The guests made their way to the next venue in the hotel for the charity auction. Alyssa was quick to dodge the spotlight, making sure no reporters or paparazzi were on her tail. She went to take a breather out in an empty hallway."Ms. Alyssa!" Sean cried, coming up to her. "Are you alright?""Of course I am. Those small fries were easy to placate," Alyssa reassured him, then said, "But you really shouldn't be here right now. You should be watching after the event flow at the venue.""But … But I'm worried about you." Sean's voice was raspy when he continued, "Those reporters were purposely sent to ruin your reputation!""That's to be expected. The media aren't going to praise and worship me just because I'm hosting an event for charity." Alyssa was not the least bit perturbed. She went on to say, "Plus, it makes sense that they would grill me. Technically, this mistake was caused by my slip-up, albeit some other more frivolous-looking peacocks took advantage. "I still have
"What are you saying?" Jasper frowned, taken aback."Leave me alone. I don't need you to be nice to me. Not anymore." Alyssa slowly stood up, trying not to wince as her gastritis acted up. She added, "Don't try shoving your useless affection here now that Liana has broken your heart. I'm not a trash recycling center—not even if you beg."Jasper clenched his hands into fists, anger rising fast with her insults.He had come to help her out because he was worried about her. Why did she have to demonize him so? Why did she humiliate his small gesture of kindness?Alyssa put on her heels again and left the room while Jasper slowly cleaned up the cupcake mess on the floor, heart aching.Alyssa was no longer the kind, affectionate woman who would smile at him and tend to him with all her heart. Their failed marriage remained a lasting trauma in her heart center. It sculpted her into the hard-shelled, abrasive, and fierce woman. One small hint of kindness was enough to make her pu
The surrounding guests and reporters shot Alyssa incredulous, awe-filled looks."My apologies, Madam Yves. I didn't know you were waiting for me," Alyssa said with a blush.Yves grinned. "Don't sweat it. You've had a busy night."She then wrapped an arm around Alyssa's shoulders, making the two look quite like close friends. She said to the reporters, "Come on, where are our photos?"Alyssa was just as shocked as everyone else.This was the first time a cold, terrifying, dominating woman like Yves had initiated a photo with someone else. The reporters thought that Alyssa must be someone special or unique to have caught her attention. How tremendous!Betty and Zoe were devastated, especially the latter, who felt shame burst inside her veins like fireworks.Why? Why was this happening? Why were all the famous, influential, powerful people flocking toward Alyssa? Zoe couldn't figure out why. Alyssa did her best to appear calm and happy while taking the photo with Yves,
Yves' eyes lit up at the thought of Jonah. Alyssa was speechless. She tried to figure out what exactly her brother had done to make her love him."You really did a number, Jonah," Alyssa muttered under her breath. …Jasper had finished three cigarettes outside the venue. Yet, he remained upset and disappointed. Nonetheless, he still dragged himself to the auction venue when it was time.While he continued walking, another man approached the scene from the opposite end of the hallway.The two immediately locked eyes as they stood outside the venue entrance. Tension hung in the air between them, with Jasper's intense glare clashing against Jameson's icy gaze.The latter pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up, a smirk rising on his lips. "What a coincidence. Are you here to contribute to charity too?"Jasper smiled lazily. "Nah. I'm just here to help her in any way I can."Jameson slowly curled his hands into fists, knowing who Jasper meant.…The charity auction was finally startin
The opal necklace incited a wave of awe and gossip to resound through the hall. Anyone could see just how fine the craftsmanship of the opals was and instantly estimated its value to be at least seven digits.The Schmidt family was truly being generous tonight by donating this piece!Just then, a spotlight fell on Jameson, making the crowd turn their attention to him. Many gasped and squealed at how refined this man looked.Yet he only had eyes for Alyssa, as if she was the only thing that mattered."Who is he? He's so handsome. He looks like some carved marble statue!""That must be someone from the Schmidt family. How else could such a precious jewelry piece be available tonight?""I've never seen him before!""Hmm, if he's already contributing this much to Ms. Alyssa, does that mean … they're together?""So what if they are? Ms. Alyssa is a modern-day Queen Sheba. They match very well together!"The more Jasper was privy to these conversations, the more irritated he was. Wi
There were no longer any new bidders for the time being. Alyssa was still pleased with the result, however."Seven million."A deep, sonorous voice rang out from behind her, making her expression fall.The unexpected bid caught the crowd's attention, prompting them to turn and identify the speaker swiftly.Jasper was in the last row, his paddle raised high in the air. He exuded sheer confidence and stability among the gawking guests."It's Jasper Beckett from the Beckett Group!""When did he get here? I didn't see him at all tonight!""He's so handsome …"Jasper gazed steadily at Alyssa, his paddle never once lowering. But she never turned around.Seven million, and she wouldn't even spare him a glance. It looked like he would have to continue bidding. "Seven million is a tad bit overpriced for this necklace," Yves said, shaking her head. She disapproved of Jasper's action. "Just because you can doesn't mean you should.""At least it will help those orphanages," Alyssa grum
Neither of them expected Ada to donate that necklace tonight.How could this be?The two women instantly glanced at one another, unable to say a word right now, given their distance. The hall erupted into an ecstatic frenzy with the reveal of Alexa's necklace. The experts in the jewelry field all craned their necks to get a good look at the piece, in awe of this legendary necklace.Both Jasper and Jameson leaped to attention, eager to bid for the necklace."Why are you standing up? Sit down! Don't you see everyone's looking at you?" Sophia hissed, dragging Betty back down into her seat. "F-Fuck … We're screwed, Mom," Betty whispered fearfully."What? What are you saying?" "I … I was the one who gave Ada that necklace.""You what? Where did you get your hands on one of Alexa's creations?" Sophia exclaimed, then got angry. Sophia continued, "How could she just give it away like that? Isn't that just outright slapping you in the face? And you, how dare you give it to her and
"This has always been the motivation behind Alexa's jewelry design. Being a loyal fan of her work, I plan to follow in her footsteps this way. "I hope this gesture also maximizes the kindness Ms. Betty has shown me by giving me such a precious gift," stated Ada. Betty couldn't publicly deny that any longer. All she wanted was for a hole to open up in the ground and swallow her up."Madam Ada has decided that, on account of the meaning and gravitas of this piece crafted by Alexa herself, there will be no minimum bidding amount!" the auctioneer announced."30 million," a clear voice rang out. Jameson raised his paddle, a smile on his face.30 million? That was the highest starting bid of the night so far! Were they planning to go up to billions?Alexa's creations were indeed worth that price, but it was still an exorbitant amount."50 million." Jasper slowly raised his paddle, his expression calm save for a glint of ferocity in his eyes.The crowd was shocked by his bid.