"Apologies, Mr. Torres. Don't worry, I'll handle the situation and make sure she quiets down immediately."Beads of sweat appeared on Curran's forehead as he pleaded with Blake, his voice shaky and desperate. Turning to Becky, he gave her a stern, warning look, masking the true emotions that churned within him. It was all just a show; deep down, he was elated that his goal had been achieved. The facade of fear and anxiety was a necessary act to maintain the charade, but inside, Curran felt a surge of triumph and satisfaction. His mind raced with the possibilities now open to him, and he relished the success that was finally within his grasp.Eva spent a fortune on what turned out to be a fake painting. Three million and five thousand dollars vanished in an instant! He believed she must have exhausted her entire net worth. The sheer enormity of the loss was staggering, and the thought of such a monumental mistake weighed heavily on him. He couldn't fathom how she had been deceived so e
The situation had escalated beyond control and could no longer be swept under the carpet.The auctioneer looked at Eva apologetically.It would be rude to subject the painting to an authentication test after it had already been sold to Eva.However, failing to do so could damage the organization's reputation and potentially lead to a loss of trust and severed ties with their clients."Do you mind, Miss Lowes?" the auctioneer asked politely, his tone tinged with hesitation.Eva met his gaze and responded calmly, "No, I don't. Go ahead with it."Unfazed by the antagonism from most of the people in the hall, Eva folded her arms and stood confidently. Her poise was unwavering as whispers and skeptical glances filled the room. She knew the stakes were high, but she was prepared to face whatever scrutiny came her way. Her unwavering composure seemed to challenge her critics, daring them to doubt her judgment. The air was thick with tension, but Eva's steady demeanor began to shift the atmos
Eva stiffened, her smile faltering for a fleeting moment. A flicker of suspicion sparked in her eyes as she leveled a cool stare at Brady. "Do you want to take back the painting?"The question hung heavy in the air, laced with unspoken accusation."Goodness, Miss Lowes, the thought never crossed my mind. This painting belongs to you now. It wouldn't be right for me to take it back. Actually, I was hoping we could become friends, if that wouldn't be presumptuous of me.""You want to be her friend?" Jenny piped up, looking at Brady cautiously."Absolutely! Your passion for art is truly refreshing." Brady leaned forward, a spark of genuine interest in his eyes. "You know, my family has a long history in the art industry. We've amassed quite a collection of antiques. If you're ever interested in seeing some unique pieces, I'd love to show you sometime."The intensity in Eva's gaze softened a fraction as she studied Brady's face. A flicker of something genuine – perhaps sincerity,
Eva returned home with the gifts she bought after the auction.As if she was Santa Claus on Christmas, she distributed each of the items to her family. Uncle Axel wasn't home, so she had to send his item through international express.The Lowes family was overjoyed when they got the gifts from their girl."Ev, what would you like? Name anything, and I'll get it. you want that stars in the night sky? I'll pick them out of the air for you!" Owen soaked in his confidence, grinning.Eva quickly denied his offer, smilling. "Thank you, Uncle Owen. But it's just a fun little gift. There's no favor you need to return to me. Trust me, I'm saving you trouble."This wasn't fun at all. Gossip about Eva and Owen had stirred drama about them all across the city.If the media found out that owen was sending her a gift, no matter how big or small, their names were guaranteed to be the trending topic before long.She wasn't too worried about her own reputation, but Owen was a government official, and
Xian's hand flew to his cheek, cradling the stinging welt where a moment ago, Blake's hand had landed. Disbelief clouded his eyes. "Blake...?" His voice barely a whisper. "Why?"Blake's jaw was clenched tight, his features contorted in a mixture of fury and something else – perhaps regret, perhaps a deeper anger he couldn't articulate. "Don't even ask," he growled, his voice strained.Xian flinched at the venom in Blake's tone. The playful banter and easy camaraderie they once shared seemed a distant memory. Fear prickled at his skin, but a flicker of defiance sparked in his eyes. He would get answers, even if it meant facing Blake's wrath.Xian trembled with fright and didn't dare argue with Blake.Owen stood aside and watched everything with disdain.If Blake hadn't attacked Xian's he would have punched Xian.Eva wasn't in the mood to worry about anything else. Her only concern was Owen's injury.In the heat of the battle, Owen had twisted his wound while attempting to attack Xian
Xian was still in a daze when the phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts. He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the lingering haze of confusion. As he reached for the phone, he saw Tally's name on the screen, and a wave of curiosity and anticipation washed over him. What could she want at this hour? Xian hesitated to answer the call before finally holding it up to his ear."Xian, have you seen Blake lately?" Tally spoke in a soft voice.Xian felt goose bumps all over his body. "Tally, what do you need from him?""It's been a while since I last saw him. He never answers my calls or comes to visit anymore," Tally whimpered, her voice trembling with worry. "Xian, can you help me find him?"In the past, Xian might have helped Tally without a second thought, but after the harsh lesson Blake had just taught him, he knew better than to risk angering Blake again anytime soon.As Tally sobbed over the phone, Xian tried to calm her. "Please, stop crying," he said gently. "Blake is at
