Chapter
The bid of $10 million sent waves of exhilaration through the auction house.
On the stage, Ballaster finally turned his attention to the source of the bid. Upon seeing the bidder, Ballaster froze
Mr. Watkins?
What on earth was he doing here? And connecting the dots with what Laurinda had said earlier Watkins was Cordeliaâs boyfriend?
So, Mr.
The audience below was aghast, and Loule furrowed his brow, his usually soft eyes glinting with a cold light. He adjusted his glasses and raised his paddle again, â$12 million.â
*$15 million,â Everard drawled, chiming in once more.
Sitting beside Everard, Sanderson was stunned. He couldnât help but lean over and whisper, âEverard, donât be reckless. If you keep bidding, youâre actually going to have to buy it!â
Everard chuckled softly, âMr. Delaney, relax.â
As Louie moved to raise his paddle once again, Ballaster shouted from the stage. â$16 million!â After the bid, he shot Louie a pleading look.
Mr. Watkins, being the sonâinâlaw of the Delaney family, surely couldnât make the purchase. Otherwise, it would only confirm that the Delaney family was using money to hype up Lorna by buying her paintings. But if Loule bought it, Mr. Watkins was clearly unhappy, perhaps even jealous.
At this moment, it was up to Ballaster to make the buy!
Louie twisted his brow, adjusted his glasses once more, and with a sigh, reluctantly lowered his paddle.
Everard seemed satisfied as well and didnât bid again.
Eventually, the painting was sold for a staggering $16 million, instantly becoming the talk among the elite and making its painter, Lorn, famous overnight!
The auction continued until the last item of the evening was sold, and unsurprisingly. Lornâs painting fetched the highest price.
Lorna became the star donor of the evening, Mrs. Collins treating her like royalty. The other society ladies were astounded.
They had always thought that only gold and jewels held the most value, but now they realized that culture and art were truly priceless. They crowded around Lorna, asking eagerly. âMrs. Delaney, do you have more paintings?â
âMrs. Delaney, youâre such a cultured person. Next to you, we seem so pedestrian.â
Those who had gossiped about her before were now pushing forward to shower her with compliments, some even hoping to commission a painting.
While they didnât understand art, they were sharp about investments.
After tonightâs event, Lornaâs paintings were now considered invaluable!
Meanwhile, Brown stayed away from the excitement, having stayed away from joining in the mockery of Lorna earlier. Yet, she hadnât defended Lorna either and now felt too embarrassed to approach.
On another side, Sanderson was being cornered by the Millers. Mr. Miller wore a sycophantic smile as he said, âMr. Delaney, we followed the crowd too blindly, and we were at fault. We certainly canât dismiss this. Regarding the business deal, I think we can talk againâ¦â
Sanderson felt a surge of triumph!
Chapter 141
In the world of business, there are no eternal enemies, and after all, it was all a misunderstanding. He didnât reject the offer and suggested they discuss it at the office instead.
As he was about to add more, a voice called out, âSanderson, come here.â
Sanderson turned to see Laurinda, her expression dark as she beckoned him aside.
Laurinda huffed, âTell me, was B. Aster a shill you brought in? Sixteen million just thrown at a charity like that?â Sanderson looked at her with a complex expression, âMom, do you really think I could afford to hire B. Aster?â
Laurinda, oblivious, went on, âNot hired by you? Then itâs genuine? Has Loma been pretending all these years? If her paintings are so valuable, why didnât she produce more when we divided the family assets? I always knew she was cunning. Now itâs obvious!â
Sanderson looked at Laurindaâs distasteful antics, his face turning grim.
Though they had divided the family assets and he had given her money, promising further support, was still his mother. To say he no lingering affection was impossible.
Laurinda was too much. Her targeted remarks at this public event had drained the last of his
affection.
Laurinda continued to rant, âSheâs undutiful! Hiding her talents on purpose. She looks obedient but harbors at multitude of sly thoughts. Thatâs how these cultured people are, insulting without using foul language. Sanderson, Iâm telling you, donât be fooled by her. I heard youâve given her all your moneyâ¦
Sanderson cut her off abruptly. âMom, weâre not family at all.â
Laurinda was taken aback.
Sandersonâs tone was indifferent, his demeanor cold, âAnd when I gave you the money last time, we agreed it was my final act of filial piety. So, our family matters donât concern you anymore, right?â
Laurinda was dumbfounded, âBut I havenât asked for more money. Iâm your mother, would I harm you? Iâm warning you about Lorna!â
Sandersonâs voice grew stern, âShe is my wife, the closest person to me in this life. Why should I be wary of her? Mom, please stop this nonsense, okay?â
His heavy tone stunned Laurinda, who suddenly shrieked, âSheâs the closest person to you, so what am I to you â
Sanderson looked down, âWhat am I to you? An ATM? What else do you care about besides money?â
Laurinda was left speechless.
i
savin
Sanderson walked past her, pausing briefly to say in a low voice, âMom, donât push it until I canât even call you âmomâ anymore.â
His threatening words silenced Laurinda involuntarily.
In the sprawling family home, the one she truly feared was Sanderson. He was sharp, cunning, and definitely not a pushover.
While her parents were swarmed with chatty guests, Cordelia, reluctant to follow Lorna and become the center of attention, meandered through the bustling reception.
had just spotted Everard moments ago, but now he seemed to have vanished. She wandered toward a quiet corner of the venue.
Meanwhile, in an inconspicuous nookâ¦
Ballaster stood with solemn respect, bowing his head to the man opposite him. Despite his relaxed demeanor, there was an air about him that commanded caution. âMr. Watkins, he greeted.
Chapter 141
Everard gave a curt nod and instructed, âThe business at Greenmeadow not a word to anyone.â
âUnderstood. Is there anything else you need me to do?â Ballaster asked.
Everardâs brows furrowed, and he let out a derisive chuckle. âAbout Fannyâ¦.
Ballaster hurriedly assured, âDonât worry, Iâll handle it.â
Everard nodded again, about to add something, when suddenly the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them. A familiar figure appeared around the corner, eyes wide with surprise, exclaiming, âMr. Watkins?â
Chapter 142
Chapter