Due to the additional rules of the auction, the competition for the auction was more intense than ever. The bidding for the first set was considerably more intense than usual, and the closing price was nearly twice as high. As soon as the bidding for the second set started, Astrid began shouting bids frantically. She didn't think highly of Light Moon Designs' outfits and believed that Allure Designs' products were the best. Still, she was excited to participate in the auction and was determined to win the second set at all costs to humiliate Faye. Astrid knew from the beginning that there was a problem with the necklace on the second set. She initially planned to expose Light Moon Designs during the auction. She would accuse them of producing counterfeit goods, making them just as horrible as Allure Designs. She would then demand a thorough investigation by the relevant authorities. Even if Light Moon Designs weren't found to have any issues with their products, the fact
Without hesitation, Cedric joined Astrid in bidding. They pushed the price of a gown worth several million up to a staggering one billion. However, when Astrid called out one billion and one million, Cedric stopped bidding.Astrid knew that Cedric was bidding against her to help Faye. Moreover, the fake necklace was planted by Astrid. Initially, she had been concerned that Faye would discover the problem and have the necklace swapped out before the show. However, the fact that Cedric continued to bid against her confirmed that the necklace on the second outfit was indeed fake. Though Light Moon Designs explained in advance that there was an issue and intended to resolve it by giving the whole outfit for free, once Astrid had the set in her hands, things would be out of Light Moon Designs' control. Even if Astrid didn't win the second set and chose another one, she had ways to manipulate it into a problematic product. The only difference was that she would have to spend mon
Frankly, Faye didn't anticipate the third outfit to be sold at such a low price and concluded that it was because the second outfit was sold at an insanely high price. Though Faye didn't design the third outfit, it was brilliant and qualified to be shown on stage. Though 1.5 million wasn't a low price, it seemed to pale in comparison to the other outfits. Since one of the accessories was found problematic, Faye had anticipated that others would have doubts. Naturally, she said everything she said because she had already made arrangements to handle this crisis. She clapped her hands to silence everyone with a smile. "I understand that you all have questions, but please calm down. "Light Moon Designs did not plan and arrange for this necklace to be problematic."Everyone was stunned by her words, wondering who would have planned this if it weren't Light Moon Designs. "To ensure that today's auction is just and fair, we've invited internationally renowned experts here. Let's
Faye's smile deepened. "Is this the lady who bid for the second set? Do you think the issue with our third set isn't accurately pointed out, or do you believe the problem lies with the second set?" As Faye's words fell, the surrounding discussions immediately shifted.Those who had expressed doubt and initially sided with Astrid now looked at Astrid in confusion, frowning. They found Faye's explanation to be convincing. After all, no one would spend over a billion for a set of clothes at an auction. Although the clothing designed by Light Moon Designs' chief designer was indeed excellent, it would be unreasonable to be so insistent unless they were sure the outfit was flawed.On top of that, Astrid's hysterical tone was suspicious as well."Don't try to paint me as the bad guy. I'm just discussing the matter at hand," Astrid replied calmly with a sharp tone. Faye chuckled. "I remember the one who won the bid for the third set is Mr. Liberton, a well-known figure in the domesti
Astrid didn't expect the appraiser she brought in from Allure Designs to claim that the second set had no issues. When she contacted them to come, she had specifically instructed them to insist that the second set had problems, and Astrid would take responsibility for all consequences should anything go wrong. However, as the appraiser confidently declared that all items on stage were authentic, Astrid was close to a mental breakdown."No, this can't be! Did Faye manage to buy off my staff, too?" she thought. The last hope rested on the person brought in by Nick. Nick had put everything on the line and called a professor who taught gemology at Jeorgia University. This professor had once received favors from Nick's father and worked for the Lynch family for years. Though Benny was currently under investigation, the righteous professor didn't abandon the Lynch family and was still trying to lighten the potential legal consequences for the family. When the professor, Mr. Hack
