The Spring Debutante Auction; in which every member of high society dressed up in the most formal luxurious dresses and custom-made suits, put on their best smiles and small talk, and bought whatever was ridiculously expensive and unnecessary. Erika loved the auctions for this reason, it brought out everyone's best appearances and behavior - because screwing up at such a elite public event was ludicrous and stupid. In fact, she preferred the more elegant events over the rowdy expensive house parties the preparatory kids were known to throw.

Every Spring, the relevant would gather together at the Greystone Mansion, buying million dollar mansions and vacation homes, vintage or custom-made cars, artifacts, and even clothing. Where did the money go? The cover story was that every penny given was donated to the city districts of Beverly Hills and Hollywood. 

However, a real socialite would know that the money went straight into the pockets of selfish businessmen to fund their expensive lifestyles. Erika knew this because Matthew Felix was one of the men who benefited along with Mr. Anderson and Headmaster Vanderbit.

Not only was the Auction know for its lavish items and scandalous background but it was also widely known for the drama the elite guests always brought with them. Last year, Donatella Versace had come to the event drunk and made a spectacle of herself. Not to mention Mr. Edwards had been caught with a way-too-young supermodel in front of everyone - but Mrs. Edwards forgave him of course.

The Spring event took place at Greystone Mansion; the luxurious park that gave the best city views of Beverly Hills which was also known as a tourist must. However, that morning the venue was closed off from the public - and opened up to the Elite for the Spring Debutante Auction.

Red carpets were laid out through the breathtaking parkways, the mansion was lit up in shimmering gold lights despite the sun shining down on it. The fountains sizzled out more enthusiastically than it ever had, and paparazzi were scouring the premises to catch photos of incoming designers and celebrities.

The entertainment? Burlesque dancers prancing around the large center velvet stage, gold curtains draped high up above them. Not to mention the angel-like figures hanging above the glossy gold ballroom floors, cushioned red chairs, and elaborate tables, were actually real people.

Now where was Erika in all this wonderful chaos? She was at home, walking back and forth in the Felix dance studio, every now and then kicking the Marilyn Monroe piano in frustration. 

She was Erika Felix for crying out loud. What was a Spring Debutante Auction - or any event for that matter - without Erika Felix? Yet she was reluctant in disobeying her father. She didn't want him to be angry with her, not after all the trouble she'd caused him.

Sure, he had turned on her credit cards - she had gotten a manicure and eyebrow procedure immediately - but it just wasn't satisfying. He was still disappointed in her and had only cut her back on so she could "leave him alone".

"Erika, is it okay to come in?" She heard Griselda,'s annoying voice from behind the studio door.

Rolling her eyes, Erika mumbled back her 'okay' and without another warning, Griselda sauntered through the door, the usual 'I-don't-want-to-be-here-but-I-need-something-to-support-me' look on her face. Griselda's grumpy expressions always had whole stories to them.

Erika hadn't been expecting Veronica Conrad, however, to come in with the maid. Dressed to perfection in a revealing Thakoon green cut-out gown that made her look like Ariel thanks to her reddish brown hair, Veronica looked like a Debutante ready to be crowned.  

"I said no visitors, Griselda!" Erika screeched but only because she just wanted to be a bitch. She had actually been expecting Veronica to come at some point. 

"But-"

"Go clean my room please." Erika said dismissively to the woman.

"I already cleaned it fifteen minutes-"

"Well, do it again." 

With a fatigued sigh, Griselda retreated back to the main house, Erika not caring one bit that she was obviously overworking the woman.  Once the peasant was out of sight, Erika turned to Veronica. "Sorry about that. I guess you can take the peasant out of the slums but you can't take the slums out of the peasant."

Veronica  only laughed. "Ugh, my chef is the same way! So ungrateful for everything my family has done for him. I don't even know why my parents still continue to pay him."

They fell silent then and Erika had the odd feeling that someone was eavesdropping. The Felix staff were always listening in on wealthy affairs, looking for a major paycheck with tabloid companies. That was why Erika had grown a sixth sense to tell when someone - who wasn't supposed to be - was around.

