Chapter 78
Unbeknownst to them, time slipped away unnoticed, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the bidding
had arrived.
Sherri was filled with sheer delight, beaming like a child.
She twirled in front of the mirror, unable to contain her excitement. The reason for her joy was the
limited-edition dress that Edward had purchased for her to wear at the bidding event. Notably, it was
the same design as the one worn by Natalie, affectionately known as the sister dress. One was a
delicate shade of blue, while the other boasted a soft, creamy hue.
Without a doubt, Sherri had chosen the pale blue one.
Meanwhile. Natalie had already finished her makeup and sat primly on the bed, waiting patiently for
Sherri. She had been waiting for half an hour while Sherri meticulously curled her eyshes, taking her
time with every detail.
Completely unaware of the passing time, Sherri didn’t consider the minutes ticking by. For a woman,
getting dressed and applying makeup was an effortless endeavor, as if time had no hold on her.
Looking beautiful was all that mattered,
Natalie felt reluctant to remund Sherri. ‘Sherri, we’re attending a bidding event, not a beauty pageant.
You already look stunning. Even the celebrities walking the red carpet can’tpare to you.”
Sherri had an air of confidence, proudly stating, “Absolutely! You have great taste. But I can’t afford to
embarrass Edward. What if I run into my future sister-inw? I can’t risk looking anything less than
perfect”
Deep down, Sherri always had a nagging feeling that Edward had a girlfriend overseas!
Feeling tired, Natalie propped her chin up and said. “You keep going. I’ll grab a drink to wake myself
up. I haven’t had a single sip of water since I woke up this morning.”
“Hey, Natalie, does my makeup look good? Are myshes curled enough?”
Natalie nced up andmented, “Looks good. No need to curl them anymore. They’re reaching for
the sky”
Sherri was in high spirits and didn’t pay much attention to Natalie’s hidden implications.
Edward had been waiting downstairs for an hour without making a single phone call. He sat in the
passenger seat, patiently
waiting
Meanwhile, Kyle, showing no sense of urgency, reclined in his seat with his eyes half-closed, nearly
drifting off to sleep. Once Sherri and Natalie finished their preparations, they spotted Edward’s
Maybach downstairs. Opening the car doors, they carefully adjusted their dresses before stepping
inside.
Edward, you’re here so early”
“Yeah”
With everyone seated, Kyle started the car engine and headed toward the Grand Manor Hotel
The bidding event was being held in the penthouse conference room of the Grand Manor Hotel.
Natalie, who had ate shaft that evening, was anxious about possibly beingte. “Edward, what time
does the bidding event wrap up?”
Edward turned his head slightly and spoke in a reassuring tone, “Worried about beingte for work?”
Natalie answered honestly. “Yes.”
“Don’t worry. It will be over before dinner. The results will be announced, and after that. I’ll drop you off
at the hospital
“Oh, alright.”
The entrance of the Grand Manor Hotel was bustling with activity as one luxury car after another pulled
into the parking lot. The avable spaces quickly filled up, indicating a significant turnout for the bidding
event.
Reporters were gathered at the entrance, their cameras poised to capture the scene. Natalie couldn’t
help but feel a twinge of skepticism.
This was quite the spectacle!
Turning to Sherri, who appeared visibly excited. “Sherri, are you sure this bidding event is supposed to
be small-scale!”
Sherri, sensing the discrepancy, swiftly changed the subject. “Oh, it doesn’t matter. As long as I’m here
with Edward, the event’s size doesn’t matter. Besides, we’re both single, so let’s enjoy ourselves,
right?”
Natalie was momentarily at a loss for words. She did have reservations, mainly when it came torge-
scale gatherings with a sizeable crowd.
But since they had already arrived, returning now wasn’t an option.
Edward sensed Natalie’s difort and leaned in to reassure her, “Don’t worry. Sit beside me in a little
while. Once the official list is announced, we can make our exit,”
Natalie nodded.
