Chapter 38 Never Look Back
Over the weekend, Mugden's Platinum Auction House.
Many reporters gathered outside the venue. To protect the privacy of the wealthy, they could only wait outside.
The people who came here were all genuine top collectors. They were not celebrities in need of exposure and had no interest in interviews. They only cared about the treasures, apart from Tiffany, Karen, and Nicole.
Every year at this time, Tiffany attended in her finest attire, turning a high-end charity auction into an entertainment banquet. She stopped at the entrance to let the media take enough pictures, but the staff persuaded her to leave reluctantly.
Afraid that everyone would forget she was the washed-up actress who had ruined someone else's family over twenty years ago, Patrick hadn't personally attended this auction for two years. He probably felt embarrassed.
But Tiffany didn't stop at the entrance this year. Karen repeatedly asked her yesterday to leave this appearance opportunity to her and Nicole. They were relatives, so she couldn't refuse.
So this year, Nicole and Karen replaced "the greeters" at the entrance.
"We hope to attend the auction this time and bid on excellent items to contribute to charity," Karen said confidently in front of the reporters, displaying the elegance of a top socialite.
"Mrs. Adams, how has the Adams Group's financial situation been lately? It is said that you are on the brink of bankruptcy," the reporter asked sharply.
"Is Mr. Wellington's investigation over? Will he be sentenced?"
"I heard that there have been some problems in Ms. Adams' relationship with the CEO of the Wellington Group. Is it true?"
Nicole caught the words "problems in the relationship" and strode forward, glaring at the round-eyed reporters, which made them a bit intimidated.
"What problems? Where did you hear that from?"
"Ms. Adams, there's no need to be so nervous. We are just asking.
After all, the Adams Group has been in trouble, and Mr. Wellington, your fiancé, hasn't extended any help or shown any support. It's not unreasonable for us to have such speculations, is it?"
"Edward and I haven't broken up. You are not allowed to make baseless claims."
Thinking about how Edward hadn't contacted her proactively these past few days, Nicole suddenly became anxious, raising her voice.
Karen pulled her impulsive daughter behind her and smiled at the camera. "My daughter's relationship with Mr. Wellington has always been stable, so please don't think too much about it. As for the matters between the Adams Group and the Wellington Group, it is a business secret that we are not very familiar with."
"Mr. Wellington was also present today. Why wasn't he with Ms. Adams?"
"It seems like you have never appeared together. Was it to avoid suspicion?"
"What are you talking about? If Mr. Wellington were here, how could he not be accompanied by my daughter."
"But many of us saw Mr. Wellington enter half an hour early," a journalist suddenly said.
This statement caught the two off guard, and their faces instantly changed.
...
Meanwhile, Edward had already entered with Bart by his side.
"Edward..."
Eric rushed over, his passionate eyes narrowing as he affectionately embraced Edward's waist.
"You've been working out. Your muscles are quite solid," Eric pinched his waist.
"Please keep your hands to yourself." Edward's brows furrowed slightly, his body unmoving as he gave him a cold glance.
"Pretending to be innocent. Have you forgotten how you used to pinch me in bed when we were younger?"
Eric stopped touching his waist and blocked his shoulder. "Your fiancée and your future mother-in-law are here. Don't you want to say hello?"
"No."
"It seems like your love-struck brain still has hope, knowing to keep your distance from her. The Adams Group is notorious in the industry now."
"Who has a love-struck brain?"
Edward threatened, "Don't think just because this is your territory, Eric, that I won't do anything to you."
In the upper circles, it was well-known that the Clark Group was Platinum's ultimate boss and was completely managed by Eric.
"I'm doing this for your good. I really don't want to see your reputation ruined by that incompetent family."
Eric sighed, "My grandfather originally didn't want them to attend the charity dinner, but he agreed because of your face. You should know that with their abilities, they are not worthy of being here."
"They may not be worthy now, but Nicole will eventually marry me, and I hope you can change your opinion of her by then."
Edward wasn't too happy, "After all, she is her person, and it has nothing to do with her family."
"Understood. I respect your wife, of course. It's just, Edward, what I'm about to say, you probably won't like."
"Then don't say it."