So, she sauntered over to the Rinzsound exotic triangular shaped speakers, turning up the volume to Fergie's 'LA Love'.

Once she was sure their voices would be obscured, Erika made her way back over to Veronica in the middle of the studio. "Now," She sighed brusquely. " Lets talk business, did you do what I asked?"

Veronica returned her smile with a sly smirk, digging through her black-and-gold Dolce & Gabbana clutch until she pulled out a small USB drive, placing it in Erika's waiting hand. "It was wayyy too easy honestly."

"And everything is edited correctly?"

"Like an airbrushed Covergirl ad."

"I'm talking Julia Roberts airbrushed, Veronica." The British model had been edited so heavily that it had been banned from the country and labeled, 'too perfect.'

"Yes, Erika, I don't hire amateurs!"

"Just making sure since from what I hear, you're an amateur under the sheets."

Veronica only gasped.

Satisfied, Erika slipped the damning USB drive into the pockets of her Banana Republic white skinny jeans. At least something was going right. She had been starting to think she'd become Karma's chew toy.

"So.......what are you going to do with it?" Veronica asked.

The drive held evidence that could completely destroy her victim. In fact, it was far more worse than Paisely's Huffington Post scandal - Paisely had only gotten suspended for two days due to being a Alabaster Prep and Dartmouth Legacy. This had been the exact reason why Headmaster Vanderbit had shown so much mercy to Erika. The school was far too biased when it came to their Legacies.

However, a simple suspension wasn't going to knock the Queen down. It'd taken the Romans years to defeat Cleopatra - and Erika was Cleopatra in a Kay Unger gown, well minus the slutty part of course.

"Looks like we have an auction to attend." She was all for obeying her father but when her duty calls, she must answer.

                                                                             ⓇⒾⒸⒽⓀⒾⒹⓈ

 "Now don't embarrass me tonight," Matthew Felix said firmly, taking off his Gucci sunglasses as their sleek white limo pulled into the beautiful - and crowded - circular driveway of Greystone Mansion. The parking lot had been designed to surround the lavish fountain spewing coins and water high in the air. Then there was the red carpet laid out, leading up the grand steps and into the venue. "This is a very important event for me."

Damon met his father's stern look with a reassuring grin. "Dad, I know. I'm not screwing up this time."

"Thats what you said last time and you didn't stick by it," He shot back. "Now when we get in there, you make sure you present yourself to Mr. Magnus Carter with complete and utter prestige. Got it?"

He didn't wait for Damon's reply. Instead he waited for the disheveled chauffeur to pull open the white limo door for them, smiling broadly as cameras flashed from every paparazzi in sight. He was a former Lacrosse player after all.

Damon watched as his father strolled down the red carpet, stopping midway on the crowded steps to kiss a dark-haired exotic model on the cheek. 'Since when does he have girlfriends?' Damon thought but quickly stepped out of the limo, thanking the chauffeur holding the door for him and making his way down the chaotic red carpet.

All Damon could hear over the flashing cameras and endless chatter was compliments and just as he was about to make his way up the grand steps, Matthew stopped him again, his arm snaked around the model's thin waist - who looked about Damon's age. "Remember, Damon. If you don't score this early acceptance with Princeton. I'm not paying off those charges. Keep that in mind," Then he smiled ruefully. "And have fun."

Damon met his father's mocking smile with his own. 'Have fun,' was like saying 'No pressure,' even though your life depended on one conversation going in the right direction.

The Greystone Mansion was elaborate - and the auction was in full swing. The ballroom was crowded with well-dressed businessmen, celebrities, and wealthy elites all making small talk and pretending to like each other. Then there were those seated at the candle-lit tables, eating savory dishes and cautiously watching the angels hanging from the ceiling above them in awe.

Damon looked up too - and seen one of them blink. 'Creepy.'

