Chapter 12
“No way…
Jessica stared blankly at the woman in the distance with a strikingly familiar face. It was a face Jessica never imagined
she’d see there.
Compared to Jessica, Dominick was much more composed. His tall figure stood in place, observing coldly the woman. approaching from a distance, one hand clenched into a fist, the other gripping a cell phone, his stare stern.
“You didn’t die?”
As the woman walked past Dominick, he suddenly reached out and grasped her wrist.
Although Lola knew that the man before her was heartless, she still felt a sting at his blunt remark.
“Mr. Sinclair, you seem to wish I were dead?”
Dominick stared at the woman before him.
In his memory, she often wore her hair in a ponytail, her delicate features untouched by makeup, pure and spotless. She favored a classic white blouse paired with pastel jeans. They were cheap yet somehow befitted her.
But now, with her familiar face enhanced by makeup, she radiated a newfound charm and sophistication, her attire no longer cheap clothes but an expensive evening gown.
“I’m afraid you will be disappointed, Mr. Sinclair. I’m back.”
With a subtle smile, Lola gently but firmly freed her wrist from Dominick’s grip. Under the surprised gazes of those around, she elegantly took her seat.
“Lola, we’ve been looking for you for so long!”
Dominick was about to approach when Jessica quickly stood up, walked over, and gently took his arm, her eyes glistening with tears of excitement.
“Is that so?”
Lola looked over indifferently.
“Why look for me, Ms. Moore? To see if I’m truly dead? Or to check if I’m still alive?”
Dominick’s eyes turned cold, seemingly displeased with Lola’s attitude, his brow furrowing slightly..
The gala opened with a performance by the world–famous violinist Sarah and her daughter, Brittany. Sarah, in a stunning green dress, exuded elegance and grace. Brittany, who was the same age as Lola, had blossomed over the past two years, becoming more charming and captivating.
Brittany was dressed in a flowing green gown, her long hair elegantly styled with a striking blue floral piece, looking like a fairy amidst blossoms.
Lola quietly looked at the stage, her past flashing through her mind like a slideshow, evoking a bone–chilling
sensation.
Her feelings towards George and Sarah were complex. They had taken her in years ago and deliberately erased her tracks, separating her from her original family. Despite the motives behind their decision to take her in, they had raised her for two years.
As the last violin notes lingered in the air, a video of a purple bracelet appeared on the big screen. A lady in a red gown, gracefully pushing a display cart, came forward. She unveiled the red cloth covering the cart, revealing a crystal–clear bracelet inside a square glass box.
The bracelet sparkled brilliantly under the lights, captivating many eyes in the audience.
“This is the first item up for auction tonight, a bracelet once worn by a princess during the Renaissance period. This piece is over six hundred years old. Legend has it that that princess body emitted a sweet scent because of this bracelet. The starting bid is 600 thousand dollars.”
As soon as the host finished speaking, bids began to rise swiftly.
“640 thousand dollars!”
700 thousand dollars!”
760 thousand dollars..”
“Lola” Jessica, wearing a gentle smile, turned her gaze towards Lola.
“I know you’re always careful with money, not even willing to buy yourself new clothes. This bracelet isn’t expensive, and if you like it, I’ll bid for it as a gift for you!”
Jessica’s voice was just loud enough to be heard by many who had been watching Lola. Upon hearing what Jessica said, they were visibly surprised. The gazes once filled with jealousy, curiosity, and wariness towards Lola shifted to disdain, mockery, and scorn.
“Can’t even afford a 600 thousand dollar bracelet, and she attends a charity auction?”
“Exactly, what’s with these charity events nowadays? They let anyone in, it’s disgusting!” ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“Didn’t you hear what Ms. Moore said? She’s too stingy to even buy herself clothes. How could she possibly afford a bracelet worth millions? She’s probably here trying to rub elbows with the high society. It’s common knowledge these events are for the rich and influential.”
A few ladies seated several rows behind Lola spoke dismissively.
“Ms. Moore.”
It seemed only then that Lola snapped back to reality, her gaze coldly settling on Jessica.
“Are we close?”
Before Jessica could speak, Lola’s voice rose again, cold and detached.
“I don’t remember us having any special connection, Ms. Moore. There’s no need for you to go out of your way to get close to me. Could you call me Ms. Lewis, please?”
“Get close?”
A woman sitting behind Jessica couldn’t help but snicker at these words, looking at Lola with disdain.
“Ms. Moore is the lady of the Moore Group and fiancée of the Sinclair Group’s CEO, certainly doesn’t need to curry favor with someone who can’t even afford her own wardrobe…
“Cut it out!”
A middle–aged man sitting beside the woman scolded sharply before nodding slightly towards Lola with a hint of
4:33 PM D
apology.
The man was rational enough to notice what the ignorant and jealous women weren’t able to. Those attending this gala were either wealthy or influential, and the event had been delayed by a full half hour due to Lola’s late arrival Plus, Lola sitting in the most central position clearly indicated her extraordinary status.
“Fiancée of the Sinclair Group’s CEO?” Lola scoffed, her gaze turning towards the man sitting beside her.
Dominick’s eyes darkened, and he pressed his lips tightly, about to speak, when Lola coldly looked away, slightly tilting her head to address someone behind her.
“Bring me the bracelet to see if it really emits a fragrance.”
Sitting behind Lola was a man with exotic features, dressed in a suit. Anyone could tell that he was not a native. Hearing Lola’s command, he nodded respectfully.
“Sure!”
On th
On the stage, the host held the microphone, excitedly shouting, “920 thousand dollars going once, going twice…
“Two million dollars from Ms. Lewis!
The man stood up, speaking in a not–so–fluent Lumarian, his voice calmi
As soon as he finished speaking, everyone’s gaze shifted towards Lola. They had assumed when Lola said to bring it over, she meant for someone to carry it for her to inspect. However, it was actually her command for a high–priced purchase.
Even Dominick looked at Lola in surprise, his gaze shifting past her to the foreign man behind her.
A hostess quickly brought the bracelet to Lola. Lola examined it briefly under everyone’s astonished eyes, then tossed it to a man in black behind her.
*Take this back and leave it in my bathroom. This little piece is only fit for freshening up the toilet.”
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