By now, most of the guests had arrived. The emcee on stage began to speak, and the guests expressed their best wishes to Nelson and Melinda.Then, Nelson stepped forward to speak. "Everyone, thank you for attending our wedding anniversary celebration. I truly appreciate each and every one of you."After Nelson spoke, the crowd applauded.He then continued, "As you all saw on the invitation, tonight is also a charity auction. My wife and I will be auctioning some of our collected paintings, antiques, and memorabilia. "All proceeds from tonight's auction will be donated to the Riverford Red Cross. The funds will be used to improve the lives of children from impoverished families."Of course, I'm sure all of you have compassionate hearts. Tonight, guests who are willing to do so can make donations. I have assigned someone to keep a record of all contributions. Thank you."Then, the emcee took to the stage once more. "Ladies and gentlemen, those who wish to donate can do so over her
Calla's words enraged Sophie. She furiously retorted, "What did you say? Are you looking for a fight?"With that, Sophie raised her hand to strike Calla. Calla, however, grabbed her wrist and coldly said, "Sophie, haven't you had enough? I've put up with you for a long time! You want Mercer, right? I've already given him to you. Getting him to marry you is up to your capabilities."Calla initially wasn't sure if Mercer had married Sophie. But Pierre's earlier comment made it clear that Sophie wasn't part of the Garland family. That meant Mercer hadn't married her yet.She didn't know why Mercer hadn't married Sophie, nor did she care. But she was tired of Sophie constantly harassing her, acting like she was her arch-nemesis.With that, Calla let go of Sophie's wrist and pushed her, walking straight toward the door."Calla, even if Mercer hasn't married me yet, he still dumped you!" Sophie shouted behind her.Calla didn't stop. She walked out, thinking she wouldn't lower herself t
Hearing Calla's words, Mercer frowned and asked, "Did Sophie give you trouble?""Why are you pretending to be so innocent? Don't you know what your woman is like?" Calla questioned angrily.Mercer frowned deeper and hesitated before saying, "Don't worry, I'll warn her not to bother you in the future. But you must stay away from Pierre!""That's none of your business!" Calla firmly refused."There's a limit to my patience. Don't test me!" Mercer warned with a stern face.Calla sneered. "Mercer, who do you think you are? We’re already divorced. From now on, we will go our separate ways. What right do you have to tell me who I can or can't be with? I will keep seeing Pierre. I like Pierre, and I might even move in with him. I—"Before Calla could finish, Mercer raised his hand and slapped her!Dizzy from the blow, Calla staggered, almost falling.Mercer had only meant to reprimand her, but he didn't expect to hit her so hard. He reached out to steady her, but Calla shoved him, cau
The items donated by Nelson and Melinda were all valuable. This included ancient vases, paintings, various jewelry, and even artifacts. It was clear that the elderly couple was very generous.Some guests were genuinely interested in charity, while others were there to show respect to the elderly couple. Some just wanted to put on a show. As a result, the auction was quite lively. More than a dozen treasures were auctioned off. They raised over 20 million dollars in donations.As the auction reached its climax, the emcee announced, "Ladies and gentlemen! Mr. and Mrs. Lowry Senior are deeply moved by your generous support. Our beloved Mrs. Lowry Senior has decided to put a treasure she has kept for over 40 years up for auction!"The next moment, Melinda walked onto the stage, carefully holding a blue velvet box. She opened it and gazed at the item inside for several seconds. Then, she spoke into the microphone, "This brooch was given to me by my husband when he proposed. It is a tok
Amidst the crowd, a gaze as cold as ice swept across the men below who were ogling Calla. His face had already darkened with rage.The auctioneer announced, "Ladies and gentlemen, this brooch is from the vaults of the Ephawinian royal family. It symbolizes a happy and fulfilling marriage. This is a rare and remarkable piece. "According to expert appraisal, the market value of this brooch is 2.6 million dollars. Our starting bid tonight is 2.6 million. If anyone is interested, please state your bid now!""2.6 million!" The first to call out from the crowd was a wealthy lady, who liked the brooch very much."2.8 million!""2.85 million!""Everyone, pay attention! Each bid increment must be at least 100 thousand dollars. Thank you!" the auctioneer quickly added."Three million!" Pierre suddenly raised his hand."Mr. Pierre Garland bids three million!" the auctioneer announced immediately.Calla turned to look at Pierre. At that moment, he was looking at her with an appreciative
Under everyone's gaze, Mercer stepped onto the stage. He shook hands with Nelson and Melinda, then took the microphone. Then, he turned to the audience. "Everyone, first I would like to apologize to Mr. Lowry Senior and his wife. I have taken something they cherish."He then lowered his head in apology to Nelson and Melinda.Mercer continued, "I bought this brooch today to give to the person I love most. I hope that my beloved and I can have a long, happy life together like Mr. and Mrs. Lowry Senior."Many young women in the audience looked envious upon hearing this. Mercer, a highly eligible bachelor, was a dream for many.Hearing this, Calla glanced at Sophie in the audience.At that moment, Sophie was listening to Mercer's speech with rapt attention. Her eyes filled with excitement and happiness.The next moment, Calla turned her gaze elsewhere. She thought that he must really love Sophie. From what she knew of him, he wasn't one to express his feelings easily. Saying somethin
Mercer stood very close to Calla, bending his head to remove the brooch. His scent enveloped her, making it hard for her to breathe. With so many eyes on them, she felt incredibly nervous.Luckily, the emcee had moved on to the next part of the party—dancing. The crystal chandeliers in the ballroom dimmed, and a melodious waltz began to play. The guests took their partners and started to dance.Mercer kept working on her dress. His fingers occasionally brushed against her skin, which drove Calla crazy. Her heart was in turmoil because of him!"Are you done yet?" Calla asked, irritated.Mercer didn't answer, still focused on the brooch."Why don't you get some scissors?" she suggested impatiently.He remained silent, making Calla so anxious she started to tap her feet. "Did you hear me?"By this time, Sophie had eagerly approached, followed by a concerned Pierre."Mercer, let me help you!" Sophie was already fuming, seeing Mercer so close to Calla.As Sophie approached, Calla
After Mercer and Sophie left early, the party started to wind down.As they were saying their farewells, Melinda took Calla's hand. "Ms. Sherman, thank you for your help today.""Mrs. Lowry Senior, it was my pleasure," Calla replied with a smile.Melinda lacked the obnoxious demeanor of a wealthy lady from high society. Instead, she was very kind and respectable."You remind me of myself when I was young. I hope we'll meet again." Melinda's eyes showed a hint of admiration."I'm sure we will." Calla nodded. Even though she said that, Calla knew their social statuses were worlds apart. They would likely never meet again. Regardless of the thoughts she harbored, Pierre drove Calla home in his Land Rover."You don't have to accompany me. I can go in on my own." Calla got out of the car, declining Pierre's offer to walk her to her door.But Pierre insisted, getting out of the car and walking her to the entrance of her complex. He smiled and said, "This old neighborhood isn't very