Chapter 298 Gift
"Faking an invite to an event like this? You have no shame," the curly-haired girl at the front said, waving her phone. "I checked the guest list, and there's no..."
"Ms. Taylor!" The hotel manager jogged over, a thin sheen of sweat on his forehead. "The helipad on the rooftop is ready, and the helicopter with the medical supplies you mentioned will be here in ten minutes."
He turned to the stunned girls, frowning. "Who are you here with? Show me your invitations."
The three girls exchanged uneasy glances, clearly caught off guard. The curly-haired girl's expression shifted slightly, but she tried to stay calm. "We're friends of Phoenix. We didn't bring our invitations."
"No invite, no entry," the manager said, clearly annoyed. "Please leave the venue now."
A tense atmosphere filled the air as curious guests turned to watch. Emma stood quietly to the side, observing the scene.
Just then, Phoenix approached. She stepped forward quickly, smiling at the manager. "They're my friends. I invited them today."
The manager frowned, still not satisfied, but he softened his stance slightly due to Phoenix's status.
"Since they're Ms. Lewis's friends, I won't make it difficult for you. But next time, please bring your invitations."
"Thank you, Phoenix!" The curly-haired girl sighed in relief, a grateful smile on her face. The three girls, having narrowly escaped trouble, no longer had the energy to bother Emma.
However, Phoenix wasn't done yet. The evening would feature a charity auction.
As the auction began, Emma raised her paddle to bid on an antique painting. Phoenix couldn't hold back any longer. "Two million dollars! Ms. Taylor, do you think this is a flea market?" She signaled to the auctioneer. "I demand a financial verification."
Amid the murmurs and laughter, a man in a gray suit in the front row stood up.
"Ms. Taylor is a strategic partner of Auris Group." He held up a black and gold invitation, the family crest on his cufflinks making Phoenix's face turn pale. "If you need verification, why not look at our newly signed billion-dollar project contract?"
Guests around them began to whisper, the atmosphere becoming tense.
Phoenix had investigated Isabella's background, thinking she was just a designer whose biggest achievement was starting a brand. A mere brand was nothing to her.
Isabella's biggest connection was George. But today, Phoenix had confirmed George's schedule and knew he was out of town, which gave her the confidence to publicly embarrass Isabella.
She hadn't expected Isabella to have such connections!
Where did Isabella get the money to invest?
Despite her panic, Phoenix tried to stay composed. She forced a smile, attempting to regain control. "Even if she's a partner, she can't just bid recklessly. Rules must be followed. And..."
Phoenix looked at the man, implying something. "Sir, you should make sure Isabella can actually pay that amount and where she got the money. Dirty money isn't welcome."
"I'm a businessman. I don't care if money is clean or dirty. It's all money, and I want it all," the man in the gray suit responded coolly, his gaze sharp, applying invisible pressure on Phoenix. "As for those who can't pay, they shouldn't speak up. Ms. Taylor's bid is reasonable. Everyone knows the value of this painting."
He glanced disdainfully at the fuming Phoenix. "I suggest future auctions not only verify funds but also require a test. Those lacking cultural literacy shouldn't participate."
Emma smiled slightly, her gaze firm as she looked at Phoenix. "I believe true art deserves to be cherished."
Though Phoenix was unwilling, she had no choice but to sit back down quietly.
Until the auction ended, Phoenix found no chance to retaliate. Instead, the ballroom's crystal chandelier dimmed, and a spotlight shone on the entrance.
As guests whispered, Charles slowly entered the room. He wore a dark suit with an elegant silk tie, looking both refined and authoritative. His hair was graying but neatly combed, and his face bore a gentle smile, his eyes reflecting wisdom and depth.
His steady, composed walk exuded years of experience and grace. Guests paused their actions, their eyes following him, the air filled with a sense of reverence.
Charles approached Emma, nodding slightly, his tone warm and kind. "You didn't even come to greet me."
"It was late. I didn't want to disturb your rest." Emma's face lit up with a joyful smile. "But it was my fault. I should have asked first."
"But it doesn't matter." Charles smiled kindly, as if Emma were his granddaughter, not his granddaughter-in-law.
In fact, Charles thought of her that way. He looked at Emma with pity, recalling the struggles she faced three years back that drove her to fake her own death and disappear.
Now she had reinvented herself, not acknowledging the Russell family, which was understandable. The Russell family owed her that much.
If Emma wanted to be Isabella, he wouldn't say otherwise. He'd treat her as Isabella.
"Here, take this." Charles gestured, and his butler brought forward an exquisite gift box. "This is your wedding gift. It wouldn't be right for me, as your grandfather, to give you nothing."
Emma didn't mind. Charles hadn't attended their wedding due to health reasons. She hadn't expected him to remember such a small detail. She was genuinely touched.
Emma accepted the gift box with both hands. At that moment, Phoenix, oblivious to the tension, approached with a playful expression. "Mr. Russell, this is my welcome party. You must have a gift for me too."
Charles looked at Phoenix with displeasure, signaling to the butler, who quickly brought out another gift box, placing it in her hands.
The box was noticeably less exquisite than Isabella's.
Phoenix knew it was a last-minute preparation, clearly not as valuable as Isabella's gift.
Phoenix's anger surged. 'Damn it! Isabella! Why do you have to compete with me for everything!' she thought bitterly. Her jaw tightened, the frustration boiling within her as she tried to maintain his composure.
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