Caught Him Cheating My Life Restarted (Natalie) novel Chapter 31

Marie had been feeling triumphant, certain she'd made a grand impression.

She imagined Natalie was off seething with envy in some dark corner, but she had no idea that Natalie hadn't been paying them any attention at all. Instead, she'd been busy chatting with Lucas.

"Natalie, what are you doing here?"

"I came to see a painting."

"What painting?"

"The auction is starting. Let's go have a look."

...

Everyone took their seats for the bidding.

Because Natalie was with Lucas, she was able to sit in the front row.

Darren and Marie were seated in the row behind Old Mr. Fairchild. Darren's eyes were fixed on Natalie, who was sitting beside the boy.

She was chatting with the child, and she actually looked happy.

That was the Lockwood boy. What was her relationship with him?

Darren watched Natalie, feeling a sense of unease. Marie, annoyed, nudged him. "The auction is about to begin. We have to win that painting."

"After your conversation with Old Mr. Fairchild, I doubt anyone will bid against us for it."

Marie said smugly, "Of course. Everyone knows I'm buying this painting for Old Mr. Fairchild. The auction is just a formality for charity. Who would dare to cross me, Marie Ward?"

Brimming with self-satisfaction, Marie's disdainful gaze fell upon Natalie.

Just then, the auctioneer began with a flourish. Lucien Hartvelle's 'Silent Oath at Dusk' was presented, with a starting bid of five million dollars.

Marie was the first to raise her paddle.

"Seven million."

This had already broken the auction record for Hartvelle's piece. And after what Marie had announced earlier, everyone knew the painting was a gift for Old Mr. Fairchild. No one was going to compete with her. Besides, after Mr. Darren Cross's early demise, Marie's five years of devotion were worthy of respect.

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