Chapter 421 Perfume
When Alvin stood up, all eyes were on him. But instead of admiration, he got a bunch of suspicious looks. People were like, "Who's this clown?"
Alvin adjusted his tie and confidently followed Luann, giving a little cough just loud enough for their table to hear. "Luann, my seat's kinda off to the side, and I can't see the stage. Mind if I sit here with you?"
Before Luann could say anything, a bunch of folks jumped up.
"Sit here with me."
"Hey, my seat's perfect!"
They were all trying to get on Luann's good side since Alvin was her relative. Alvin frowned a bit and finally picked the seat next to Elodie.
Luann was confused, not sure what Alvin was up to.
As soon as he sat down, Alvin caught a whiff of a familiar scent from Elodie.
He leaned on the table, propping his head up with a fist, and gave Elodie what he thought was a charming look. In a low, smooth voice, he said, "Miss, where'd you get your perfume? It smells amazing, really intoxicating."
Luann, sipping her water, suddenly choked and coughed for a while. The people nearby gasped, thinking, "Is he seriously hitting on Elodie? No way, she's so cold and unapproachable, and he's still trying?"
Elodie looked at him calmly and said, "It's cologne. You can get it at the supermarket."
Alvin sniffed, surprised. It really was cologne. No wonder it smelled familiar.
Alvin thought his first move had flopped, but then Elodie asked, "Where'd you get your cologne?"
Alvin perked up and quickly said, "At the big mall downtown, second floor! Right in front of the elevator!"
Elodie just said, "Oh, thanks, but I won't be buying it."
Alvin was puzzled, thinking, "Isn't my cologne nice? It's got such a masculine scent."
Feeling a bit down, Alvin tuned into the charity ambassador's speech on stage.
He didn't catch much, but one part stood out: "The purpose of our charity gala is to gather people willing to help others. Charity isn't about spending big or showing off; it's about perseverance and dedication."
These words were clearly aimed at those looking for publicity.
It was Luann's first time at such an event, and she nodded in agreement, her eyes full of admiration.
She'd been doing charity work for years, always low-key. So for today's gala, she didn't plan to make a big splash by spending a ton of money. That felt too fake and superficial.
She just thought if there was something she really liked, she'd buy it as a collectible.
After a simple opening ceremony, the waiters started serving dishes. Everyone watched the program and the auction item introductions while enjoying their dinner.
Alvin couldn't take his eyes off Elodie. Every time she seemed to like a dish, he'd eagerly slide it closer to her.
But he was bummed to see that Elodie only took a couple of bites before putting her utensils down. As an artist, she had to watch her figure.
Alvin didn't get a chance to chat her up.
After dinner, there was a short break. The room was rearranged with rows of connected seats, each with paddles for the auction.
Luann picked a spot to sit. Elodie, looking for a seat, ended up on her right.
"What a small world," came a sharp voice from above. Luann looked up and saw Ally, someone she hadn't seen in ages.
With a sneer, Ally reluctantly sat next to Luann. "If there were seats up front, I wouldn't be caught dead sitting next to you. What a drag."
Ally rolled her eyes and kept going, "You bring bad luck wherever you go—your grandpa, your mom, your dad. How come nothing ever happens to you?"
It was clear Ally had heard about Mike and Shirley from Juliet.
Luann's gaze turned icy. Before she could say anything, Elodie cut in, "Are your parents supposed to live forever? Why are you so bitter?"
Ally was immediately ticked off. "I'll say whatever I want. What's it to you?"
Elodie shot back, "If your nasty words weren't hurting my ears, I wouldn't waste my breath on someone as dumb as you."
Ally's eyes widened in anger. "Who are you calling dumb?"
Elodie said coldly, "Anyone who insults others right off the bat is acting dumb."
Ally gritted her teeth and pointed at Elodie. "What right do you have to say that? You're no different!"
Elodie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? I'm not as dumb as you."
Ally caught the sarcasm, and her chest tightened with anger.
The lights suddenly went out. The next second, all the lights focused on the stage.
Even if Ally was fuming, she had to hold it in and sat angrily to Luann's left. She furiously stabbed at the fruit on Luann's plate with a silver fork, making a mess.
Elodie glanced over and sneered, "Eating like that, you're really rude."
Ally was shocked. Luann blinked, surprised at how sharp-tongued Elodie was despite her pretty appearance. She leaned over and whispered, "Thanks."
Elodie coldly replied, "You're welcome."
Soon, the auction items started coming out one by one.
Ally had a mission from Paul, with ten million dollars in her account. She had to donate it all to the charity, as the North family did every year.
So, Ally didn't hold back and quickly started bidding, winning two items in a row. She even taunted Luann, "Hey, since you make so much money, are you planning to not spend a single penny?"
