Restoring a Life After Seven Years of Wrong Love novel Chapter 81

"Do you want me to take you home first?" Matthew asked.

"No need. I'm here representing the Azure Atelier today, and we really need to network." Yvette's gaze was resolute, no longer dwelling on Jabez's coldness.

For her, the top priority right now was to establish a firm foothold in the fast-paced restoration industry and make a name for herself.

Only then could the Yeats Family's situation turn around.

Matthew understood her determination and nodded. "Alright."

The auction segment began.

Yvette and Matthew were seated in the third row.

Matthew was to Yvette's left, with the aisle on her right.

Willow walked arm-in-arm with Jabez toward the front row. As she passed Yvette, the smile on her lips widened significantly.

She followed Jabez and took a seat right in the middle of the first row.

Matthew scoffed under his breath and shot Jabez a dirty look.

The host took the stage for the opening remarks.

Next came the auction itself. The proceeds were going to be used to fund schools in impoverished mountainous regions.

Yvette had little interest in the items and didn't plan on bidding on anything.

Willow, on the other hand, successfully bid on several consecutive exhibits.

Whenever the other attendees saw Willow raise her paddle, they immediately backed down.

For one, it was about giving Willow face. She was Jabez's girlfriend, and doing her a favor might earn them a chance to speak with Mr. Shelby, which was well worth it.

Secondly, with Jabez backing her, they didn't have the financial resources to compete with him anyway, so it was better to give up early.

For a moment, Willow stole the spotlight, basking in the envious gazes of the crowd.

Yvette felt absolutely nothing about it.

That was, until a painting titled Sketches of Wildlife was displayed on stage.

Yvette's eyes widened sharply. She stared at the painting without blinking, her fingers unconsciously tightening their grip on the armrest.

Feeling a surge of annoyance, she raised her paddle again. "Five million."

"Is that woman a bit oblivious? Forget five million, even if that painting were twenty million, Mr. Shelby could easily afford it. Can she?"

"Exactly. Ms. Huxley has Mr. Shelby backing her. Does she really dare to offend him?"

"If you ask me, someone's just trying to get Mr. Shelby's attention. Otherwise, why would she wear a gown in the exact same color palette as Ms. Huxley's? She probably looked into it beforehand."

Matthew's face darkened with anger.

What a bunch of sycophantic lapdogs!

Yvette paid no attention to their mockery; she only wanted to get her grandfather's relic back.

But she genuinely didn't have much funds left, having already given her uncle fifty million.

The money she had saved while working at the Shelby Group only amounted to eight million.

If Willow insisted on fighting her for it, it would be difficult to win.

"Six million," Yvette said through gritted teeth, raising her paddle.