As they stepped into the conference hall, their eyes were met with a sea of people, a dense crowd that
stretched as far as the eye could see
Even Sherri was taken aback, questioning the sheer number of attendees. Were they all here for the
bidding? Was this event intended to be small-scale, or had it unexpectedly be something more
significant?
Questions swirled in Sherri’s mind. How had so many people managed to secure their presence?
Were qualifications not thoroughly vetted?
Kyle leaned closer to Edward and whispered. “There’s a significant number of attendees from outside
Athana today, which exins therge turnout.”
Edward nodded knowingly, understanding thepetitive nature of such events. “It’s to be expected.
Everyone wants a slice of the pie.”
The four of them settled into their seats in the front row
Soon enough,
a procession of individuals made their grand entrance through the doors. Leading the way was a
distinguished man dressed in a sleek ck suit. He casually strolled toward the front row, his hands
nonchntly tucked into his pockets.
Hackett, usually known for hisid-back demeanor, was followed closely behind and appeared
surprisinglyposed and focused. Like Frank, his hands were in his pockets, his face betraying no
emotion.
Fate had intertwined their paths once again
Trevon entered the room, his gaze immediately drawn to the woman seated next to Sherri in the
elegant creamy hue dress.
Her lustrous ck hair cascaded down her back.
Without hesitation, he sat beside her, his countenance calm and unruffled, as if they were mere
strangers.
Natalie couldn’t help but feel a momentary surprise. “Aren’t there other seat?”
However, as she observed hisposed demeanor, her apprehension faded.
Sherri, too, couldn’t help but be intrigued by the situation. With several empty seats remaining, she
wondered why he had deliberately chosen to sit next to Natalie.
Yet, his expression betrayed no intention of initiating a conversation or showing any particr interest
in Natalie.
Frank settled beside Trevon while Hackett sat on the row’s outer edge.
RêAdt??St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only
Unable to contain his curiosity, Hackett leaned in and murmured, “What brings the sister-inw here?*
Frank corrected him. ‘Former sister-inw.”
Hackett persisted. “So, they went through with the divorce?”
Frank didn’t feel it was appropriate to discuss Trevon’s marital status at such a formal gathering. He
brushed off the question, unwilling to engage further.
Meanwhile, Trevon appeared utterly calm as he sat beside her. Throughout the event, he didn’t
exchange words or betray emotions. Even when Sherri and Natalie exchanged brief remarks, he
maintained his stoic andposed demeanor.
This helped ease the initial awkwardness that Natalie felt.
To everyone’s surprise, Mia was the host for today’s bidding event.
Even Trevon’s eyes subtly flickered, and his brows furrowed slightly.
Natalie and Sherri had just finished their conversation when they looked up and saw a woman in a
stylish short skirt, confidently holding a microphone, taking charge of the proceedings.
Sherri immediately noticed and couldn’t hide her discontent. She eximed, “Oh my goodness, how
did such a prestigious bidding event end up with someone like her as the host? It’s lowering the
standard, isn’t it?”
Trying to be discreetly blunt, Edward reminded his sister, “Keep it down.”
Sherri fell silent, but her fingers couldn’t resist sending a quick message to Natalie, “I can guarantee
you that this woman must have used some hical means to get on that stage.”
The phone buzzed in her hand, indicating an unread message. Initially, she hesitated to open it, but a
gentle nudge from Sherri urged her to take a look.
Reluctantly, she extended her finger and swiped open the phone. In that flecting moment, the man
sitting next to her
discreetly nced at her screen before quickly shifting his gaze forward, unnoticed by others
Natalie had sent a few words, “So now you know, huh? You have too much free time on your hands.”
Sherri replied, “Are you going to seek revenge?”
Sherri responded, her toneced with determination. “Of course, I’m going to seek revenge. Why
should I let someone’s betrayal go unanswered’ I’ve already gone through a divorce, so I have nothing
left to lose.”
