Chapter 99 Always Smart
It was unsure whether it was coincidental or purposeful, but the woman in work attire, speaking softly to the host, was actually facing the microphone in his hand.
Aurora donated a fake?
This had never happened at a charity gala before.
Bringing a counterfeit item to auction? That was just deceiving people and seeking fame.
The room buzzed with chatter, and all eyes turned to Aurora in the front row.
If Aurora weren't at least a little flustered, it would definitely seem fake. This event was full of prominent figures, and she couldn't afford any slip-ups, let alone tarnish her reputation.
She couldn't embarrass John.
John looked at Aurora and was about to stand up, but she shook her head, signaling him to stay put.
Todd and Lucas exchanged glances, not believing Aurora would donate a fake item.
Ashley and Kevin knew this couldn't be ignored. The gala couldn't just go on as if nothing happened; it would damage Aurora's reputation even more.
Kevin stepped onto the stage and smiled, saying, "Sorry, due to a small incident, the gala will be paused for half an hour. Please bear with us."
He then walked over to Aurora and whispered, "Let's see what's going on. Don't worry."
"Kevin," Aurora called out to Kevin as she stood up. She raised her voice and said, "Could you bring all the donated items to the stage, including the pair of bracelets I donated?"
Kevin quickly understood Aurora's intention; she wanted to clear things up in front of everyone.
Otherwise, even if the truth came out later, people might still question her, thinking the Robinson family was covering for her.
Dean and Nicole didn't come today and were too ashamed to attend such an event. As Aurora's godfather, Kevin had to protect her.
Especially with John still sitting there.
"Alright, I'll handle it." Kevin went backstage to bring all the donated items to the stage and invited the appraiser up.
The audience craned their necks to see the pair of bracelets Aurora had donated.
Kevin's goddaughter donating a fake item would be a laughingstock.
Sophia was worried. "Aurora, what's going on? Is there a mistake?"
"Don't worry," Aurora reassured Sophia, though she was the most nervous inside.
Aurora stepped onto the stage and walked over to the pair of bracelets she had donated. The appraiser said with difficulty, "This is indeed fake, worth only a few hundred dollars."
A few hundred dollars?
The audience buzzed again, and some even laughed contemptuously.
Todd couldn't stand it. "Mr. Lewis, aren't you going to do something?"
John didn't say anything, his gaze fixed on Aurora. Watching her stay calm, a slight smile appeared on his lips.
Lucas said to Todd, "Mr. Lewis won't stand by idly. Today is a great opportunity, a stepping stone for Ms. White. If she can handle this and gain the circle's recognition and praise, it will greatly help her secure her position as Mrs. Lewis."
Todd suddenly understood. "Mr. Lewis, you're planning for Ms. White."
Aurora's abilities weren't limited to being a translator. When she exchanged glances with John earlier, he understood her intention.
She wanted to fight alongside him, not just enjoy his protection.
His woman was proud at heart.
She wanted a love where they were equals.
Aurora hadn't yet reached the height to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him, but eventually, they would ride side by side.
Aurora frowned. The item she donated couldn't be fake because it was a gift from her mother on her eighth birthday.
She had kept it hidden, so Nicole hadn't taken it.
Aurora picked up the bracelet and examined it. Kevin, anxious, told the appraiser, "Check it again."
The audience murmured louder.
Emily, sitting in the middle row, looked worriedly at Aurora on stage.
"Daniel, do something to help Aurora. If word gets out she donated a fake, she'll be a laughingstock. She genuinely wants to help the kids in the mountains. She just told me it's the thought that counts, not the amount."
Daniel frowned. "It's not conclusive yet, so don't jump to conclusions."
"I'm just worried about Aurora. If I had known, I would've given her the Hermès bag I donated and swapped with her. She's the Robinson family's goddaughter now. If she gets a bad reputation, what if they reject her?"
Emily's words seemed supportive but were actually backhanded.
What did she mean by "the amount of money donated doesn't matter"?
It implied Aurora's donation could indeed be fake, which was why she said that.
Donating a few hundred dollars was still a kind gesture.
In just a few words, she managed to criticize Aurora while also showcasing her own kindness.
Emily's Hermès bag was on the stage, encrusted with diamonds and shining brightly.
Emily's voice was just loud enough for those around her to hear clearly.
Not many knew about Emily's previous stint in detention. As soon as she spoke, there was an immediate reaction.
"Mrs. Taylor is so kind-hearted. The sisters got a real bond."
"That classic Hermès bag was one of only three released worldwide. I can't believe Mrs. Taylor has one and is so generous to donate it."
"Yes, such kindness is rare."
Amid the compliments, Emily humbly smiled. "It's the right thing to do. The kids in the mountains are so pitiful. Now that I have a baby, I can't bear to see children suffer. It's like accumulating blessings for my baby."
"Mrs. Taylor, you're pregnant? Congratulations! No wonder we haven't seen you at gatherings lately."
Emily continued to smile, looking blissful. "I just found out recently."
"Congratulations. Mr. Taylor, you're so lucky to have such a wonderful wife."
Daniel's expression was a bit stiff as he forced a smile.
Emily was secretly pleased. She intentionally let everyone know she was pregnant to announce that she had secured her position as Mrs. Taylor.
But then someone in the crowd muttered, "Why is the Taylor family letting an illegitimate child attend such an important gala?"
"The Harris family didn't show up today either. An illegitimate son and an illegitimate daughter, they really are a match."
These words reached Daniel's ears, and his face darkened, though he didn't dare to react.
Emily's face also turned a bit sour.
The compliments from others were just superficial. Behind their backs, the labels of illegitimate son and daughter for her and Daniel couldn't be changed.
On stage, the third appraisal concluded, and the result was the same.
"The pair of bracelets is a counterfeit."
Kevin's expression was serious. With so many people confirming it was fake, it had to be fake.
Did Aurora really donate a fake?
"Aurora, what do you think..." Kevin wanted to ask Aurora. If it were indeed fake, he would find a way to smooth things over.
Aurora said seriously, "Kevin, this pair of bracelets is not the one I donated. The pair I donated had a slight flaw because I accidentally dropped it once. But this one doesn't have it."
Aurora showed it to Kevin. "It really doesn't."
Penny Hill, the staff member responsible for the donations, was almost in tears. "Ms. White, I didn't touch it after you gave it to me. This is the pair you donated."
Penny thought if the blame was put on her, she would go to jail.
Aurora looked at Penny. "You didn't touch it, but can you guarantee it wasn't swapped? Has this pair of bracelets always been in your sight?"
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