"When it comes to looks and personality, I still think your previous wife, that strong-willed wild rose, was more suitable for you. As an introverted old man like you, only someone as passionate as Ms. Brown could inspire you." Eric still said.
Bart covered his mouth, almost suffocating, but he managed to suppress his laughter.
Edward was even more agitated. "There is no future between her and me, and I will never look back. That's not my style."
Eric shrugged and changed the topic. "Are there any items in today's auction that you want?"
"Yes, the Pocotimi wood chair."
He was planning to bid on it and give it as a birthday gift to Byron.
"Good taste. I can help you with that. If someone tries to compete with you, I'll find a way to discourage them."
"No need."
Edward shook his head dismissively. "The charity auction is about 'charity.' If the treasure is meant to be mine, it will come to me naturally. It's no fun if I force it when it's not."
The two of them entered the venue and went straight to the front row.
This row was reserved for top VIPs; only true aristocrats or elite individuals had the privilege to sit there.
With their handsome appearances, they caused a wave of excitement as they entered.
The socialites blushed one by one.
"Mr. Wellington is so handsome. He's my ideal husband."
"Your ideal? You better give up early. Mr. Wellington is getting married to Nicole, don't you know?"
"What? The Adams family, who sells low-quality furniture? Oh my god, her family isn't even worthy of being our servants. How can they deserve Mr. Wellington?"
"Nicole and Mr. Wellington have known each other since childhood. Mr. Wellington divorced his ex-wife for her. Do you have the ability to snatch him away from Nicole?"
"His ex-wife is so pitiful. It's disgusting how Nicole pretends to be innocent. I bet Mr. Wellington will get tired of her in less than two years."
Edward elegantly took his seat, emitting a cold aura.
Inadvertently, he glanced at the name tag that was just across the aisle, which read "Landon."
He frowned, saying nothing.
"Edward, I really can't help with this. My grandfather reserved the front row seats beforehand, and I dare not disobey him."
Eric understood what he was thinking and whispered in his ear, "These seat arrangements really test people. Even your stepmother and your two stepsisters were assigned seats further back. Now you understand the value of the front-row seats.
Landon is Charlie's eldest son and the CEO of KnightSpear Group. We can't disrespect him. Just bear with it."
...
In the lobby outside the venue, Tiffany and Karen were socializing with some ladies, while Debra and Nicole were complimenting each other while holding hands. Tiffany's second daughter, Molly, was nowhere to be found.
"Where is Molly? Why can't I see her?" Nicole asked.
"Don't worry about her, as long as she doesn't die," Debra said irritably whenever her sister was mentioned. She felt that Molly's fearful and timid behavior was a disgrace to the Wellington family.
"Don't say that. Molly is your sister and the youngest child in your family. It would help if you treated her better," Nicole advised, pretending to be gentle and virtuous.
"I wish I never had this sister. She's too embarrassing," Debra replied.
Upon hearing Nicole's words, Debra became even more furious. Nicole secretly smiled to herself. She thought, 'It's better if their relationship deteriorates. Otherwise, if those two sisters team up against me after I marry Edward, will I still have a good life?'
At this moment, a strong and imposing set of footsteps could be heard approaching. Tiffany, Karen, Nicole, Debra, and a few noble ladies instinctively turned their gaze toward the footsteps. They saw Evelyn, in a black suit, striding confidently into their view.
She was still wearing sky-high heels and had stunning flaming red lips. Despite her seemingly casual appearance, Evelyn effortlessly outshone Nicole and Debra, who had spent hours getting ready. This infuriated the two women, causing them to crease their skirts in anger.
Following behind Evelyn was William, who also put on a slightly more fashionable appearance today, looking handsome and charming. The two of them initially intended to ignore this flashy group of women. Unexpectedly, Tiffany called out to them with a smile.
"I never expected to see you in a situation like this. It's truly surprising. Charitable events are indeed inclusive," Tiffany remarked, implying that Lily was a country bumpkin and not deserving of attending such an occasion.
Evelyn stopped in her tracks, casually slipping one hand into her trouser pocket, and looked at Tiffany with a half-smile.
"You've seen so little in your life that you consider it surprising. Just because something seems unexpected to you doesn't mean it's illogical. It simply means you need to broaden your horizons."
