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After his words, he held a piece of Black Forest cake to Cordellaâs lips.
Cordelia his fingers for a moment, questioning internally if he had washed his hands upon entering. Directly holding food with his hands, who knew how many germs there were?
As these thoughts flickered through her mind and she was about to inquire, her mouth barely opened before the cake pushed into it.
The cloying sweetness her mouth; the was indeed delightful. She bit into the piece, ready for another, when Everard directed the cake to his own and devoured the rest.
Cordelia was stunned and blurted out, âWhat are you doing?â
That was her cake!
Everardâs lips curled into a smirk, his narrowing slightly, âWhatâs the matter? Weâve already kissed, are you still shy about an indirect one?â
Cordelia was baffled, staring at him, not comprehending.
Nearby, Louie, upon hearing about the kiss, had a shadow pass over his eyes. He adjusted his glasses, a complex emotion flickering within.
Someone passed by, surprised, âDr. Adams? I actually have a few questions to ask, if you have a moment?
Louie nodded, âOf course â
He casually walked off with the person, and once he was out of sight, Everard chuckled, ready to tease. Cordelia further, but Cordelia suddenly frowned, heading towards Lorna.
Lorna standing alone until Fanny approached her, with a few onlookers hanging around, eavesdropping for gossip.
Fanny spoke , âWe were college mates, and Iâd hate to see you make a fool of yourself, so Iâm kindly suggesting you switch your auction item.â
Lorna glanced at the champagne in her hand, her demeanor cool. âThanks for the concern, but this is my business.â
Fanny wanted to say more when a sharp voice cut through, âYour business? I knew it; you must be scheming to get my son to buy you some fame!â
That was from Laurinda, who stormed up to Lorna, her finger nearly poking Lornaâs face, âYou heartless cur, living off the Delaney family, using everything we offer. Ever since you married into the Delaney family, not earning a penny and now youâre convincing my son to invest in you!â
Lorna stepped back, her brows knitting together, speaking softly. âMom, can we discuss this at home, please?â
This was a public space, utterly embarrassing!
But Laurinda was relentless, âNo! Let everyone judge here, this woman made my son break away from the family, and worse, she expects him to pay for her soâcalled art to gain fame!â
As Laurinda ranted, onlookers began whispering among themselves, pointing at Lorna.
âDonât embarrass yourself at the auction!â
âA woman without a powerful background has it rough. No wonder Laurinda is aggressive; Mrs. Delaney is to be pitied.â
âIndeed, not only without a powerful family background, she doesnât work, doesnât socialize to help out, itâs no surprise Laurinda disapproves.â
clenched her fists, trembling with rage but unable to speak.
Chapter 138
Mrs. Collins, of the commotion, hurried over, but by the time she arrived, the crowd had dispersed. She could only smile and announce, âAlright, the auction is starting, please, everyone, take your seats!â
Chairs were lined up in the auction room, and attendees found their .
Cordelia accompanied Lorna to the third row, awaiting the upcoming auction.
The first item, a gemstone brooch valued at half a million, astonishingly sold for eight hundred thousand, at three hundred thousand markup.
Cordelia watched in amazement.
As the auction progressed, it soon came to Lornaâs painting.
The auctioneer took the stage with a smile, âNext up, we have an original piece by Mrs. Delaney titled âLone Bluff, a work of grandeur and profound depth. The bidding starts at fifty thousand.â
With that, the painting was slowly unveiled on stage.
Few in the audience were art connoisseurs, and the recent altercation didnât help. Although the painting appeared decent, silence filled the room, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Sandersonâs eyes darted anxiously to Sage, wondering why he hadnât placed a bid yet, considering the silence that had just fallen over the auction room.
The auctioneerâs voice broke the tension, âDo we have $50,000 from anyone? If not, weâre about to pass on this
lot.â
To pass without a bid would be such an embarrassment!
Fanny ran her fingers through her hair and sighed. In a voice not too loud but audible to those nearby, she commented, âLet it pass. The artistâs touch is too heavyâhanded. Itâs not even worth $5,000, let alone $50,000.â
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd. âWhy would they even bring such a piece to auction? It seems quite slapdash.â
Lorna clenched her fists, feeling a flush of heat rising to her cheeks.
Mrs. Collinsâ face soured. She had been ready to have a proxy bid $50,000, but after Fannyâs dismissive remark, who would dare to buy it?
With a resigned wave, she gave the signal, and the auctioneer began to announce, âThen, this piece will be passed on-â
But before the auctioneer could finish, an excited and aged voice from the back of the room, belonging to Ballaster, interrupted, âHold on a moment!â
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