Next to Gilbert stood a woman wearing a pearl-white gown. She looked exceptionally elegant with her long hair, scarlet-red lips, and perfect white teeth. Except for the exquisite bangle on her wrist, she wore no other accessories. But even so, just her standing there was enough to captivate the crowd.Alec was no exception. He was stunned by her beauty every time she appeared. Although he had already decided not to inquire about her, he couldn’t help but want to learn more about her. “Mr. Hawthorn,” Mr. Nelson greeted him with the broadest grin on his face. However, he wondered, “What’s going on? How come all the big shots decided to show up today?” Gilbert nodded in response, “Mr. Nelson, I hope we’re not intruding on your dinner?”“Of course not!” Mr. Nelson shook his head. He couldn’t help but glance at Jenny, who was standing beside Gilbert.“This woman is so pretty. I wonder what her relationship with Gilbert Hawthorn is. Maybe I could sign her as a model for BQ Magazine?” he t
Faye noticed the subtle change in Alec’s mood and started to feel very anxious.Jenny ignored Alec and Faye. She whispered to Gilbert, “I wonder when they’re going to auction off the goods I sponsored.”She was pretty curious about what the bids would be. “It’s still early. Mr. Birkett hasn’t released any new work on the market for so many years. Your painting is going to be the finale,” Gilbert replied.Afterward, he shook his head helplessly and said, “Are you sure it’s not going to be a problem giving away Mr. Birkett’s painting just like that?”“He’s my mentor. Surely he won’t beat me up for this?” Jenny pouted. “Besides, he already gave me that painting. Of course I have the authority to deal with it.”“That’s true. You’re his mentee. I don’t think he will blame you for it.”“Why, of course. Mr. Birkett adores me.”The two of them spoke softly, so Alec couldn’t hear what they were saying. He could only tell that they were enjoying the conversation. Inevitably, he found it annoyin
“But…”“It’s okay, Gilbert. I don’t like it that much anyway,” Jenny said smilingly. After all, it wasn’t essential to her. Since Gilbert didn’t make another bid, the goods belonged to Alec now. The crowd couldn’t help but sigh and be envious. Faye was also pretty worked up. She didn’t expect Alec to bid for such an expensive item for her. She was nervous yet excited at the same time. However, the earrings didn’t arrive in front of her. She watched as Alec paid without hesitation. Later, he whispered something to the attendant. After that, the attendant walked up to Jenny and said to her, “Hi, miss. Mr. Faust wants to give this pair of earrings to you as a gift.”Gift?Everybody else was astonished. A 60-million-dollar item as a gift? What was Alec’s relationship with this woman? Wait, Wasn’t she Gilbert’s sister? How did she get involved with Alec? Why did Alec choose to give it to Gilbert’s sister and not his own sister? The crowd was confused. The only conclusion they could come u
“Mr. Birkett’s painting? It can’t be!”Someone snapped, “Everyone knows that Mr. Birkett stopped auctioning off his artwork long ago. This can’t be his painting.”“That’s right. Auctioning off a fake painting? Do you think we’re fools?”Everyone who attended the auction today were all established figures. BQ Magazine couldn’t afford for them to get mad. Panicked, Mr. Nelson said hurriedly, “This painting by Mr. Birkett was sponsored by an anonymous person. That person has guaranteed that this is an authentic painting.”“Just because that person says it is authentic doesn’t mean it is. Who’s going to believe it?” Someone refuted right away before they continued, “Who’s this anonymous person? Come out if you dare. Prove that this is an authentic painting.”The attendees of this dinner sponsored all the auction goods tonight, so the anonymous person must be present. Were they auctioning off a fake painting using Mr. Birkett’s name? They wanted to see who this shameless person was. Gilbert
Alec and Paul watched the drama unfold from the second floor. “Seems like the woman who made you lose control has gotten into trouble. Aren’t you going to help her?” Paul smirked as he glanced at the man beside him.“Help?” Alec sneered. He seemed to be enjoying the drama. “Why should I help her? We aren’t close anyway.”“If that’s the case, why did you give her those 60-million-dollar earrings?” Paul chuckled.Alec’s expression shifted. Then, he replied, “I’ve already explained this. I wanted to thank her for saving Faye.”Paul didn’t argue with him. Only Alec himself would know the true reason. Soon, the appraiser that Mr. Nelson had contacted arrived. While waiting for the appraisal, the people whispered to one another. Faye was also waiting to watch the mayhem ensue.In the crowd’s eyes, this was a fake painting. Jenny was just in denial. It didn’t take long before the appraisal report was out.“Let’s see how you’re going to deny it now!” someone roared as he looked at the apprais
“It was all just a misunderstanding,” Mr. Nelson said, sulking. He didn’t know she was Mr. Birkett’s mentee.“It’s fine, James. It’s normal for people to have doubts. After all, Mr. Birkett has indeed not come out with new artwork for many years.” She could understand why these people doubted its authenticity, so she didn’t feel angry.Seeing that she was still so calm and unaffected, James couldn’t stay mad at her. After a while, he finally sighed. “I’ve told you before that you don’t have to solve everything alone. Mr. Birkett and I are here for you.”“I know, James.” Jenny smiled and nodded. “I’ll contact you if I ever face a serious problem.”The reason why she didn’t contact him was also because she knew that the authenticity of the painting would be proven after an appraisal. There was no need for her to trouble him. “So, that’s Mr. Birkett’s last mentee?” someone asked timidly.Jenny smiled and said, “I’m glad everyone likes my mentor’s artwork. I’ll let him know about this. I’
