Chapter 54 The Pitfalls of Charity
Angela left in embarrassment, and Kelly quickly took the card and looked at it carefully, saying in astonishment, "How do you have this card?"
Natalie hesitated for a moment and said, "Yves gave it to me on my 18th birthday. He told me to always carry this card with me, and it actually worked."
Natalie smiled and handed her the card, saying, "If you like it, you can have it."
"No, that won't work. This card is non-transferable. Once it's given away, it becomes invalid. You keep it. If there's something I like, you can buy it for me."
Natalie nodded, thinking that arrangement would work too.
After buying the necklace, Kelly happily took Natalie around for a while before leaving.
Feeling good, Natalie returned to the company. Jessica had been planning something these past couple of days, and Natalie knew about it but didn't inquire.
Natalie knew that Victor wouldn't be fooled by any of this. Since Jessica was seeking trouble for herself, Natalie had no intention of getting involved.
As it was almost time to leave, Natalie packed her bag and was ready to go when Mia called.
Answering the call, Mia urgently said, "I need a favor. There's a charity banquet, and Rance, an artist from my company, needs a female companion. I'm not in the country, so can you go on my behalf?"
Natalie checked the time and replied, "Sure, I have time anyway."
"Thank you, dear. I'll have Rance send the dress to you. He'll arrive soon."
Ending the call, Natalie wondered how Mia was so certain she would agree to go.
After a few instructions to Aaron, she went downstairs early and waited. Though Rance was a model, he was somewhat famous, and with so many people in the company, rumors were inevitable.
She didn't want any trouble.
In less than ten minutes, an eye-catching sports car made a grand entrance at the company's entrance. Natalie saw Rance inside the car waving at her, and she wordlessly quickly got into the car. Rance even took off his sunglasses, blew a kiss to the people at the entrance, and only then started the car.
Natalie was livid!
She regretted it. She wanted to get out of the car!
She knew she would be on the front page of the news again tomorrow!
Rance smiled and turned his head towards her, saying, "Ms. Clark, though we haven't met, we should both know each other. Thank you for helping me."
Natalie forced a smile, not wanting to talk much, and simply said, "You're welcome. I'm not helping you, I'm helping Mia."
"No wonder she said you would definitely help. You two must be good friends, right?"
"Yes," she couldn't be bothered to say more.
Seeing that she wasn't very happy, Rance didn't continue the conversation. They arrived at the venue for the charity banquet ahead of schedule. Natalie went to the room to change into her gown, while Rance waited by the door.
This exclusive charity banquet was not only reserved for artists, but also a gathering spot for numerous celebrities. As Natalie entered with Rance, she immediately noticed the familiar faces of Wendy and Angela, who were surrounded by people. Since they were present, Natalie believed Gabriel must be there too. Natalie felt annoyed.
The highlight of this event was the charity auction, which Natalie had no intention of participating in. However, Rance was very excited and participated in almost every item, but failed to win any of them. Natalie was puzzled and quietly asked him, "Are you here to help raise the prices?"
Otherwise, why would he only raise the bid without actually winning anything? Rance smiled mysteriously and said, "Mia told me to be more visible to the audience. She said it would definitely attract attention." Natalie was speechless.
Soon, they reached the final auction item - a large image appeared on the screen, showing a translucent and shiny emerald ring. Natalie thought for a moment and felt that this item looked familiar. She seemed to have seen it at the Kensington Villa and was suddenly shocked. She remembered that it was Blair's favorite.
This was a precious heirloom passed down by the Kensington family, and Blair loved it like her own life. It was difficult for anyone else to even catch a glimpse of it, so how could it be sent here for auction? She pondered and looked around. Surprisingly, Gabriel was nowhere to be seen, but Wendy and Angela in front were exchanging triumphant glances, enjoying the attention from the crowd.
Suddenly, Natalie understood something. She smiled, realizing it was a trap...
Most of the people present thought it was just an ordinary emerald ring. They stole it and auctioned it off, so they could both get money and fame.
"Next up is a charity auction item provided by Mrs. Wendy and Ms. Angela from the Kensington Group. Truly a wealthy and prestigious family, they are willing to auction off such a precious item. Alright, let's begin the bidding. Starting at three million dollars."
Three million dollars? Natalie chuckled. Did Blair's favorite item only worth three million dollars?
Wendy raised her paddle, "Three million dollars."
"Four million dollars."
Natalie lowered her eyelids, thought for a moment, and without hesitation, raised her paddle, "Ten million dollars."
