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.

Apparently, she was sitting next to a little tycoon.

"Lucas, you really don't have to. That's..."

"Natalie, it's my gift to you. No arguing."

Natalie was at a loss for words. This little tycoon was going to be a real handful when he grew up.

Marie's face darkened. She had just told Old Mr. Fairchild she was buying the painting for him. Any sensible person would have backed off, but this was a child.

A child wouldn't consider the complex web of interests at play. With his casual bid, if she didn't follow, she would lose face in front of Old Mr. Fairchild. But if she did, she'd be out a fortune.

"Ten million going once, ten million..."

The auctioneer was counting down when Marie interrupted him. With a strained smile, she said, "The young master of the Lockwood family is just a boy. Surely he's not qualified to bid?"

Then, turning to Lucas, Marie added, "Young Mr. Lockwood, this is an auction. It involves real money, not a child's game."

"For me, this *is* a game," Lucas retorted, "And I'm going to be the winner. I will buy this painting and give it to my... Natalie."