Everyone's attention was either on the waiters carrying the drinks, fake conversations, or the Burlesque dancers in skimpy pink outfits dancing provocatively on the stage as every woman in the venue scoffed and held on to their husbands.

The usual classical music switched to the upbeat 'Bang Bang' by Will.I.Am and thats when Damon spotted Mr. Magnus Carter at one of the red velvet covered tables, sipping from a wine glass - and talking to Chris Edwards and his equally red-haired father.

The last thing Damon needed was Chris cashing in on his Princeton acceptance. He had already dated his sister, tried to humiliate him, and snagged the Captain position - which Damon was starting to suspect was a result of a pay off with Coach Mitchells.

"Chris here is a fantastic Lacrosse player, " Mr. Edwards was saying when Damon approached, dressed in a mauve-colored Z Zegna suit, he looked even more asshole-ish than his son with that creepy smirk of his. Damon figured Chris must have not fallen far from the tree. "He was actually responsible for that remarkable win against East Preparatory School a few weeks ago."

"Yeah, Chris is pretty damn impressive," Damon cut in, shaking Chris by the shoulders whose proud smile faltered for a moment but quickly recovered. It was a no-no to have a showdown in public - especially in front of a Princeton recruit. "But did you know, that I was responsible for nearly all the wins in that game. If it wasn't for me, Chris would never have made that winning goal."

Mr. Edwards face went as beet red as his son's but Damon kept going. He was going to unravel whatever ground they had covered with the stern Nazi-looking recruit. 

 Mr. Carter's interest was obviously piqued as he turned away from Chris and his father, angling his body so that he was facing Damon. "Really? You don't say. What about your academics? What can you say is your favorite study when it comes to education at Alabaster?"

"I'd say-"

"He was talking to me." Damon interjected Chris with a stony glare. "Hey, Chris, how about you get a waiter over here to get us some more drinks?"

Chris met his glare with a pfft! as if he couldn't believe his ears. "Like hell I am," He hissed lowly and then looked to his father - whose attention had been taken by a beautiful blonde Burlesque dancer with Victoria's Secret angel wings. 

"I would like a glass as well," Mr. Carter joined in with a rueful chuckle. "It seems I've gotten carried away with my wine." He gestured to his empty wine glass on the table.

Scowling in disbelief, Chris moved through the crowd, disappearing completely. Damon realized the only direction he could go was up at this point and carried on the conversation he had butted into because never in a million years was he going to end up in Juvie.

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"May I have everyone's attention on this fine afternoon?"

"Ahem, can I have everyone's undivided attention?"

"Excuse - ugh, they're not listening to me."

"Will everyone shut the fuck up!"

The chatter radiating through the opulent venue quickly died down at the sound of the Spring Debutante Host's booming voice - and rude words. However, the man got his wish as everyone's eyes immediately landed on the center velvet stage, no longer adorned with half-naked Burlesque dancers and an extravagant orchestra.

Mr. Fitzgerald; the charming host of every Beverly Hills Auction in the district in his famous classic black - red tie Ralph Lauren tuxedo, stood on the stage, taking in the startled wealthy crowds with disdain - then he broke into a grin. "Well that certainly broke the ice. Am I right or am I right?"

Everyone laughed politely including Jac but only because it was expected. The man was always being inappropriate at major events and although it was uncalled for, everyone had gotten used to it over the years.

"Imbecile," Eve scowled from their seat at the very back corners of the venue, furiously taking sips from her glass of wine. The woman had been calling over waiters so much that they now had one to stand at their table for requests. 

The Lexingtons purpose on this "fine afternoon"; put on the best facade possible. It was why Jeffrey sat with his family, acting like the most straightest man in the world and why Eve held back her disgust. Jac was frustrated.  Here they were still trying to give a damn about their appearances when their dark secrets were already public and the main gossip. Not to mention they were going broke.

If Jac was going to fade away from this world like the money in her father's bank account, what was the point of even caring about Beverly Hills' social scene anymore?