After the auction ended, it was time to socialize. Quite a few people were eager to approach Jenny. After all, she was not only Gilbert Hawthorn’s sister, but also Mr. Birkett’s mentee. If they could be together with her, wouldn’t it be easy for them to have a meteoric rise in their career?Jenny didn’t know what these people were plotting. She was busy sulking. Ever since she knew Alec got the painting, she had been upset. Although it was for charity, and it shouldn’t matter who it was sold to, she still felt disgusted knowing it was sold to Alec.“Does that guy even understand art? Don’t tell me he bought it for Faye again?” she thought. For a moment, she regretted choosing this painting. She should have chosen another one. She went to hide in a corner with her drink in her hand. She smiled a little while watching Gilbert interact with the crowd with ease from a distance. Gilbert was starting to behave more and more like a high flyer.She was deep in thought until someone came up to
“So what if I am? Do you think I’m afraid of you?” There was a sudden shift in Max’s aura. It was as if he had turned into Asura, which made her shudder.Jenny turned to look at him. This man was…pretty intriguing. He appeared frivolous, but once he became serious, it was as if he had turned into another person. Just when the two men were deadlocked, Alec and Paul came down from the second floor. When they saw Max appear, the two of them were startled.“Yo, we’re late. He’s one step ahead of you,” Paul gloated, purposely teasing Alec.Alec scowled, “You think Max Pearson would actually be so kind?”“That’s true. He’s probably plotting something evil,” Paul nodded and continued. “Too bad Dr. Walter doesn’t know that. Who knows, she might get deceived.”Alec didn't say a word, nor did he go over there. He just observed from a distance.“Alec.”Faye walked over to Alec as soon as she saw him. Without Alec around, she seemed out of place at this dinner. Alec answered briefly, but he didn’t
That afternoon, Gilbert called off his engagement to the Silveras. He did not pick up a single one of Lottie's calls. When he found Marigold, she was taking Caleb on a stroll around the neighborhood. It had been a while since she'd taken notice of anything related to Gilbert. She suddenly felt how nice it was to have her mental energy spent somewhere else, no longer being so hung up on that man. However, when Gilbert appeared before her, her heartbeat quickened. "Why are you here?" Marigold said, snapping out of her reverie. Gilbert smiled lightly. Without saying much else, he pulled her into an embrace. "Didn't you say that I could come to see you once everything is settled?" Marigold was stunned. She was in disbelief. "So, what you're saying is it's all over?" "Didn't you read the news?" Gilbert was speechless. "No. I didn't want to care." Every time she saw anything about Gilbert and Lottie, she felt miserable. She'd rather save herself the pain and block out anything
In the end, Esther went with Gilbert's suggestion. However, she did not trade Bradshaw Operation's projects with Jenny. She went with the Silveras. For one, she did not trust the Walters. On the other hand, the Silveras and the Bradshaws were going to be united through marriage. They deserved to be trusted more. Gilbert didn't mind. After all, if anything happened to the Bradshaws, the Silveras would not help. With those projects in hand, they would only fall further into debt. The plan was going smoothly. Gilbert had not gone to see Marigold once. He knew that before subduing the Bradshaws, going to visit Marigold would only endanger her. After all, Marigold was safe. Nothing had happened, and Caleb was growing up healthily. One month later, things began to feel off in Bradshaw Operations. After Faust Group received their money, they did not start the project. No one knew what they were doing. Esther was feeling antsy. She prodded Gilbert to ask if there was anything wro
That very afternoon, Esther and Gilbert rushed to Faust Group to sign the deal. Gilbert said he was worried that Alec would change his mind, so he urged Esther to sign it. Only through a written contract would they be able to relax. Esther thought it made sense and agreed to rush to Faust Group with Gilbert.In the meeting room, Alec looked at the two people before him, expressionless. "You have a good son, Mrs. Bradshaw." "I'm flattered. My son had Bradshaw Operations' interests at heart. He'll inevitably be a little insensitive. Please don't hold that against him, Mr. Faust." Esther smiled. She didn't mind Alec's sarcasm because it didn't matter. As long as Bradshaw Operations could truly benefit from this, she didn't care how much Alec mocked her. Alec smiled coldly and slid the contract over to her. "You may flip through it." Esther took it and read through it seriously.If this project succeeded, they would reap massive rewards. However, it required a massive upfront inv
