Chapter 261 The $20 Million Midnight Bloom
Ashley stopped in her tracks. "Wait, they messed with your mom?"
She thought about Yara, a woman she'd only met once but felt an instant bond with.
Nora nodded, looking way too small for the big problems she was carrying. "Yeah, that nasty Hadley and June have been giving my mom a hard time..."
"My mom was just crying in the backyard 'cause of June. I came to help her, but then I heard them talking trash about you, and I just lost it!" Nora fumed. "They're gonna get what's coming to them tonight!"
So, she wasn't just sticking up for her mom, but for Ashley too!
Ashley ruffled her hair. "Where's your mom now?"
"Over there," Nora pointed, and Ashley said, "Alright, let's go find her."
"Okay."
Ashley took Nora's hand and followed her lead. They soon heard a woman crying and a man's low voice, "Why are you crying? Is being with me that bad?"
Why did that voice sound so familiar?
"Yara!" Ashley called out.
There was a pause, then Yara stepped out from the bushes. She looked panicked when she saw Ashley. "Ms. Wilson, what are you doing here?"
"Nora said you were being bullied. You okay?" Ashley asked. "You and your daughter are easy targets for bullies. Next time they mess with you, don't hold back. Some people just need to be put in their place."
Ashley noticed Yara's red, swollen eyes and lips. "What happened to your mouth?"
Yara quickly covered her mouth, flustered. "I'm fine... Ms. Wilson, thanks for your concern. Nora's troubled you again."
Yara straightened up and bowed sincerely to Ashley.
"Yara, what are you doing?" Ashley quickly helped her up.
Yara said, "Ms. Wilson, thank you so much!"
She continued, "I saw the news later and found out what happened this afternoon. Nora was kidnapped, and you risked your life to protect her. I'm very grateful. I don't know how to show my appreciation, bowing to you is the least I can do!"
"Don't be like that, you're making me blush!" Ashley chuckled. "Nora's a smart and adorable kid, anyone would've helped in that situation."
Yara thought for a moment and said, "Ms. Wilson, how about I treat you to dinner another day?"
"Ashley, mommy's inviting you to our house for dinner. Please say yes," Nora smiled.
"Okay," Ashley agreed, and Nora cheered like she just won the lottery. Seeing her so happy, Yara couldn't help but smile through her tears.
"The banquet's about to start. Let's go grab our seats," Yara said. "Okay."
The three of them headed out together, but as they were leaving, Ashley glanced back at the greenery.
She caught a glimpse of a figure darting away. It was too quick to make out, but it was definitely a guy in a black suit.
Ashley's eyes narrowed.
That voice from earlier sounded so familiar, but she just couldn't place it.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the next item up for auction is the highlight of our event. This piece is the famous work of top designer Allen from a century ago—Midnight Bloom!"
When Midnight Bloom was unveiled, everyone in the room gasped.
Ashley slid back into her seat, and Ethan asked, "Where'd you disappear to? You were gone forever."
Ashley playfully stuck out her tongue. "I was hanging out with Nora."
Ethan pointed to the necklace on the stage and asked. "You like it?"
Ashley's eyes locked onto the necklace. It was a Maridia classic, with a red heart-shaped gemstone surrounded by diamonds, sparkling under the lights.
"Yeah," she answered.
Ethan smirked, a devilish grin spreading across his face.
The host on stage announced, "The starting bid for Midnight Bloom is one million dollars. Let's begin..."
"One million dollars."
"One and a half million dollars!"
"Two and a half million dollars!"
The bids kept climbing, and soon Midnight Bloom hit three million dollars. Just as the bidding was getting intense, Ethan calmly said, "Twenty million dollars!"
The entire room gasped.
All eyes turned to Ashley.
"Twenty million dollars, going once."
"Twenty million dollars, going twice!"
"Twenty million dollars, going three times!!"
"SOLD!!!" the host shouted.
As the auction hammer fell, Midnight Bloom was handed to Ethan by a staff member.
June said, "Mr. Yates has generously purchased this necklace, and all proceeds will be donated to impoverished schools in various regions. The Lopez family is very grateful for your support, Mr. Yates. Please take a look."
Ethan nodded slightly.
He took Midnight Bloom and handed it to Ashley, asking, "Wanna try it on?"
Ashley smiled, "Sure."
The crowd gasped again, their eyes filled with envy as they watched Ethan gently place Midnight Bloom around Ashley's neck.
At that moment, Ashley was living every woman's dream, cherished by Ethan.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
