"Useless!" Andrew coughed painfully, pointing at her and scolding, "Since you got close to Jasper, have you ever done anything useful for our family? We've been struggling for years. Yet, you haven't gained any share of the family's wealth or even gained the Beckett family favor! I don't believe Jasper loves you. Having a daughter is just a waste of money! You're utterly useless!"Liana's eyes turned bloodshot with intense resentment. Andrew had always favored sons over daughters. He'd even forced Rosaline to abort her when he learned she was carrying a girl. The doctor said she would have issues conceiving again after the abortion. Liana only survived under Rosaline's persistence.Rosaline couldn't conceive again after giving birth to her. That deepened Andrew's disgust toward her. Liana grew up under the shadow of her older brother and tried to win Sophia's favor to gain attention. She lost her childlike innocence at a young age, learning manipulative tactics to secure a better
The Gardner Group faced a crisis as the public questioned their products and credentials.Netizens are clamoring to boycott their products. Over 400 out of their 500 nationwide stores have closed in less than a week. The remaining few barely survived. They resorted to flash sales. They rather sell at a loss than keep the remaining inventory.Andrew, already physically weak, fell seriously ill as he watched the substantial daily losses. Rosaline visited her sister to ask for help. But Sophia was afraid to intervene and could only watch from the sidelines."Newton Beckett has issued a final ultimatum. He will ruin anyone who helps the Gardner Group. Sophia, I'm part of the family, and it's tough to say how bitter I feel about this situation."Sophia sighed, comforting her sister by holding her hand in her palm. "Although the Beckett family can't help, I have asked Javier to pick a date for Liana and Jasper as soon as possible. How about scheduling it on the first weekend after Gran
Sean grinned. "Miss, you're truly wise. I've been monitoring the Gardner family these past few days, and I have indeed found some progress.Alyssa smiled. "As expected, without Jasper's help, the Gardner family can only find ways to raise money to cover their losses. But I thought they would sell their houses and land. I didn't expect them to sell only their jewelry. "Hmm, it seems they can still afford it with their vast fortune. Burning their last bit of money slowly so they could hold out as long as they could. It is more satisfying to see them suffer than dealing them one direct blow."Sean coldly snorted. "This is karma for the Gardner family!"Alyssa didn't say anything more. She casually flipped through the pawnshop records.Hardly anyone knew that the Taylor family owned two large, well-established pawnshops in Cassadia and Bellbanks. Since Winston liked collecting antiques, and rare treasures, he secretly opened these pawnshops to acquire the unexpected and precious item
On the weekend, at the Solana Auction House.A crowd of journalists gathered outside the venue. They had to wait outside to protect the privacy of the wealthy. Those who joined the event were genuine antique collectors and investment bankers. They were here for business and not to seek media exposure like celebrities. They weren't interested in interviews. They only focused on valuable treasures for auction—except for Sophia, Rosaline, and Liana.Every year, Sophia would attend the event in her best attire. She would turn the high-end charity auction into a red carpet-moment for her. She would block the entrance and let the media take photos. She would only leave after being persuaded by the staff, looking disgruntled.It seemed she feared people might forget she was the washed-up star who had climbed to a higher status by breaking up someone else's family over two decades ago.That led to Javier not attending the event personally for the past two years. Presumably, he felt it wo
Xavier covered his mouth. He almost choked on himself before holding back his laughter. Jasper felt a surge of resentment in his chest. He coldly responded, "I don't see a future with her, and we can never go back to the past. I won't do something so shameless." Without bothering to elaborate, Landon shrugged. He swiftly changed the topic, "Are there any items you want from today's auction?" "Yes, the Antique Rosewood Chair. I plan to buy it as a birthday gift for my grandfather." "You have good taste! I can help you secure it. If someone tries to compete with you, I'll find a way to convince them otherwise." "No need," Jasper calmly shook his head. "The auction is about charity. If the item is meant to be mine, it will be mine. I won't force something that isn't meant to be. That would take away the joy of the auction." The two entered the venue and walked straight to the first row reserved for VIPs. Only those from prominent families or elite individuals could sit th
Alyssa's words left everyone stunned. The others eyed Sophia oddly, one after another. They had no idea that the beautiful woman before them was Jasper's ex-wife. They only thought that Alyssa must be from a prestigious family with a background worth billions. She had such confidence to confront Javier Beckett's wife! Sophia was so infuriated that her body trembled. She sneered, "Look at you, Alice. You've changed now that you've found someone better to leech onto. I never realized you could be so eloquent in the past." Alyssa raised her eyebrows. She was completely indifferent to Sophia's mockery. "I treat others the way they treat me. I speak politely to those who are polite to me and straightforward to those who are rude. What does that have to do with leeching onto others?" Sophia's face turned red. She was completely frustrated. "Ms. White, my mom is your senior. How can you be so disrespectful?!" Betty immediately refuted after seeing her mother being humiliated.
Alyssa was always ready to break things off with Jasper. So she had to carry her marriage certificate. The marriage certificate had become a tool to expose the truth and reveal the misdeeds of these women! The Kirkman sisters had no way to refute it. After all, they were legally married now, so what could they say? They would only make things worse if they argued back. "Let everyone judge for themselves who is the other woman in this case!" With that, Alyssa put away the papers, turned around, and left amidst the shocked gazes of everyone, leaving Liana in place, feeling ashamed and furious! ... The auction would start in less than five minutes, and almost all the VIPs were seated. Sophia and Betty sat in the third row. When they entered, Betty's eyes were fixed on Landon. "He looks so handsome.""The security in the Harper family's charity event is very tight. They won't allow us to switch to the front row no matter how hard I try." Sophia was unhappy, but she added, "
Alyssa wasn't wearing a cumbersome evening gown. Instead, she chose a black suit of her own design. Adorning her chest was another masterpiece from the top jewelry designer, Alexa. It was a brooch made of yellow diamonds. She made a very spectacular entrance. Her fashion style was simple and distinctive. It effortlessly overshadowed the group of spoilt upper-class people. They were all pampered princesses. But Alyssa had always been a domineering queen! Liana couldn't take her eyes off Alyssa. She was resentful and bitter as she watched Alyssa become the center of attention. At this moment, two ladies beside her gasped as they looked at Alyssa. They began to chat. "Oh my goodness, who is this lady? She exudes such grace!" "She's still so young. Otherwise, I would've mistaken her for some successful businesswoman. Her presence outshines even the wealthy men here!" "Do you see that brooch on her chest? That's Alexa's legendary masterpiece, 'Ragnarok'! Someone offered a bi