Elise didn't bother turning around. William was essentially one of the hosts for tonight's charity gala. It was expected that he would make a contribution.

"1.1 million," another voice called out, continuing the bidding war.

"1.2 million."

"1.3 million."

"One and a half million," William declared, raising his auction paddle once more.

The message was clear to everyone in the room. William Levine was determined to win that ring, no matter the cost.

A hushed murmur swept through the crowd. They understood the unspoken rule. Competing further was futile.

Why create unnecessary enemies when victory was already decided? These were shrewd individuals. They knew when to step back.

"One and a half million! Going once! Twice! Sold!" The auctioneer's voice boomed with excitement. "Mr. Levine, please come forward to claim your charitable acquisition."

William ascended the stage and accepted the ring case. As he turned to leave, the auctioneer gently stopped him.

"A moment, Mr. Levine. Rumor has it you have a special surprise for Ms. Stuart?"

William's gaze drifted downward, finding Victoria in the crowd. Her eyes were locked on him, shining with hopeful anticipation.

From her secluded corner, Elise allowed a faint, knowing smile to touch her lips. This was it. The grand announcement of their wedding.

"Everyone, please give a warm round of applause for Ms. Stuart as she joins us on stage!" The auctioneer, sensing William's reluctance, quickly took charge. He'd been privately briefed by Victoria. He knew to steer the situation.

"I've been waiting for this moment, William," Victoria beamed, swiftly moving to his side, effectively closing off any escape route.

The eyes of the elite were upon them. This was her family's event, on her turf. She was confident he would play his part.

Yet, William remained motionless for a long, uncomfortable moment. The ballroom's atmosphere grew thick with awkward tension.

Under the weight of countless stares, pointed fingers, and escalating whispers, Victoria's smile began to strain. A telltale shimmer of tears glossed her eyes.

"William?" Her voice was a soft, public reminder. A plea for him to maintain appearances, if nothing else.

Finally, William seemed to snap back to the present. He turned to face Victoria, opening the velvet case to reveal the brilliant ruby ring.

Every breath in the room seemed to still. A proposal. It was happening right now.

"Victoria..." William spoke her name, his voice a low, magnetic murmur.

Tears welled in Victoria's eyes, portraying overwhelming emotion.

"I..." William began, then fell silent again, the word hanging unfinished in the air.

"I do!" Victoria exclaimed, not waiting a second longer. She threw her arms around his neck, pressing herself against him in a display of boundless affection. "We've known each other since we were children. Our journey hasn't been the fairy tale everyone imagines. We've faced so many challenges. But through it all, we've stayed together. You don't need to say anything. You don't owe me any explanations. Nothing in the past matters. My only desire is our future together."

She always had an exit strategy, a way to salvage any situation.

William had faltered, unable to voice the proposal. So, she had taken control. She framed his hesitation as endearing vulnerability, born from a feeling of indebtedness to her. She proclaimed her unconditional love, her focus solely on their life ahead.

The ballroom erupted in thunderous applause. On cue, a shower of delicate pink petals began to drift down from the ceiling.

They had certainly orchestrated the theatrics and romance to perfection.

After a prolonged, loving embrace, William finally slipped the ruby ring onto Victoria's finger. Then, he addressed the crowd.

"Victoria and I will be married on Valentine's Day next year. Every one of you here is personally invited to celebrate with us."

Cheers and congratulations resounded through the grand hall, painting a picture of perfect harmony.

"I assume you witnessed the grand proposal."

Patrick's voice cut through her thoughts. He was suddenly standing directly in front of Elise, deliberately blocking her view of the stage.