No More Mrs. Nice Wife (Eleanor) novel Chapter 107

She had just chosen a seat and settled in when, across from her, two stunning women in designer evening gowns took their places. Eleanor instantly recognized them—both were well-known actresses.

"Wasn't Coco from Serenity Media the spokesperson for the Grayson Foundation? How come it's the pianist Vanessa now?"

"Goodwin & Co. and the Grayson Foundation have always worked closely together. Changing spokespeople is as easy as making a phone call for them."

"I'm so jealous!"

"There's no point in being jealous. From what I know, Vanessa's been with Ian for years. He's turned down every fling and rumor—he's been loyal to her from the very beginning."

"Really?"

"I heard Shipley's company booked the stadium first, but when his concert was postponed until August, they let Vanessa use the venue for her solo recital."

"Even Shipley's concerts can't compete with her?"

Eleanor paused at that. Shipley had been a superstar for a decade—practically a living legend.

Their assistants came over to invite the actresses to the banquet hall, and Eleanor followed suit.

In the crowd, a stately woman in a couture gown was surrounded by guests, their eyes filled with admiration and respect. She was, unmistakably, the evening's host—Mrs. Juliette Grayson.

With over ten years in philanthropy, Juliette had become a leading figure in charitable circles, and tonight, the city's political and business elites had all turned out for her event.

At that moment, the emcee stepped onto the stage. "Ladies and gentlemen, we'll now begin an hour-long charity auction. Please welcome our host, Mrs. Grayson, to say a few words."

Juliette took the stage, her presence commanding attention. With sincere eyes and a clear, resonant voice, she thanked the guests and explained the details of the auction before officially kicking off the evening's bidding.

Waiters had already arranged chairs for the guests to sit wherever they pleased. Eleanor and her group chose seats near the back, while Ian and Vanessa were escorted to the front row.

Jude Vaughn leaned over and whispered, "Ellie, do you want to go sit with Mr. Goodwin?"

"Ten million." A clear, elegant voice rang out. It was Vanessa, calmly raising her paddle.

A spirited contest broke out among the socialites, but the price quickly soared past thirty million, with Vanessa making the final bid.

Gasps and murmurs filled the hall, and several women glanced at the man seated beside Vanessa. Realizing who he was, they quietly dropped out of the bidding—after all, it wasn't wise to compete with the wealthiest man in the country over a necklace for his partner.

In the end, the necklace was Vanessa's.

Gwenda squeezed Faye's arm in excitement. "Your sister is something else! Dropping thirty million on a necklace—talk about making a statement!"

Faye's family was wealthy in their own right. She smiled serenely. "As long as she's happy, there'll always be someone eager to pick up the tab."

The words reached Eleanor's ears and, despite herself, left a faint sting.