Chapter 396 The Last Chance
After hanging up, Alice strolled out.
The banquet hall was lit up like a Christmas tree, with crystal chandeliers looking all fancy and stuff.
Claire was rocking a custom-made velvet gown, showing off her killer figure, and she was happily chatting with a few ladies. The auction was about to kick off, and everything was set.
This auction dinner was top-notch. The high society folks of Vachilit had mad respect for Claire, so when they got her invite, they brought some pricey stuff to auction off.
Avery even brought a painting wortharound seven or eight million
The Cullen family wasn't exactly rolling in dough, and this painting was the best she could swing. After all, this cash was basically a donation.
Isla Patterson chimed in, "Mrs. Cullen, the piece you brought is pretty impressive. That painting's no joke."
Avery grinned. "Mrs. Patterson, you're too kind. It's nothing compared to your coral wood carving. That thing's a masterpiece." That carving was worth around four hundred grand." Isla smirked, knowing Avery was just trying to show off the painting to make her carving look cheap. She didn't hold back. "I've been coming to Mrs. Howard's charity dinner every year. This is my third time."
Avery's face tightened for a sec. She knew Isla was throwing shade, hinting she only got in because of Alice's pregnancy. She bit her lip. "Mrs. Patterson, I hope we can chat here again next year."
Once Alice tied the knot with Adrian and the Howard family started doing business with the Cullens, she wouldn't have to deal with these snobs!
Isla shot back, "Really? Mrs. Cullen, I hope to see you here next year too." With that, she sauntered off with her champagne and headed over to Claire. "Mrs. Howard."
Claire turned and smiled. "Mrs. Patterson, how's the dinner?"
Isla buttered her up, "Your dinner party is always top-notch."
Claire and Isla laughed and chatted for a bit. Claire checked the time; the auction was about to start, and she began instructing her assistant to get things ready.
Just then, Alice waddled over. Heavily pregnant, she held her lower back with one hand. She shot a quick glance at Claire, who was walking over..
She clenched her fingers tight, taking a deep breath.
She was definitely freaked out. She was almost nine months pregnant; what if something went wrong? But this was her last shot. This kid couldn't be born!
She had thought about framing Natalie, blaming her for the miscarriage, but without the kid, she'd lose her ticket to marry into the Howard family. Even if it made Adrian hate Natalie, that wasn't her endgame.
To marry Adrian, she had to use this kid to get the biggest win.
Not far away, on the second floor, a guy in black looked at Alice and gave her a signal.
Alice got it.
She gritted her teeth and made her way through the crowd to Claire's side. "Aunt Claire."
Claire immediately took her hand. "Take it easy, no rush."
Alice walked alongside Claire, and the eyes of several women around them zeroed in on her belly. "Mrs. Howard, you'll have a grandkid soon."
Claire was visibly pleased. Even though she wasn't a big fan of Alice, Alice was about to pop, so she didn't say much. She could also tell that Adrian's attitude towards Alice seemed off.
Plus, Adrian's diamond pendant wasn't on Alice.
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