Chapter 22 Dinner Party
At seven o'clock in the evening, Madison was still revising the drawings for the next day's work in her room. She had heard from Rachel that the client was the spoiled only daughter of the jewelry tycoon in Horizon City, who was difficult to please and had a temper typical of a young heiress. The project was to design a gown for her eighteenth birthday banquet, and while the client was picky, the pay was good, including a 3% service fee on top of the regular charge.
Driven by the future needs of her two babies, Madison was determined to work hard and earn more money while she could. To ensure a successful meeting and secure the contract the next day, she quickly adjusted her mindset upon returning from JK Group. She refined her previous designs with full focus and sketched two additional drafts as backups, doing her due diligence.
Rachel had spent the entire day playing with the two little ones outside and called Madison, suggesting she join them for dinner since it was getting late. After the meal, both kids, Quentin and Hannah, were exhausted from the day's play and fell asleep in the car. Upon arriving home, Quentin woke up and walked back on his own, while Hannah, like a little kitten, was sleeping soundly. Madison carried her, draped over her shoulder, and placed her directly into bed. "Rachel, it must have been tough to care for the two of them," she said gratefully.
"Not at all. I wanted to play too. It was the perfect excuse to take Quentin and Hannah with me," Rachel replied, standing in the doorway. "Quentin and Hannah were worn out today."
"Let's not wake Hannah then. I'll take Quentin for a bath. Rachel, what time is Ms. Grayson's appointment tomorrow?"
"Let's meet at 11 AM at the studio."
"Then, let's grab a quick breakfast. We’ll head to the studio after breakfast tomorrow. Since we won't be home, we'll have to bring the two little ones with us."
"Alright, Madison, you guys rest well. We’ll have Wendy come tomorrow to help look after them. It’s no worry."
Rachel had also thought about Quentin and Hannah having no one to care for them the next day. Because the meeting was scheduled for the weekend when the Studio would normally be closed, she called Wendy, a staff member at the studio, to ask for her help the next day.
"Okay." Madison felt somewhat relieved and took Quentin to the restroom.
In the restroom, Quentin spoke up.
"Mom, I can help take care of my sister, don't worry," Quentin said after overhearing his Auntie Rachel and Mom's conversation.
"Quentin, you're such a grown man. Of course, I trust you to take good care of your sister."
Upon hearing his mom's words, Quentin's face beamed with pride, looking utterly serious. “I have to grow up fast to protect Mom and my sister and Auntie Rachel and Grandma Ximena.” The young Quentin felt a heavy sense of responsibility.
*
Many of Horizon City's elite had gathered at the Imperial Hotel that day. The jewelry tycoon was hosting a banquet, inviting numerous business magnates and celebrities. They would reveal the newest collection for auction. As usual, an invitation had been sent to the JK Group, which usually had Mitchell attend such events. Hence, when the jewel company's boss, President Grayson, saw Matthew enter with Brianna on his arm, he was slightly surprised.
Compliments filled the air around them. "Mr. Grayson sure holds sway to having Matthew attend the dinner in person."
"Indeed, and that must be the future Mrs. Nelson next to him, right? It's rare to see Matthew at these banquets, and she's usually with him."
"On weekdays, Mitchell Jonah is the one who attends these kinds of banquets for JK Group, but this time it's likely Matthew came specifically to bid for his lady friend."
"If Matthew starts bidding, who can outbid him, right?"
"Absolutely."
Conversations in hushed tones flowed among the crowd. Matthew, with pursed lips and an unreadable expression, strode into the venue. Beside him, Brianna's face clearly reflected her delight as she listened to the murmurs.
Upon noticing Matthew, Mr. Grayson hurried over to greet him. "Matthew, I didn't expect you to come yourself; welcome! Your presence has brought the evening to its peak. The items we're auctioning later are nothing to your presence," he remarked, glancing at Brianna with a look of understanding, "Should you take an interest in anything, I'll make sure it's sent directly to JK Group."
Grayson’s face was all smiles, aiming to please, and the women present couldn't help but envy Brianna standing by Matthew's side.
"You can just follow the normal proceedings," said Matthew, speaking up for a change.
"Great, right this way, Matthew. I'll show you to your seat at the front," responded Grayson.
"Sure." Matthew nodded and proceeded forward with Brianna, following Grayson to the front-row center seats.
Soon, the special auction began, showcasing new pieces from 'the One' collection. Earrings, studs, brooches, and necklaces were all being bid on one after another. Seeing that Matthew hadn’t bid even once, the rest of the bidders grew bold and bid freely. They know that if there was something the CEO of JK Group wanted, competition would be futile. No one wished to cross with JK Group over a piece of jewelry.
Next, the host took the stage introducing the upcoming lot. It was a pink diamond that had been cut into a heart-shaped ring and its remnants crafted into a diamond necklace. No one really expected to take home the ring, but they were hopeful about the necklace. such a diamond had not been seen for years. To witness it, even if not won, was a delight in itself, and the fact that the banquet offered such a surprise was thrilling.
First showcased was the necklace with a starting bid of fifty million, and each raise had to be by increments of five million. As the host concluded the introduction, the bidding began. The paddles went up in succession until a bid of one hundred million brought the auction to a halt. The bidder number one, which was Matthew's, had no contenders, and the silence indicated that the price wouldn't climb any higher. Ultimately, Matthew secured the necklace.
Then, came the ring, with a starting bid of one hundred million dollars. Each bid increased the price by ten million. As soon as the bidding started, bidder number one raised their paddle. There weren't many who could afford such a price, and just as the auctioneer was about to bring the gavel down for the final call, bidder number seven raised their paddle. In this manner, bidders one and seven took turns upping the bid until the final price soared to three hundred million. The rest of the crowd held their breath and watched the thrilling action unfold.
Brianna, seated nearby, became nervous yet excited as she noticed Matthew bidding on the ring. With the price climbing higher, her hands clenched tightly on the armrest.
"Five hundred million," Matthew declared coolly, raising his paddle. He didn't even look back to see who number seven, his constant competitor, was.
"Five hundred million," the auctioneer called out, "Matthew of JK Group has bid five hundred million. Do we have any higher bids? If not, then this unique pink gem will belong to Mr. Matthew Nelson. Going once, going twice, sold! Congratulations, Matthew," the auctioneer's voice shook with excitement as the audience lingered in awe, "That was spectacular, I didn't expect him to go straight to five hundred million."
"I am truly envious of Ms. Brianna. The ring must be for a proposal, she's so fortunate indeed."
Matthew stood up, ready to leave, with Brianna following him. Hearing their comments, Brianna felt the pink gem must have been bought for her, and that she was close to becoming Mrs. Nelson.
As they neared the exit, a man in a black trench coat stood ahead. "Congratulations, Matthew, you got what you wished for."
Matthew looked up with a stern expression.
With a smile, the man said, "I'm bidder number seven."
Matthew didn't respond but walked straight past the man, with Brianna quickly following behind, not daring to linger. The man wasn't offended. He turned, watching Matthew leave. His smile faded into a look of deep meaning.
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