WantNovelChapter 373
Charlotte entered the ballroom on James's arm, wearing a pink tulle gown that screamed haute
couture.
She deliberately rested her hand on her stomach, stroking it subtly while giving Sarah a challenging
look.
"Ms. Sanders, it's been a while." Her smile was gentle, as if they were merely friends and nothing
had happened between them.
Sarah gave her a brief glance without responding and took her seat beside Melvin.
Their table was right in the center. Though the Sanders family wasn't quite as prominent as the
Reynolds, they still held significantly more influence than Chancers.
Suddenly, there was a commotion at the entrance as reporters rushed forward to greet the new
arrivals.
Sarah looked over to see Zachary and Vivian walking in.
With all the recent rumors about these two, naturally the reporters wouldn't miss this chance for a
story.
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Zachary and Vivian were also seated at the main table, directly across from Sarah and Melvin.
"Miss Sanders, lovely to see you," Vivian smiled.
Sarah returned a polite smile. "Miss Wilson, you seem in high spirits today."
"Of course - it's Mr. Anderson's birthday celebration, and such a wonderful event. How could | not be?"
What made her even more excited was her confidence in her auction piece, specially imported from overseas.
She was eager for Mr. Anderson to choose her item, hoping to make a good impression and secure the property
deal.
Sarah lowered her eyes, clenching her fists.
James and Charlotte sat at an adjacent table - they weren't important enough for the main table, which was
reserved for the Sanders family, Zachary, Vivian, and Mr. Anderson.
When Mr. Anderson arrived, he first looked at Zachary. "Why didn't your grandfather come?"
"Mr. Anderson, my grandfather hasn't been feeling well, so he sentin his place," Zachary replied respectfully.
Mr. Anderson then turned to Vivian. "And this must be little Miss Wilson. You've grown into quite the young lady."
"It's wonderful to see you, Mr. Anderson. Happy Birthday to you," she replied with a charming smile.
Amid the pleasant exchanges, the charity auction began.
The first item was a traditional ink painting, with a starting bid of one million. Each donor had set their own
starting price for their items.
"This piece is an exceptional artwork donated by the CEO of Skyline Corporation - a stunning watercolor
capturing the serene beauty of nature..."
Since all auction proceeds were going to charity, everyone typically bid at least ten percent above an item's
actual value to impress Mr. Anderson - an unwritten rule among the social elite.
The first three items sold for less than five million each. For the fourth item, two elegantly dressed attendants
carried an ornate display case to the stage. This piece was from James and Charlotte's private collection.
When the attendants opened the case, they revealed an exquisite crystal flower pendant - a pink
tourmaline carved into a delicate rose with emerald leaves - a piece of remarkable Victorian
craftsmanship.
The crystal pendant immediately elevated the caliber of the auction items. Of
course, antiques couldn't be judged by monetary value alone.
"This piece, offered by Mr. Foster, is a masterwork of Victorian jewelry dating back
to the 1860s. The starting bid is five hundred thousand..."
Sarah studied it carefully. Given the exceptional quality of the gemstones, it
should be worth at least eight or nine hundred thousand.
As the bidding climbed higher, Charlotte's smile grew brighter. She had personally selected this
piece for the auction.
However, James's expression grew increasingly troubled.
Since the beginning, Mr. Anderson hadn't raised his paddle once. Even as the bidding reached seven
hundred thousand, he showed no interest in the piece.
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