"Well..."

Maria clicked her tongue and stayed silent. It looked as though she was still contemplating. This scared Doris a Little. What if she refused?

Why did she have to be so pretentious anyways? Doris sighed inwardly in frustration. If it wasn't for Elton, the Jenkins family would have never wasted an auction ticket for someone Like Maria.

While Doris was in all these states, she heard Maria murmuring to herself, “It wouldn't be such a bad idea. It would permit me to clear up the accumulated stock."

Doris’ eyebrows shot up in confusion. "What was that? What stock do you have to clear?"

“Nothing.” Maria shook her head.

A few seconds later, she looked at Doris and nodded.

“Fine. I'll go to the auction."

Doris nodded, relieved. Then she handed her a card and said, “This is the ticket. Make sure you don't leave it behind. You can't get into the hall without it."

After that, Doris gave Maria the details of when and where they would meet before she left.

Left to themselves once again, Isla whispered, "Miss Maria, will it be safe for you to go to this auction alone?”

"LU go with her," Grover answered before Maria could. ut..." Isla started and trailed off, worry lines etched on her face.

“How will you get in when there's only one ticket?"

"It's just a ticket. I'LL have no problem getting in," he answered with confidence.

Being a former ancient martial arts person, Grover had participated in many auctions that were held by the pill alchemists. He also had a membership card of the auction house which was more important than Maria's one-time ticket.

“You're both acting like you have nothing to do. Go and get ready. Both of you!" Maria said with a shake of her head. She glanced at the both of them and added, “Since there's an auction happening, we might as well all go together, don't you think?"

Maria didn't offer any explanation, but the question hung between them. Why would she take Isla and Grover with her when she only had one ticket?

They were supposed to meet in the square where the Oracle Stone stood. When Maria arrived at the square, she found a large group of people already standing there, including Elton, Vivian and Doris.

“I can see you have company, Miss Maria. Why is that?" Doris frowned, throwing nasty glances at Isla and Grover who were behind Maria.

“Do you have a problem with it?" Maria quirked an arrogant eyebrow at her.

Doris only gave Maria one ticket.

As such, Maria was supposed to show up alone.

But Maria looked past that and still came with her attendants.

It was simple. Maria wouldn't want to carry the things she would get by herself.