Chapter 654
People around Maliah couldn't help but whisper.
"Mrs. Grant is really beautiful!"
"With that big belly, she's even more stunning than the celebrities. It's incredible!"
"She's so fortunate, not only is she beautiful, but she also has Matthew wrapped around her finger!"
"Her demeanor doesn't seem like she's from the countryside at all!"
"Yes, who would have thought these two would look so perfect together!"
Maliah scoffed, "A lowly woman is still a lowly woman. Even if she climbs the family ladder, it doesn't change the fact. What's the use of being pretty? It's still money that bought it all!
"Those who dream of marrying into rich families should be careful. Recently, socialite training classes have become very popular. All are hoping to follow her success!
"Look at her pampered appearance. It's all because she's pregnant. Otherwise, why would the Grant family treat her so well?"
Hearing this, those around her nodded in agreement.
"True, they say girls from the countryside are quite shrewd!"
"If I were Matthew, I'd definitely choose someone of the same social standing who could also help me. What can this woman do for him?"
"Who knows? Probably Matthew just liked her face. It gives him prestige."
Maliah rolled her eyes. With Valerie's beauty, she could only be eye candy.
She thought, 'Just a lowly woman who isn't worth attention. No matter how well she dresses, she still looks lowly.'
Valerie looked around as people passing Matthew slightly bowed in respect.
Matthew remained calm, greeting people with Valerie. It was Valerie's first time at such an event, but she couldn't quite grasp why a familiar image flashed through her mind, always just out of reach.
However, this was no big deal, just greeting people, and she could handle it.
From Maliah's perspective, Valerie appeared calm and composed, facing the many big shots without showing any signs of nervousness. Some women began to gossip.
"She doesn't seem flustered at all!"
"I thought she'd be panicked, but she's so poised and graceful!"
"Seems like even a lowly woman can become a noble lady with training."
The people speaking looked at Maliah, whose face turned a dark shade of anger.
Maliah thought, 'This damned woman!'
Hearing the praise from those around her, Maliah clenched her fists tightly.
Valerie, however, remained at ease, greeting everyone with a slight smile.
Her calm demeanor impressed everyone. This woman from a humble background managed to sit with such poise, exuding an air of dignity that made her stand out as Mrs. Grant.
The critics were left speechless. Matthew's chosen woman was undoubtedly exceptional, regardless of her origins. Her presence was unmatched. Soon, the host took the stage, and the lights focused on them.
"Ladies and gentlemen, our first item for auction is a snuff bottle with internal painting. The starting price is 60 thousand dollars!"
Valerie was stunned and thought, 'Is this bottle really that expensive?'
But what shocked her even more was the rush of bidders.
In the end, the bottle was sold for 100 thousand dollars.
She realized she had underestimated the auction.
Seeing Valerie's surprise, Matthew explained, "All the funds from the auction will be donated to children in need, so the higher the bid, the more the children will receive.
"Also, it benefits the company's reputation. Spending 100 thousand dollars for a good name is nothing compared to advertising costs. This is relatively cheap!"
Valerie understood. As she watched people raising their auction cards, she felt compelled to contribute as well since it was for a good cause. "The next item for auction is a famous landscape painting by Mr. Layton Harding, starting at 240 thousand dollars!"
Valerie tugged at Matthew. "I want this one. Can you help me bid?"
"Of course. Do you like it that much?"
"Yeah, it can be hung in the study or given as a gift. It's not too expensive. I'll cover it myself."
Matthew raised an eyebrow. Valerie took out a card. "Don't underestimate me. I'm wealthy now!"
Matthew smiled and immediately raised his card. "400 thousand dollars!"
Valerie was surprised. She didn't ask him to bid that high immediately.
Matthew chuckled and said, "Time is money. I don't want anyone else to compete with me!"
Valerie pursed her lips, "Is that so? I'm not so sure."
Sure enough, someone in the back raised the card, and the host excitedly announced, "Bidder No. 396 offers 420 thousand dollars!"
Matthew was stunned and turned
his head to look. It was the person who had just come over to greet him, now smiling at Matthew. Matthew understood then that this guy was trying to ingratiate himself with him.
But what was this?
S
A mere hundreds of thousands of dollars didn't warrant such a move.
"600 thousand dollars!"
Matthew's bid stunned the entire room, and everyone turned to look at him.
"Isn't this too aggressive?"
"It's Mr. Grant's choice. No one dares to compete!"
"But jumping to 600 thousand dollars is excessive, isn't it?"NôvelDrama.Org content rights.
"Mr. Grant's choice has potential for appreciation even with a high price!"
The competing bidder's face darkened. He hadn't expected Matthew to give him any chance.
Valerie laughed and said, "You're ruthless, pushing it straight to the ceiling!"
"Yes, I can't stand people making decisions for me. Besides, this is something my wife wants. How could anyone else compete!"
The unexpected competitive spirit prevailed.
Valerie smiled and shook her head.
However, the people behind her seemed to notice Matthew's displeasure and didn't bid further Seeing Matthew make a move, the others naturally didn't want to
disrespect him.
Matthew secured the painting for 600 thousand dollars, and the host appropriately handed him the microphone.
Matthew held Valerie's hand and
said, "This painting was requested by my wife. Since it's my first time receiving Mrs. Grant's commission, I wanted to make sure I secure it Otherwise, we might not have another chance to collaborate."
The audience laughed.
"I would have thought Mr. Grant and Mrs. Grant's relationship was so good!"
"Mrs. Grant gives an order, and Mr. Grant can't refuse. Seems like Mr. Grant is henpecked!"
"Strangely heartwarming!"
Maliah, on the other hand, looked disdainful. She hadn't expected Matthew to show off his affection publicly. She wanted to see when they would have a quarrel.