Astrid's eyes were filled with disbelief all the way till the police led her away.Cedric had kicked her because of that woman. And it was a hard kick, nearly injuring her internal organs.Astrid was sent flying several feet, crashing to the ground. She felt as if she was dying, unable to breathe due to the pain.Her entire body throbbed with unbearable pain, and her heart ached. She could not believe Cedric would be so cruel to her for another woman's sake.Astrid had always believed that in this world, only Cynthia Libra could drive Cedric crazy. Even if there was someone else in his life, only Cynthia had such an effect on Cedric. However, at this moment, she realized she had been living in a dream.In the past few years, she appeared glorious on the surface, but her miseries were all hidden. She climbed as high as possible to obtain Cedric's approval and validate her initial choice. She stabilized her position step by step in Allure Designs, becoming an admired, powerful w
Faye initially intended to brush it off with a laugh, but Cedric's perceptiveness made her speechless.After a moment of thought, Faye forced a smile. "Cedric, expanding your business to Pembrook too? Seems like you're hiding some secrets."With his alluring smile, Cedric leaned back in his chair, his eyes sparkling. "Faye, your words seem to be directed at yourself."Faye was speechless."Let me guess, you're in Pembrook because of Light Moon Designs, or are you there to treat someone? Or perhaps, are there other business matters I'm unaware of?" Faye smirked, momentarily unsure how to respond."Shouldn't you confess before questioning me, Mr. Shaw?" Cedric held Faye's hand, playing with it. "Are you checking up on me, Faye?"Faye turned her head. With bright eyes, she smiled innocently. "Can't I?"This woman was always like this. After teasing him, she would look at him with innocent eyes, say things that drove him crazy, and then casually leave.Just thinking about it ma
Arriving at the security team's office, Faye had changed into new clothes, applied makeup, and donned a wig. With sunglasses as the finishing touch, she exuded confidence and a cool air. A stark contrast to her previous gentle appearance.Had Charles not seen Faye in her adept disguise before, he might not have recognized her.She wore a black shirt, black pants, and high boots. Her eyes seemed to see through everything, instilling caution in others. Despite her intimidating aura, the off-duty security team members rushed towards her excitedly.Several ladies hugged her and exclaimed, "Boss, you're back!""We missed you so much, Boss!""In the past six months without you, we didn't even know how we survived!""Boss, you won't leave again, right?""Without you, our security team would have become useless decorations!"Surrounded by her colleagues, Faye patted their shoulders and chuckled. "All of you've worked hard."A young man with a dark expression stood by the crowd, wa
Official Hart was well aware that if he indeed went to Pembrook, he couldn't successfully assume the role of the leader without the support of the security team. It wasn't that he underestimated himself, but Pembrook was a peculiar city. Ordinary officials who went there could only be puppets. Even those who thought they had some capabilities, like the previous mayor who attempted to overthrow the security team, faced a tremendously tragic fate. His attempt to gain full control over Pembrook doomed his political career and might even cost him his life. Official Hart didn't want to be a puppet, and he certainly didn't want to lose his life. Going to Pembrook was about enhancing his qualifications to open up more opportunities. In simpler terms, it was about building his portfolio.To go to Pembrook, he must have a good relationship with the security team. Now that the captain of the Pembrook Security team had actively approached him, he had nothing to lose. However, Official
Faye had made arrangements for Jeorgia, while Cedric started an investigation into what the Anderson and Garcia families were doing. Faye knew that this was a trap and that nothing happened by coincidence. However, she didn't know what the culprit's motive was. She didn't have to wait for long because she received a phone call from Tracy later that afternoon. "Faye, you could've come at me if you were upset. Why did you target Grandma? She treated you well, yet you killed her over such trivial matters. Are you even human?"Faye smirked. "Since when do you care about her, Tracy?""What are you talking about? That's our grandmother. You did this, didn't you?""Would you believe me if I said I didn't do it?" Faye sneered. "Don't think that you can do anything you want just because you married someone rich. Faye, don't even dream of getting your murderer of a mother out! I won't let you. You better come back to Jeorgia, or this won't ever be over."With that, Tracy hung up.
