Unwanted Fake Wife The Top Billionaire novel Chapter 165

By the time Elena took her seat, the charity auction was already underway.

She was guided to a chair right beside Monica, close enough to speak without raising her voice.

On stage, items were presented one after another, each accompanied by a polished introduction from the host. Guests followed along with printed catalogs, raising their paddles if something caught their interest. Every winning bid would go directly to charity.

Monica watched several pieces go by without reacting.

Nothing impressed her.

That changed when a bangle set was brought out under the lights.

“What do you think?” Monica asked, turning slightly toward Elena.

Elena didn’t answer right away. She glanced down at the catalog, scanning the description carefully, then lifted her gaze to study the piece on stage.

“I wouldn’t recommend it,” she said in a calm, measured tone. “The craftsmanship is definitely refined, but the catalog says it dates back over a thousand years. At that age, even with restoration, it shouldn’t look this flawless.”

She leaned in a little closer, lowering her voice as she continued.

“See those sections along the twist pattern? The texture’s too uniform. And the polish here feels… modern. It doesn’t quite match the supposed age.”

Camille, seated just behind them, felt her irritation spike.

She had planned this whole thing, letting Elena in just to watch her embarrass herself and get thrown out. Instead, Elena had somehow landed next to Monica and was now calmly analyzing artifacts like she belonged there.

And Monica was actually listening.

That was the worst part.

Camille let out a cold laugh. “Elena, we’ve known each other for years. Since when did you get so knowledgeable about this kind of thing?”

Elena didn’t even bother turning around. Her voice stayed cool.

“Knowing someone for a long time doesn’t mean you actually know them. You really like taking credit for things that aren’t yours, don’t you, Camille?”

Camille went silent for a second, completely shut down.

She changed tactics immediately, turning to Monica instead.

+5 Pearls

“Monica, you shouldn’t take her seriously. She doesn’t actually understand any of this. She probably just googled a few things and is repeating them to sound impressive.”

That, in truth, wasn’t entirely off.

Alexander had someone look into Monica’s background and found out she had a strong interest in gemstones and collectible art, even maintaining a private collection overseas.

So before coming, Elena had gone to Grant and asked a number of targeted questions. On top of that, growing up around Malcolm, she had picked up more than enough to handle basic evaluations.

“If you know better, feel free to explain it yourself,” Elena said, making a small inviting gesture.

Camille immediately backed off.

She had no idea where to even begin.

Elena straightened slightly and continued discussing the next items with Monica, her tone steady and natural.

Monica listened quietly, but her gaze drifted for a moment.

It landed on the pendant resting against Elena’s collarbone. Her eyes darkened almost imperceptibly.

Then she spoke again.

“Let me ask you something,” Monica said. “Have you studied this formally? You seem to know quite a bit.”

Elena paused, then smiled faintly.

“Honestly, no. My father and one of his close friends were interested in this sort of thing. I just grew up around it. I picked up some basics over time, but I’m nowhere near a professional.”

“Your father?” Monica’s interest sharpened. “Richard? I didn’t realize he was into collectibles.”

Elena shook her head lightly.

“Not Richard. I mean my adoptive father.”

Monica’s brows lifted slightly. “I see.”

“He liked gemstones and traditional art,” Elena continued. “When I was little, he used to take me into the city all the time, museums, exhibits, places like that.”

Something shifted in Monica’s expression.

“Would it be possible to meet him?” she asked.

The question caught Elena off guard. Her eyes stung almost instantly.

“I’m sorry… he passed away.”

She quickly lifted a hand, brushing away the tears before they could fall. “Monica, if there’s anything else I

can-

C

She stopped mid–sentence. In the soft, dim lighting, Monica’s eyes looked slightly red too.

“Are you okay?” Elena asked, startled.

Monica exhaled quietly. “I’m fine. Just didn’t sleep well last night. My eyes are a little irritated.

She closed her eyes for a brief moment, then opened them again.

This time, there was a faint trace of a smile.

“I heard your adoptive father was a farmer,” Monica said. “Doesn’t quite match what you’re describing. He sounds… surprisingly refined.”

Elena met her gaze without hesitation.

“He was a farmer,” she said. “But what someone loves has nothing to do with status. He always told me that if you genuinely care about something, that’s enough. The most important thing is sticking with it. If you do, eventually it gives something back.”

Monica

w slightly.

en so persisten

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