In the following days, Gilbert headed over to Faust Group infrequently during the day. To others, he was there to talk business with Alec. But in reality, it was a different scenario altogether. Vincent brought Gilbert a cup of coffee in Alec's office. Because of all the times he'd been there, Vincent knew what he wanted without having to ask. Alec had a cup of coffee placed before him, too. Everyone thought that Gilbert was trying to convince Alec to give him one of the shares, which was why he always came there, but that was not the case. The collaboration was a set-up. As long as the Bradshaws signed the deal on the project, they would not escape unscathed. Gilbert had planned this for a long time just to trick the Bradshaws into accepting the project. However, the scheme had to be executed perfectly. Since Gilbert buttered up the project in front of the Bradshaws, Alec had to feign disinterest in his collaboration. Otherwise, it would seem suspicious if Alec, a smart ma
After the engagement party, Gilbert officially had a stronghold in Bradshaw operations. Because he was already very capable, he had a lot of supporters. No one challenged him in the company. Most of them sucked up to him because they knew that if things went well, he would be the heir of the company.Gilbert didn't really care about that. He didn't even want to be there for long. He knocked on Esther's door and walked into her office."Come, sit." Esther was all smiles when she saw him. It was more sincere than before.She used to doubt him a lot, but now, although she still had her reservations, she mostly believed in him. In her eyes, no one would reject the chance to inherit Bradshaw Operations. This was basically manna from Heaven. Gilbert just didn't know it back then, and now he did. Gilbert sat down in front of Esther and began reporting the information he had gathered, as well as his thoughts on Bradshaw Operations and his plans for the future.When he presented the inf
Gilbert and Lottie's engagement party was held at Bardoff Grand Hotel on Saturday.A ton of people showed up to their engagement party. After all, the Bradshaws and the Silveras were pretty big names in Bardoff City, and plenty of the other families knew of their true wealth. They all came to attend the party. Jenny and Alec had both received invites. Jenny was Gilbert's sister, and on top of that, they represented the Walters and the Fausts. It was to be expected. At first, Jenny didn't want to go. The party held no meaning to it. It was just a show put on for Esther. It would be a complete waste of her time. However, she was talked into it by Alec. It would be weird if she didn't go. Zack brought Janet to the party. He found Jenny and was in a daze. "Wasn't Gilbert courting Marigold? Why is he engaged to Lottie?" Jenny rolled her eyes. "What have you been doing, Zack? You're really bad at keeping up." Gilbert had been courting Lottie for a while now. If Zack paid attention
Gilbert drove to Jenny's villa, but he was in no rush to get down. He didn't unlock the doors, either. He obviously wanted to talk to Marigold. But Marigold evidently didn't want to. "I want to take my child and leave." She was afraid. What if Gilbert and Lottie married and took her child away? She no longer believed in love. The only thing she believed in was her child. Gilbert tightened his grip when he heard that. "Marigold, the engagement is only for Esther to see. I have no feelings for Lottie." "Who knows? People change. You said you didn't have feelings for me, too." Marigold found this all very amusing. Perhaps this was fate. Gilbert wanted to keep explaining, but Marigold did not give him the chance to. "Just let me and Caleb leave. If what you say is true, you can come to find us once everything is over." And if Gilbert didn't come looking for her, the truth would unfold itself, and she would give up all hope. Gilbert understood that Marigold had already made
Marigold was miserable throughout dinner, but she persevered till the end without being too dramatic. After dinner, they walked to the entrance of the shopping mall.Gilbert went to get the car. Lottie stood with Jenny and Marigold. Watching Gilbert leave, she turned toward Marigold. "I heard that you used to like Gilbert very much." "It's all in the past. It's not worth mentioning." Marigold didn't want to talk about it. She was afraid that Lottie would see that she still liked Gilbert. Most importantly, she was afraid that Gilbert's plan would be ruined. Lottie smiled. "That's true. The past is the past. You're such a nice person. You'll definitely be able to find someone better suited for you in the future." Marigold pursed her lips. Gilbert soon brought the car over. Lottie was about to get into the car, but before she did, she suddenly turned to Marigold and said, "Gilbert and my engagement party will be in a few days' time. If you have the time, you're more than welcom
Everyone was shocked to hear her speak so suddenly. Lottie was stunned, and she explained, "You've misunderstood. That's not what I meant. I just think that if the child follows his father, it'll help him develop better, and you'll be less stressed." "I don't need your concern. I can raise my child alone," Marigold snorted. She did not hold back at all. Lottie looked unpleasant. Gilbert had no choice but to step in. "We'll have our own child together. And whoever likes it the most will get to keep it." Although they knew that Gilbert had meant this for Lottie to hear, Marigold found it extremely upsetting. She looked at Gilbert, and for a moment, she was unable to tell if he was being genuine. She thought of all that Gilbert had said to her last night, saying that he didn't like Lottie and had no intention of marrying her. But he looked to be truly in love. Marigold didn't think she could tell if he was faking it. "I'm sorry. I need to go to the restroom." Marigold didn't w