"Jac, smile," Jeffrey chided gently to his daughter from across the table. "Diane Von Furstenburg has already been telling me how beautiful you look, she might be considering you as a model." Jac couldn't imagine why. Despite jet black hair waved to perfection down her back, practically breathing life into her simple red Narciso Rodriguez sleeveless V-neck gown and matching CoverGirl  lipstick, and Christian Louboutin heels - one of the shoes she'd managed to hide from Stella Singh - she still felt like one of the ugly stepsisters of Cinderella.

Seething, Jac put on the best smile she could manage. Usually she was a pro at events like these but she was far too agitated to maintain her cool composure. 'No matter what we do, everything is going to come crashing down anyway.'

As Mr. Fitzgerald went straight into the bidding - selling the lavish crowd on a 38.1 million dollar 1962 Ferrari - Jac scanned the endless tables of some of America's richest. There was Bill Gates sitting calmly at the very center of the spectacle, chatting profoundly with Paisely Mont Vernon's father - who remained unscathed by Erika's evil attempts. No one cared about his mugshots, everyone had embezzled before at least once in their lives.

Then there was Matthew Felix - seated at the front of the stage of course - drinking from his wine glass and smiling proudly at his son as he chatted up a Princeton recruiter. Before Jac spent hours admiring Damon, she turned back to her parents, both of them looking at every item presented with longing. It looks like this year, they wouldn't be getting anything new from the auction.

The next item announced was a ski dream home for 21.9 million that was quickly sold, leaving Eve flustered since she didn't have the money to get it.  There were envious glances at the biggest bidder; Leah Anderson, she and her daughter jumping out of their chairs and squealing together. Nearly everyone leered, Nouveau riche families were frowned upon greatly.

"Now I just want to thank the generous Jacqueline Lexington for donating these next few jewels, folks!" Mr. Fitzgerald said in that speedy, charismatic voice of his that was used on so many commercials.  "How about we give a hand for Alabaster Preparatory School's very own future Valedictorian!"

Jac felt her face flush red as the whole elegant venue erupted into applause, even the real life angelic figures hovering over the crowds beaming down at her. 

However despite the praise, Jac could just barely hear the gossip passing around at that moment.

"Poor girl, I heard her parents are going broke so they're giving away everything she owns."

"Apparently Jeffrey botched Kim Kardashian's boob job and was fired on the spot."

" I hate Erika Felix."

Jac felt a reassuring pat on her shoulder from Jeffrey and she shrugged it off, trying to keep a smile as she watched two beautiful Burlesque dancers - now fully clothed - wheel out her two million dollar Oscar-worthy Christian Dior gown.  There was a coo of excitement as every woman took in the beautiful shimmering dress, whispering rising.

"Uh, uh....um, fifty grand!"

Jac turned to see Addie Anderson sitting at the candle-lit table just behind her. She hadn't seen the awkward pink-haired girl since she had been expelled. However, Addie had surprisingly cleaned herself up for the auction; her hair was still pink but was accented by wavy mermaid-like extensions, gangling body more womanly in a Nina Ricci baby pink ruffle-bodice gown. The girl was more prettier than she'd ever been given credit for - however all Jac cared about was the fact she was trying to get her dress.

"Can I get eighty grand?" Mr. Fitzgerald exclaimed from the stage and before he could say anymore, another hand shot up; one of Lindsey Wells' wannabe friends. "Ninety grand!"

"One-hundred!" Another girl shouted from the far corner.

Eve nodded her head approvingly, looking superior in a Jovani bust-lace rose-colored gown, hair an intricate bun on her head adorned by 24 carat jewelry. "This is going to sell for millions."

"Can I get half a million?" Mr. Fitzgerald's voice boomed excitedly.

The wealthy, opulent crowds erupted into chatter as everyone tried to come up with the money. The dress was original, there was no other dress out there like it which is why Jac had cherished it so much when she'd found it on a shopping spree in London. She had felt like the luckiest girl in the world having snagged the rarity. 

"Uh-uh-uh, ONE MILLION DOLLARS!" Addie Anderson shrieked to the top of her lungs.

