Sovereign Son-in-Law: Rise from The Ashes.

CHAPTER NINE.

9.

Adrian and Elara stomped through the hall, faces tight with frustration. They'd spent the whole morning planning how to deal with Finn Rowe, and seeing him chilling in the VIP section, all calm and collected, just made them madder. Elara whipped out her phone and called someone at the Ashburn Group. Check today's VIP list, she snapped. Is Finn Rowe on it?

A second later, they got their answer, and they both froze. He's not on the list, the person said. The only way he's in there is with a VIP trial card. He's not officially anyone.

Elara's lips tightened. A trial card? That jerk is faking being a VIP, she muttered, disbelief mixed with anger. Adrian's jaw clenched. We'll expose him, he said, his voice low. He won't get away with this.

Meanwhile, Finn was quietly sitting in the VIP corner. The fancy band on his wrist caught the light, a low-key sign of power that got people looking. He saw three young guys come up, all from rich families. They bowed a little, handing him their business cards and trying to suck up to him. Mr. Finn, one of them said, sounding nervous. We can help you out with contacts and stuff. We'd sure like to work with you.

Finn gave them each a calm look. Thanks, he said. I'll keep that in mind. His eyes flashed with his Auburn power, watching them closely and figuring out what they were really after.

Adrian and Elara stormed into the VIP section, looking furious. Adrian pointed at Finn and yelled, That's the guy pretending to be a VIP! He's just using a trial card. He's a fake.

The three rich guys instantly backed away. They grabbed their cards back, looking bummed. A fake, one of them muttered. He's not who we thought he was. They scurried back, whispering to each other, clearly embarrassed that they'd tried so hard to impress him.

Elara stepped up, her eyes blazing. So, this is all an act, huh? she said, her voice dripping with venom. You're here begging for cash, pretending to be important. You'll never be anything, Finn. You think we'll give you another cent?

Adrian crossed his arms, scowling. This is ridiculous, he said. You're a loser, a nobody, and you're acting like this. You'll never make it. You're a joke.

Finn leaned back a little, looking totally calm. His Auburn eyes glinted as he looked at Adrian. If you want to fight me, go ahead, he said quietly. I won't say no. But maybe you should think about doing something else. Compete with money. Whoever spends more wins. I bet a guy like you can't match me.

Adrian's face twisted with anger. He opened his mouth to argue, but then realized he didn't want to waste his energy on someone he thought was a loser. He clenched his fists and nodded a little, silently taking Finn's challenge. The insult hung in the air, but he knew he couldn't win a spending contest.

Mrs. China, who'd been watching, walked over to Finn. Why aren't you showing who you really are? she asked, sounding curious and a little annoyed. You could easily make people respect you, but you're hiding. Why?

Finn looked at her calmly. I don't want to yet, he said. I'm here to finish the trials. I want to what I can really do. That's all I care about. Everything else doesn't matter. I want to get through the trial and move on. I can't wait to see what I'm capable of.

Mrs. China nodded slowly, understanding. She went back towards the entrance, ready to greet the next person. The VIP section was buzzing with gossip about Finn and where his power came from.

Outside, the doors opened, and Ella Ashburn walked in. She moved through the hall, everyone watching as she entered. She was carrying a small, fancy box, something to be auctioned off. Mrs. China greeted her warmly and started explaining the rules. Today's item is really special, she said. Whoever wins it gets to have dinner with Mrs. Ella Ashburn. And who knows, maybe this person might even marry her.

The room exploded with whispers. People looked at each other, surprised, some excited, some nervous. Finn watched from his VIP corner, his Auburn eyes following the action. He saw desire, envy, and curiosity on people's faces. The auction wasn't just about money; it was also about seeing through people and coming up with a good plan, and his Auburn eyes would help him.

Adrian and Elara stood nearby, whispering urgently. She's got power, Adrian said. If someone wins that item, they'll get in good with her and her family. That could be bad for Finn if he's not careful.

Elara nodded, still staring at Finn. He doesn't deserve it, she snapped. He's a nobody. We have to make sure he loses. We can't let him get her attention.

Finn stayed seated, not bothered by their plotting. He was calm, cool, and knew his Auburn eyes gave him an edge. He could sense the room, what everyone was thinking, and the energy of the item about to be auctioned. Things were happening fast, and he was ready to use the chance to get closer to his goal.

After introducing Ella Ashburn, Mrs. China went back to the VIP area. She walked up to Finn and bowed a little. Everything's ready for the auction, she said. The trial is part of what you need to do. Watch closely and act smart.

Finn nodded once. I get it. I'll finish this trial and get to what I'm supposed to be. I'm ready for whatever comes.

The crowd settled, the air thick with anticipation. Adrian and Elara, still frustrated and angry, whispered schemes to each other, hoping to mess things up. Darius stayed close, muttering to himself, clearly uneasy about Finn's calm and the respect he was getting.

Finn Rowe shifted in his seat, the fancy band on his wrist catching the light. The VIP trial card had gotten him in, but he knew that was just the beginning. The auction, the rivals, and the challenges ahead were all part of the path to what he can really do.

He waited, letting the crowd react, letting them whisper, and letting Adrian and Elara get angrier. Every detail, every reaction, and every mistake others made was a clue to his next move. Finn Rowe's mind was already planning, and his Auburn eyes glowed slightly, a sign that his hidden powers were waking up.

Today, he wasn't just going to be at an auction. Today, he was going to make his mark, show his power, and get ready for the next trial. And as the VIP guests whispered and planned, they didn't know how deep his abilities really went, how much his Auburn eyes could see, and what Finn was already planning.

The trial had started, and Finn Rowe, calm and ready, was going to see it through to the end.