Chapter 138
After his words, he held a piece of Black Forest cake to Cordella’s lips.
Cordelia eyed his fingers for a moment, questioning internally if he had washed his hands upon entering. Directly holding food with his hands, who knew how many germs there were?
As these thoughts flickered through her mind and she was about to inquire, her mouth barely opened before the cake was pushed into it.
The cloying sweetness flooded her mouth; the taste was indeed delightful. She bit into the piece, ready for another, when Everard directed the cake to his own lips and devoured the rest.
Cordelia was stunned and blurted out, “What are you doing?”
That was her cake!
Everard’s lips curled into a smirk, his eyes narrowing slightly, “What’s the matter? We’ve already kissed, are you still shy about an indirect one?”
Cordelia was baffled, staring at him, not comprehending.
Nearby, Louie, upon hearing about the kiss, had a shadow pass over his eyes. He adjusted his glasses, a complex emotion flickering within.
Someone passed by, surprised, “Dr. Adams? I actually have a few questions to ask, if you have a moment?”
Louie nodded, “Of course.”
He casually walked off with the person, and once he was out of sight, Everard chuckled, ready to tease. Cordelia further, but Cordelia suddenly frowned, heading towards Lorna.
Lorna was standing alone until Fanny approached her, with a few onlookers hanging around, eavesdropping for gossip.
Fanny spoke up, “We were college mates, and I’d hate to see you make a fool of yourself, so I’m kindly suggesting you switch your auction item.”
Lorna glanced at the champagne in her hand, her demeanor cool. “Thanks for the concern, but this is my business.”
Fanny wanted to say more when a sharp voice cut through, “Your business? I knew it; you must be scheming to get my son to buy you some fame!”
That was from Laurinda, who stormed up to Lorna, her finger nearly poking Lorna’s face, “You heartless cur, living off the Delaney family, using everything we offer. Ever since you married into the Delaney family, not earning a penny and now you’re convincing my son to invest in you!”
Lorna stepped back, her brows knitting together, speaking softly. “Mom, can we discuss this at home, please?”
This was a public space, utterly embarrassing!
But Laurinda was relentless, “No! Let everyone judge here, this woman made my son break away from the family, and worse, she expects him to pay for her so–called art to gain fame!”
As Laurinda ranted, onlookers began whispering among themselves, pointing at Lorna.
“Don’t embarrass yourself at the auction!”
“A woman without a powerful background has it rough. No wonder Laurinda is so aggressive; Mrs. Delaney is to be pitied.”
“Indeed, not only without a powerful family background, she doesn’t work, doesn’t socialize to help out, it’s no surprise Laurinda disapproves.”
Lorna clenched her fists, trembling with rage but unable to speak.
Chapter 138
Mrs. Collins, hearing of the commotion, hurried over, but by the time she arrived, the crowd had dispersed. She could only smile and announce, “Alright, the auction is starting, please, everyone, take your seats!”
Chairs were lined up in the auction room, and attendees found their places.
Cordelia accompanied Lorna to the third row, awaiting the upcoming auction.
The first item, a gemstone brooch valued at half a million, astonishingly sold for eight hundred thousand, at three hundred thousand markup.
Cordelia watched in amazement.
As the auction progressed, it soon came to Lorna’s painting.
The auctioneer took the stage with a smile, “Next up, we have an original piece by Mrs. Delaney titled ‘Lone Bluff, a work of grandeur and profound depth. The bidding starts at fifty thousand.”
With that, the painting was slowly unveiled on stage.
Few in the audience were art connoisseurs, and the recent altercation didn’t help. Although the painting appeared decent, silence filled the room, creating an awkward atmosphere.
Sanderson’s eyes darted anxiously to Sage, wondering why he hadn’t placed a bid yet, considering the silence that had just fallen over the auction room.
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