The venue fell deathly silent, daggers being shot at the pink-haired girl. Jac didn't even bother looking at her, arms crossed and glaring at the auction host.

Her heart dropped when she heard the words, "Sold!" The cycle continued with every item of clothing that appeared on the stage. By the end of Jac's arc of the auction, Addie Anderson and three other wannabes had split up her wardrobe.

She watched emotionless as Mr. Fitzgerald announced the end of her 'collection', the Burlesque girls wheeling her poor clothes off of the stage. "The next item is a special gem all the way from Egypt, folks!" He shouted in that charming tone of his that could win over anyone. The man could practically convince you to give away your first-born. "Real ruby diamonds donated by the lovely Eve Lexington!"

Jac gasped and so did Jeffrey, both looking at Eve sitting blissfully in her chair, the waiter at their table handing her another glass of wine. Nonchalantly. she took a sip. 

"How could you?" Jeffrey whispered, his stunned expression out of place on his boyish features.

Eve only shrugged. "How could I not?"

"Those are rubies from your wedding ring!"

"And they're selling well," Eve gestured grandly to the bidders shooting their hands up and yelling out incredulous prices. She rolled her eyes at Jeffrey's astonishment. "I'm serious about divorcing you, Jeffrey."

"But Mom you can't-"

Eve tsked. "This family is a disgrace. Its damaging our names the more we stay with this," Then she sneered at her husband. "Princess."

"Eve, you can't do this, " Jeffrey hissed, smiling broadly to not alert anyone of the family drama taking place. "We can make this work, I know we can. We've both made mistakes. We just have to work together."

When Eve only tittered, Jeffrey became more desperate, "I get it. Losing the job has made things hard but we can't just throw in the towel."

Jac was in disbelief. She had figured her parents would have a lot of hoops to jump through since Jeffrey's affair was public knowledge but she had been sure they'd make it. She had been sure they'd resolve their issues due to their reputation and for the sake of their daughter. But of course, she was wrong. Her say was nothing in the matter.

"I'm divorcing you," Eve said lowly, taking another sip of her wine as if she were a vindictive goddess - which she was. "And I'm taking Jacqueline and going back to Westchester."

"What?" Jac exclaimed, not caring that everyone in ear range could hear her outburst. Even Mr. Fitzgerald stopped the bidding of the Lexington's marriage ring - well, what was left of it thanks to Eve smashing it with her heel - to look at them pensively before reverting back to his charismatic ways. "Mom, we can't go back. I-I have a life here."

"Then you'll start a new life in New York," Eve snapped. "We need to get out of here before your father drags us all down in his debt."

Jeffrey only gawked at his wife, eyes bulging in horror. "You can't take our daughter!"

"Sold for sixty million to the beautiful lady with the blonde weave!" Mr. Fitzgerald cried out, causing everyone to chuckle, giving cheeky grins to the R&B singer, Beyonce at the front of the stage.

Jac couldn't take it anymore. She got up from the table, Eve grabbing her wrist, trying to pull her back down. "Don't. Make. A. Scene. I forbid it, Jacqueline." She spat, eyes cold and calculating. "You're going to Westchester whether you like it or not and any screaming you want to do isn't going to change that."

Jac looked around her to see curious eyes on their table. She used to be afraid of that look - when she had had things to lose. "So thats what you do then," Jac glowered. "You run when things get tough right?"

"I run when I find out my husband is screwing another man."  She snapped.

Jac stared into her mother's eyes a moment longer and then realized Eve wasn't a goddess at all. Despite her age, she was still a scared little rich girl. "Well then you're just a coward," She hissed, tearing away from her mother's grip, not even waiting for her protests.

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A/N: Soooo I'm splitting this into parts. It might be four parts but it all depends on how many words it takes for me to cover everything.  I guess you could say this part is like the calm before the storm. 

But OMFG I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS IS THE LAST CHAPTER OMFG!

Okay, freak out over! Thank you for the continuous support and the other parts should be up soon!  Make sure to comment and vote <3