Clark's words only enraged Flora. Eleanor abused Faye when she was a child, which led to Faye getting sick repeatedly. She even allowed Lizzie to go into their home to poison Faye while Flora was at work. Faye suffered through so much hardship at the time and came close to dying. She was already poisoned when she was pregnant with Faye, which meant Faye was born with poison in her body. Though Flora tried her best to counter the poison, Faye was still more frail than ordinary children. Eleanor knew that Faye wasn't Clint's child, so she had always been displeased with her. "Had I known that she's the kind of person who can harm a child, I would never leave Faye with her." Rage filled Flora's eyes. Just as she was about to leave, Eleanor started coughing on the bed. Clark shouted and ran outside to get the doctor. Until the doctor arrived, there were two minutes when Flora was alone with Eleanor. It wasn't until the doctor arrived that Flora found out Clark didn't even
Lizzie and Clint were momentarily stunned, confused by Tracy's words. "I just received a call from Uncle. He said that Grandma passed away and we need to go home."Clint jolted and collapsed onto the ground. "What?"Tracy smirked. "They can't reach you or Mom, so he called me instead. We need to go home right now.""Ha! So what if she's dead? She doesn't see us as family, so why should we go back?" Lizzie scoffed in contempt. Eleanor disliked her right from the start. If Eleanor didn't stop her from marrying Clint at the very beginning, Flora would have never gotten married to Clint. Though Eleanor helped get rid of Flora in the end, she continued to mistreat Lizzie when she finally married Clint. Eleanor resented Flora for being too strong-willed and disrespectful. However, she looked down on Lizzie for not being as talented as Flora and incapable of bringing more profit to the Brown family. She kept comparing Lizzie to Flora and bossed her around. Lizzie remained patie
"Damn it! Damn it! It has to be Faye! This has to be her doing. Damn it!" Tracy pushed everything on the table to the ground. Her face twisted viciously with anger. Over the past few days, scandals about her have circulated on the internet. Even information about her age when she started sleeping around and the number of men she slept with for money was released. Evidence of her plotting to steal Anthon away and bring down the Lynch family was released as well. On top of that, there was also information about her working with her mother to chase Flora out and claim Brown Corporation as their own. Every misdeed Tracy had ever committed was exposed before the public's eyes. She became the target of all condemnation. There would be different people gathering near their apartment. As soon as they stepped out of the apartment, they would get beaten. The horrible things that Clint and Lizzie did were later released onto the internet as well. The family of three couldn't even get
Monica suffered from severe depression ever since she married Ethan. She was a strong-willed woman who refused to show any weakness. Even when she was hurt, she would suffer alone and kept giving, not asking for anything in return. Ethan married her but didn't love her. On top of that, he picked on her at every turn and gave her the cold shoulder. She began to get depressed a year after marrying him. With her friend's help, she started treatment. However, the treatment process was painful. Throughout the three years she was married to Ethan, she endured his humiliation without rest, which made recovering much harder. One day, she went to the beach and came close to getting washed away. It was Brody who saved her. Brody went there to look for inspiration for his paintings. When he saw Monica, he was sitting afar and drawing. This painting won Brody countless awards. Just as he was about to leave, there was a high tide, and Monica came close to getting washed away.
Ethan sent the photos and returned to his apartment to wait while drinking. Due to the interview that took place at noon, Ethan's divorce stirred up a storm on Facebook. At the moment, he didn't need to pay to obtain attention. After Tracy declared her innocence, everyone considered Ethan a jerk who heartlessly searched for an excuse to divorce Monica. Ethan waited an hour before releasing the photos. Everyone switched from cursing at him to cursing at him and Tracy. This was not what he expected. He gritted his teeth. Just as he contemplated how to deal with this, he received a bunch of photos. Apart from the intimate photos between him and Tracy, there were ones of Tracy with other men as well. There was even proof that Tracy got an abortion when she was still a teenager. Going through everything, he finally realized how wrong he had been. He misjudged Tracy and recklessly divorced Monica. He didn't love Monica and resented her for forcing him to marry her. Howeve
"You look alright. Who would have thought you are the kind of man who would cheat on your wife?" Eleanor didn't mince her words and immediately kept her distance. Mandy smiled. "Tracy, look at what you've done to your boyfriend.""She stole Faye's boyfriend and sent Anthon's family to prison. Now, she's here destroying Mr. Garcia's family. He lost everything because of her. How interesting," Clark chimed in. He still remembered how Tracy insulted him when he tried to ask Ethan for money. He held a grudge. Tracy's expression darkened. She wanted to run, but the reporters had directed their microphones at her. "Miss, why did you choose to be a homewrecker?""Did you know that Mr. Garcia got a divorce because of you?""Do you know how he got to where he is now? It's because of the alliance he formed with the Dalding family through marriage. Without the Dalding family's help, he may have nothing. Will you still love him even if that's the case?"These questions were confrontati
Faye learned about the Brown family being taken to the police station the following morning. Just as she got up, she received a call from the police station informing her that her relatives had been detained due to a brawl. She was urged to head over to mediate the fight. Faye smiled. "I'm sorry, but they are not my relatives. Please handle it according to the law." After hanging up, she looked at Cedric, who was waiting for breakfast. She hugged him from behind and said with a smile, "Guess what interesting scene I witnessed last night?"Cedric turned his head to study the triumphant look on her face. He smiled. "Why don't you tell me?""Ethan and Tracy were caught in bed together. Didn't you know?""I knew." He pinched her face. "I was the one who asked Monica to go over."Faye rolled her eyes and pouted, losing her interest in the matter. "Why are you asking me if you already knew everything?""You saw it with your own eyes, and I'm just guessing. I prefer to hear it from