After leaving my husband, who did not love me, I restored my status as an heir to a super-rich family. With newfound clarity and determination, I reclaimed my birthright and embraced the responsibility that came with it. No longer bound by the constraints of a loveless marriage, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, guided by the unwavering support of my family. As I stepped into my role as heiress, I vowed to honor the legacy of generations past while forging my own path towards a future defined by resilience, strength, and unabashed authenticity.In the hushed quietude of the night, Eva Torres paced the plush carpet, the air thick with a nervous energy that prickled her skin. Her reflection in the gilded mirror showed a stark contrast – the woman she knew, clad in sensible cotton pajamas, battled with the image she sought to portray. Tonight, silk whispered against her skin, a luxurious departure from the usual comfort. The delicate fabric clung to her curves in
"Tally? Why are you here?"Eva glanced at the wedding picture on her nightstand, a sliver of unease pricking her like a rogue thorn. Though the picture captured a day brimming with joy and promises, a shadow seemed to have fallen across it, a shadow cast by a woman named Tally Hartwood. Eva and Tally had never met, not in person. Yet, Tally's presence had seeped into Eva's marriage like a silent, insidious fog. It was a presence whispered in hushed tones by relatives, a ghost in knowing smiles from old friends, a name that hung heavy in the air whenever conversation dipped towards Blake's past.The ambiance of the house bore witness to Tally's pervasive presence, her essence seeping into every corner and crevice. From the meticulously arranged décor to the subtle nuances in conversation, the Torres household served as a constant reminder of Tally's esteemed status as Blake's preferred partner. Each member of the family, with a knowing glance or a passing remark, reinforced Eva's secon
Xian was still in a daze when the phone rang, pulling him from his thoughts. He blinked a few times, trying to shake off the lingering haze of confusion. As he reached for the phone, he saw Tally's name on the screen, and a wave of curiosity and anticipation washed over him. What could she want at this hour? Xian hesitated to answer the call before finally holding it up to his ear."Xian, have you seen Blake lately?" Tally spoke in a soft voice.Xian felt goose bumps all over his body. "Tally, what do you need from him?""It's been a while since I last saw him. He never answers my calls or comes to visit anymore," Tally whimpered, her voice trembling with worry. "Xian, can you help me find him?"In the past, Xian might have helped Tally without a second thought, but after the harsh lesson Blake had just taught him, he knew better than to risk angering Blake again anytime soon.As Tally sobbed over the phone, Xian tried to calm her. "Please, stop crying," he said gently. "Blake is at
Xian's hand flew to his cheek, cradling the stinging welt where a moment ago, Blake's hand had landed. Disbelief clouded his eyes. "Blake...?" His voice barely a whisper. "Why?"Blake's jaw was clenched tight, his features contorted in a mixture of fury and something else – perhaps regret, perhaps a deeper anger he couldn't articulate. "Don't even ask," he growled, his voice strained.Xian flinched at the venom in Blake's tone. The playful banter and easy camaraderie they once shared seemed a distant memory. Fear prickled at his skin, but a flicker of defiance sparked in his eyes. He would get answers, even if it meant facing Blake's wrath.Xian trembled with fright and didn't dare argue with Blake.Owen stood aside and watched everything with disdain.If Blake hadn't attacked Xian's he would have punched Xian.Eva wasn't in the mood to worry about anything else. Her only concern was Owen's injury.In the heat of the battle, Owen had twisted his wound while attempting to attack Xian
Eva returned home with the gifts she bought after the auction.As if she was Santa Claus on Christmas, she distributed each of the items to her family. Uncle Axel wasn't home, so she had to send his item through international express.The Lowes family was overjoyed when they got the gifts from their girl."Ev, what would you like? Name anything, and I'll get it. you want that stars in the night sky? I'll pick them out of the air for you!" Owen soaked in his confidence, grinning.Eva quickly denied his offer, smilling. "Thank you, Uncle Owen. But it's just a fun little gift. There's no favor you need to return to me. Trust me, I'm saving you trouble."This wasn't fun at all. Gossip about Eva and Owen had stirred drama about them all across the city.If the media found out that owen was sending her a gift, no matter how big or small, their names were guaranteed to be the trending topic before long.She wasn't too worried about her own reputation, but Owen was a government official, and
