Chatper 157
Ross didn’t dare to bid for the painting anymore, nor did anyone else in the hall.
Evan couldn't bear it any longer. Continuing like this was akin to humiliating Jessica, putting her in an awkward position. In a burst of anger, Evan raised his paddle. “Twenty thousand dollars.”
Evan wanted to shout out an extravagant bid of two hundred thousand dollars to help Jessica.
But given the Ramos family’s current financial difficulties, he thought it best to save wherever possible.
Jessica. tightly bundled up, saw Evan bidding. Although it was just a mere 20 thousand dollars, she felt relieved that the situation wasn’t completely embarrassing.
However, the next moment, the auctioneer apologetically said, “Mr. Ramos, this painting was donated by you on behalf of Jessica for the charity auction, so you cannot bid on it yourself.”
Evan was stunned.
The crowd burst into laughter at the sight.
“Evan tried to help Jessica, but it's even more embarrassing now.”
“She deserves it. Shameless people like Jessica deserve this.”
“| can’t believe how much Evan dotes on Jessica. Yet, he’s so cold and ruthless to his own daughter. | really don’t understand...” “Of course, because Jessica knows how to pretend and act coquettishly. She’s so shameless!”
When Jessica heard the mocking around her, her face turned extremely gloomy, filled with venomous hatred. She couldn’t believe her bad reputation couldn't be whitewashed at all.
The painting Jessica prepared on stage didn’t receive a single bid. It just failed to sell. This never happened before.
Many journalists at the event immediately posted this event online.
09.08
Some perceptive journalists sensed something unusual. No matter how notorious Jessica was, the painting was genuinely valuable, yet no one dared to bid for it. Even Ross, who initially wanted to bid, suddenly changed his mind.
They knew Jessica had offended someone extremely powerful. She was probably going to be banished from showbiz.
In the second row, Joseph nudged Ashley, raising his eyebrows, and whispered. “Ashley, do you know why Ross suddenly changed his mind and didn’t bid?”
Ashley, also surprised by the turn of events, whispered, “Why?”
Joseph observed everything. Ross was about to raise his paddle when Valentin warned him with a mere glance. Joseph thought Valentin was truly a madman in love.
Leaning towards Ashley, Joseph whispered with a mysterious smile, “Of course, it’s because of your husband.” Ashley was speechless.
She realized that he was mentioning Valentin.
Ashley glanced towards Valentin in the front row, catching sight of hist neck and his handsome, refined profile. Seemingly sensing her gaze, he suddenly turned to look at her.
Ashley’s eyelashes trembled, feeling the awkwardness of being caught peeping, and she quickly looked away in panic. Valentin raised an eyebrow, leisurely turning away.
The auction continued with items from other celebrities.
The host's eyes lit up when he saw the next auction item and name. He smilingly said, “Our next item for auction comes from the mysterious composer Ash and the talented designer Attelia. Yes, it’s Ashley. I’m also at fan of Ashley!”
As the auctioneer finished speaking, the spotlight moved to Ashley in the seating area. Many people turned their gaze towards Ashley.
09:081
Soft lighting shone on her overly beautiful face, her skin smooth, lips. glossy. She was smiling gracefully, exuding an enchanting charm, especially those bright and charming eyes captivatingly beautiful.
Awave of astonished murmurs arose all around. Her beauty was truly unparalleled, and even those who didn’t like her couldn't deny her stunning looks.
After the auctioneer introduced Ashley, he announced loudly. “Next up: for auction is a bracelet prepared by Ashley, with a starting bid of two thousand dollars.”
As soon as he said that, a gentleman raised his paddle. “One hundred thousand dollars.”
This bid was five times higher than the amount Evan had called out earlier to help out Jessica. Immediately after, a beautiful young girl raised her paddle. “One hundred and sixty thousand dollars.” She looked over at Ashley with sparkling eyes as she bid.
His lips twitched. Joseph knew this girl must be one of Ashley's fans.
He thought Ashley truly charmed everyone.
Unable to resist, Joseph quietly asked, Ashley, how much did this bracelet cost you?”
Miranda, also curious, leaned in to listen.
Ashley thought for a moment, then shook her head. “I don’t remember. | bought this bracelet a long time ago. It wasn’t expensive.”
The bracelet’s price soared to four hundred thousand dollars in just a few seconds.
Joseph, impressed, murmured, “The bracelet isn’t expensive, but it reached four hundred thousand dollars in just a short while, all because your fame drove up its price.”
Miranda nodded in agreement. “Of course, everyone wants a bracelet worn by Attelia.”
She couldn't resist touching Ashley's wrist and chuckled, “I can’t get a bracelet worn by Attelia, but | am satisfied to touch her hand.”
3/5
00-08
Ashley was speechless.
Seeing Miranda touch Ashley, Bryce wished he were a woman so he
could touch Ashley without hesitation. “I’d like to touch Ash too. Wonder if she'd let me.”
Ashley replied, “No.” And she rolled her eyes at the absurdity.
Just then, Joseph suddenly heard Kevin bid from a distance. “Four hundred and sixty thousand dollars!” Joseph sat upright, no longer exchanging whispers with Ashley, and squinted in Kevin's direction, contemplating his intentions. It was Ashley's bracelet Kevin was bidding on.
Ashley, recognizing Kevin's voice, was momentarily surprised.
Soon after, Lester casually raised his paddle. “Six hundred thousand. dollars.”
Ashley turned to him, speechless, and asked in a low voice, “Why are you bidding on this?”
Lester smiled, “I'd like to collect something of yours.”
Ashley was speechless.
Then, Jaden jokingly raised his paddle. “Seven hundred thousand dollars.
Ashley was at a loss for words.
She was overwhelmed by their competitive spirit.
The next second, Kevin raised his paddle again. “Seven hundred and forty thousand dollars.”
Another gentleman bid. “Seven hundred and sixty thousand dollars.”
Kevin raised the bid again. “Eight hundred thousand dollars.”
Ashley frowned slightly at this.
Ever since she heard about Kevin’s feelings for her, she had wanted to avoid too much contact with him. But now Kevin was continuously bidding...
4/5
09.081
Lester, recognizing Kevin's voice and noticing his consecutive bids, curiously looked over to see a mild-mannered gentleman bidding.
Lester guessed he might be one of Ashley's suitors.
Glancing at Valentin sitting in the first row, Lester thought the situation became interesting with Ashley's fiance and suitor both present.NôvelDrama.Org holds this content.
With a playful expression, Lester set down his paddle and stopped bidding.
Currently, Kevin held the highest bid. If no one outbid him, then Ashley’s bracelet would be his.