Chapter 60
+15 BONOS
On the weekend, at the Solana Auction House.
A crowd of journalists gathered outside the venue. They had to wait outside to protect the privacy of the wealthy. Those who joined the event were genuine antique collectors and investment bankers.
They were here for business and not to seek media exposure like celebrities. They weren’t interested in interviews. They only focused on valuable treasures for auction–except for Sophia, Rosaline, and Liana.
Every year, Sophia would attend the event in her best attire. She would turn the high–end charity auction into a red carpet–moment for her. She would block the entrance and let the media take photos. She would only leave after being persuaded by the staff, looking disgruntled.
It seemed she feared people might forget she was the washed–up star who had climbed to a higher status by breaking up someone else’s family over two decades ago.
That led to Javier not attending the event personally for the past two years. Presumably, he felt it would tarnish his reputation.
However, Sophia decided not to repeat the same old act this year. After all, Rosaline had repeatedly begged her to give up this limelight and let her and Liana take the stage together. They were family. She couldn’t refuse despite her reluctance.
So this year, it was the Gardners who stood at the entrance and caught everyone’s attention.
“As representatives of the Gardner family, we hope to acquire exceptional collections in this auction and contribute to charity,” Rosaline said elegantly, putting on a classy demeanor as she spoke in front of the gathered journalists.
“Mrs. Gardner, how is the financial situation of the Gardner Group lately? We heard it’s on the verge of bankruptcy,” one reporter asked sharply.
“Has the investigation into Mr. Gardner’s case concluded? Will he be sentenced?” another one inquired.
“Is it true that your daughter and the president of the Beckett Group have broken up?”
Broken up? Those two words immediately caught Liana’s attention. She stepped forward. Then, she glared at the journalists, sending shivers down their spines.
“What break up? Where did you hear that?”
“Well… Miss Liana, there’s no need to be so nervous. We’re just asking,” one of the reporters replied. “After all, Mr. Beckett has yet to show any support as your fiancé regarding the Gardner Group’s issues. It’s natural for such speculation to arise.”
“We haven’t broken up! Don’t spread rumors!” Liana’s voice rose in agitation as she thought about how Jasper hadn’t approached her in
the past few days.
Rosaline quickly pulled Liana, who was losing her cool, aside and smiled at the cameras. “My daughter and Mr. Jasper are in a stable relationship. Please don’t think too much about it. As for the matters between the Gardner and Beckett families, they’re private. We’re not quite aware of the details.”
“Mr. Jasper is also present at the event today. Why didn’t he take a photo with Ms. Liana?”
“It seems like they have never taken a photo together. Is it to avoid suspicion?”
“What suspicion is there to avoid? Mr. Jasper would surely be with my daughter if he were to come.”
“But they are people saying Mr. Jasper had arrived half an hour earlier.”
That caught Rosaline and Liana off guard. Their faces immediately turned pale.
Meanwhile, Jasper had already entered the venue with Xavier accompanying him.
“Jasper!” Landon approached with a playful grin. He affectionately wrapped his hands around Jasper’s waist.
“Wow, you’ve grown stronger. You seem quite sturdy,” he said, pinching Jasper’s narrow waist.
“Keep your hands away. Behave yourself,” Jasper‘ furrowed his brows, not budging as he glanced coldly at Landon.
“Haha, you’re acting all serious, huh? What happened to the times you used to tickle me under the covers?” Landon stopped pinching his
1/2
say hello?” 1
“I’m trying to avoid suspicion.”
+15 BONOS
“Fair enough, looks like there’s still a cure for your lovesickness. You’re no longer Ms. Liana’s lapdog this time around. You should know that the Gardners‘ reputation in the industry is terrible. Whoever gets involved with them will be tainted.”
“Who’s lovesick?” Jasper’s expression darkened. He added, “Don’t think I would let things slide because of the Harper family.”
Everyone knew the Harper family ran the business in Belware, and Landon ran the Harper family.
*Brother, I’m doing this for your sake! I don’t want your reputation dragged through the mud because of the Gardner family.” Landon added. “My grandpa didn’t want the Gardner family to come to this auction. He invited them out of respect for you. You should know they do not even deserve to be here.”
“They might not for now. But Liana would marry me either way. I hope your opinion of her changes then. After all, the Gardner family and her are not mutually exclusive.”
“I understand. I can’t disrespect the future Mrs. Beckett. But I have to say something that you might not like.” 1
“Alright then, don’t say it.”
“Regarding looks and personality, I still think your ex–wife, that resolute and untamed wild rose, is more suitable for you. Your passionless self will only be ignited by a fire like Ms. White in the winter.” Landon spoke too quickly, and he blurted out before he could stop himself.
