An auction scene opens with attendees accusing Princess Lambert of extortion while Princess Reynolds takes the blame. A disowned onlooker regrets she can’t protect Reynolds and vows, “I need to get stronger,” even joking she left her conscience at home. The manager folds under pressure as bidding continues. The auction house enforces its rule — “all sales are final” — and warns Dee she risks losing both money and reputation when she can’t retract a bid. A bidder then taunts the room and raises the stakes: tonight they’ll bid on blank checks, leaving Dee’s fate unresolved.