Eva stiffened, her smile faltering for a fleeting moment. A flicker of suspicion sparked in her eyes as she leveled a cool stare at Brady. "Do you want to take back the painting?"The question hung heavy in the air, laced with unspoken accusation."Goodness, Miss Lowes, the thought never crossed my mind. This painting belongs to you now. It wouldn't be right for me to take it back. Actually, I was hoping we could become friends, if that wouldn't be presumptuous of me.""You want to be her friend?" Jenny piped up, looking at Brady cautiously."Absolutely! Your passion for art is truly refreshing." Brady leaned forward, a spark of genuine interest in his eyes. "You know, my family has a long history in the art industry. We've amassed quite a collection of antiques. If you're ever interested in seeing some unique pieces, I'd love to show you sometime."The intensity in Eva's gaze softened a fraction as she studied Brady's face. A flicker of something genuine – perhaps sincerity,
The situation had escalated beyond control and could no longer be swept under the carpet.The auctioneer looked at Eva apologetically.It would be rude to subject the painting to an authentication test after it had already been sold to Eva.However, failing to do so could damage the organization's reputation and potentially lead to a loss of trust and severed ties with their clients."Do you mind, Miss Lowes?" the auctioneer asked politely, his tone tinged with hesitation.Eva met his gaze and responded calmly, "No, I don't. Go ahead with it."Unfazed by the antagonism from most of the people in the hall, Eva folded her arms and stood confidently. Her poise was unwavering as whispers and skeptical glances filled the room. She knew the stakes were high, but she was prepared to face whatever scrutiny came her way. Her unwavering composure seemed to challenge her critics, daring them to doubt her judgment. The air was thick with tension, but Eva's steady demeanor began to shift the atmos
"Apologies, Mr. Torres. Don't worry, I'll handle the situation and make sure she quiets down immediately."Beads of sweat appeared on Curran's forehead as he pleaded with Blake, his voice shaky and desperate. Turning to Becky, he gave her a stern, warning look, masking the true emotions that churned within him. It was all just a show; deep down, he was elated that his goal had been achieved. The facade of fear and anxiety was a necessary act to maintain the charade, but inside, Curran felt a surge of triumph and satisfaction. His mind raced with the possibilities now open to him, and he relished the success that was finally within his grasp.Eva spent a fortune on what turned out to be a fake painting. Three million and five thousand dollars vanished in an instant! He believed she must have exhausted her entire net worth. The sheer enormity of the loss was staggering, and the thought of such a monumental mistake weighed heavily on him. He couldn't fathom how she had been deceived so e
The auction continued, and they placed a piece of classical oil painting for bidding.It was a portrait of a majestic general and his men fighting bravely with the enemy. The vivid image, strong color tone, and well-defined strokes offered a powerful visual effect.The auctioneer tapped the microphone and announced, "This oil painting, named Victory, is a skillfull work of art of the classical painter, Alexander Yebo, which depicts the victory return of General Theo Clark. Brady Lena has donated this piece of work."Eva fell in love with the painting the minute she saw it, and she soon joined the bidding."One million!""One million and one hundred thousand!" Curran immediately made a bid.He wasn't ready to compromise. The bidding was tense. He was determined to acquire the painting.The price of the oil painting gradually soared as the bidding proceeded. In the end, Eva and Curran were the only bidders left.The two immediately became the center of everyone's attention.Becky was si
"All heads turned toward the source of the voice.When the guests saw Blake seated beside Eva, shock rippled through the room."Oh my God! Is that Blake? Why is he sitting next to Eva instead of in a private room?""He claimed that all the items Eva donated tonight were his.""There's something suspicious here. When they were married, he rarely took Eva out, and she was hardly known by many. Yet now, after their divorce, they're always seen together. It doesn't add up."While a few of them were examining the relationship between those two, the wise ones realized something."The identity of the donor seemed inconsequential; what resonated was that Blake had personally funded the items. His deliberate mention of this detail appeared aimed at refuting the narrative Becky had been spreading, suggesting a motive to assert his influence or protect Eva's reputation amidst the speculation surrounding their relationship post-divorce.""The opportunity to catch the attention of the CEO of Torre
"Hey, cut it out!" he exclaimed, his tone sharp with suspicion. "Something tells me you're trying to stir up trouble here. How on earth can an emerald ring be worth just a dollar? Even a fake one would cost more than that!"Jenny sprang to her feet, her patience finally snapping as she turned sharply towards Becky.Becky sneered disdainfully, her expression dripping with contempt. She eyed Jenny from head to toe before shifting her gaze to Eva, her disdain evident in every glance."In my opinion, this emerald ring is worth no more than a dollar! You should be grateful I'm even bidding on it. The ring came from a country bumpkin who dropped out of middle school. Her possessions are worthless. It's utterly humiliating!"The other guests began to see sense in what Becky said. Those that wanted to bid for the ring gave up.No matter how exquisite the item was, they couldn't overlook the fact that its original owner was a countrywoman. The stigma associated with her background overshadowed