and the drinks and thank you for coming over."

"Why do I feel that you are driving me away?" Princess Tamara looked aggrieved.

"Of course not. It’s just the guests are coming now." Amaya paused and looked at Tamara meaningfully. ’Unless you want to help me receive the guests? She asked expectantly.

Princess Tamara lifted both her hands in the air as if saying that she surrenders. "I am here to enjoy and to buy jewelry. I am not here to be bossed around."

Amaya laughed. "Okay then. Come. I’ll usher you inside." She pulled Tamara and brought her inside.

"Enjoy your food and drinks." She glanced at Prince Raquim but was surprised when he saw him looking at her.

"Is there anything else that I can do for you, Your Highness?" Amaya asked Raquim

Prince Raquim shook his head. "Please do not mind us. You can do your thing."

Amaya left the two royalties and went back to the door to welcome more guests. She has barely gotten to the door when two more guests arrived.