Trevon furrowed his brow. Sensing his unease, Frank leaned in and asked. “Feeling uncertain, Trevon?
Can’t handle the
situation?”
“No, it’s not that.”
After an hour, the bid results were announced, and the Wilson Group emerged as the victorious bidder,
eliciting a mix of indifference from many in attendance.
The Landor Group came tantalizingly close to clinching the bid, missing out by a hair’s breadth.
The room erupted in apuse and congrattions, apanied by envy and admiration swirling in
the air.
A distinguished man in his fifties approached Trevon, extending his hand in a friendly greeting. “Mr.
Wilson, your reputation as a prominent figure in Athana is well deserved. Congrattions on your
remarkable achievement.”
Though unfamiliar with the man, Trevon sensed an air of confidence and luxury emanating from him, a
telltale sign of his status among the city’s elite.
Jim leaned closer to Trevon and whispered, “That’s Daniel Turner, the influential Head of the Turner
family and the wealthiest man in Sapphire City. Azurnd
Trevon responded graciously, engaging in polite conversation. “Thank you for your kind words, Mr.
Turner.”
After exchanging a few pleasantries, he left.
Daniel’s gaze locked onto the girl standing next to Edward. Her captivating features sent a shiver down
his spine, and his footsteps instinctively led him toward her.
His assistant followed suit
Noticing Mr. Turner’s approach. Edward greeted him politely, “Long time no see, Mr. Turner. Are you
here to participate in the bidding event as well?”
Daniel smiled Indeed. I thought Ide to explore new opportunities. It appears that the young talents
of Athana continue to impress. The next generation always surpasses thest. It seems there are many
remarkable individuals in this city. I hope to have the chance to visit again in the future”
Edward extended Jus hand for a firm handshake, saying, “The feeling is mutual. I hope we can
coborate someday.”
Edward had crossed paths with Daniel several times during his time abroad due to their projects,
leaving asting impression on lum
This man was rumored to be the wealthiest man in Azurnd, known for his understated demeanor
and extensive phnthropic endeavors. His personal affairs and famaly details remain shrouded in
mystery.
With little information avable about his siblings, children, or even his inner circle.
He was always apanied by a fleet of bodyguards, making it difficult for anyone to approach him
closely.
“And who might this be?” he inquired, gesturing toward Natalie.
Edward smiled warmly as he introduced. “This is my friend.”
When her name was called. Natalie presented herself with grace andposure, “Hello, Mr. Turner. I
am Natalie”
“Forgive my curiosity. Miss Foster, but may I inquire about the origin of your mother?”
Natalie appeared somewhat peculiar, yet she maintained herposure and extended courtesy when
referring to her mother. “My parents are from Athana”
“No offense taken. I sensed a familiarity with Miss Foster and inquired further. I hope you don’t mind
the questions, and 1 appreciate your exnation, striking a perfect bnce of politeness that puts
others at ease.
Natalie graciously smiled and remarked. “No problem at all. I suppose I have a rather farmiliar face.”
Daniel didn’t linger any longer than necessary. After exchanging pleasantries, he made his exit.
Sherri, puzzled, inquired, “Who is this person, Edward? He appears to be quite formidable.”
The wealthiest man in Azurnd”
Sherri was taken aback. This person possessed great discretion, showing no outward signs of wealth.
She had initially presumed he was simply a sessful individual. “Impressive indeed. The more
affluent one bes, the more frank they
strive to be, while those with less wealth tend to adopt a more ostentatious demeanor.”
“Sherri, quit picking up those nonsensical words every single day. Spare yourself the unproductive
dramas.”
With Edward leading the way, Sherri couldn’t help but yfully stick her tongue out at him from behind.
Natalie couldn’t help but burst into heartfeltughter.
Yet, this scene caught the man’s attention, and his gaze darkened, perceiving an unsettling re.