Chapter 271: Charity Auction Dinner (Part 1)
This charity auction is of paramount importance to Artisans. It’s so crucial that she doesn’t even have time to worry about Paige’s appearance now. During this auction, she plans to reveal the situation to the Smiths family and the Grissom family, who absolutely despise Paige-the outcome will be predictable.
She didn’t die three years ago, but she must die now.
Rachel stood there, her eyes brimming with intense hatred.
…
Two nights later, the charity auction dinner named “Ruoshui” was grandly held at the most prestigious Heaven Hotel in Country A. This was the most lavish charity event ever held in The Capital because it was hosted by the Smiths family and the Grissom family, who are now at the height of their power.
With two major conglomerates joining forces for charity, even the usually strict Heaven Hotel had to accommodate them, giving up the entire building as the venue. Needless to say, other conglomerates also sent important figures to attend.
Tonight was destined to be a grand affair.
The night was as dark as ink, and the magnificent Heaven Hotel was glowing with lights. The red carpet extended from the main entrance all the way to the road, lined with pink roses flown in from abroad.
Security had set up long barriers, and the media, equipped with cameras, eagerly waited outside.This is property © of NôvelDrama.Org.
The moment the first big star appeared, the flashbulbs began to go off incessantly. To generate publicity, the dinner invited both domestic A-list and B-list stars, as well as international celebrities, making the red carpet shine as brightly as a film festival.
From a high window, Paige leaned quietly against the glass, looking in the direction of the red carpet with a deeply sarcastic smile on her lips. “Rachel has put a lot of effort into tonight’s auction-tight security, luxurious arrangements, even gold accents on the red carpet.”
“This isn’t charity; it’s burning money.”
“The Smiths family and the Grissom family have long been overshadowed by other conglomerates. Now that they’ve suddenly gained power, this extravagant display is their way of announcing to the world that they are no longer what they once were.”
Enrico, curled up on the sofa, showed no interest in the scene outside. After speaking, he shoved the jelly back into his mouth and continued playing with his latest Bumblebee model.
“Exactly, which is why Rachel has so perfectly grasped their mindset.”
Paige smiled and walked over to Enrico, sitting down beside him with her chin resting on one hand, watching him play with the model. “Is this toy really that fun?”
“This isn’t a toy, it’s a model!”
Enrico pulled the jelly bag from his mouth, glared at her, and his face darkened.
“Oh.”
Paige pretended to understand and nodded.
“…”
Enrico, still holding the jelly bag in his mouth, put down the Bumblebee model and reached out to lightly grasp her neck, glaring at her with mock ferocity, clearly dissatisfied with her dismissive attitude.
Paige remained seated on the sofa, smiling at him without moving.
Damn it.
Enrico bit down on the jelly bag in frustration, and like an annoyed little beast, pounced on her, pinning her beneath him with an overwhelming dominance. His deep eyes were filled with a silent threat, as if to say, “Go ahead, dismiss me again.”
The youthful energy still clung to this 28-year-old man without a hint of incongruity.
Paige lay on the sofa, looking up at him, letting him hold her neck. After a while, she reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck.
“…”
The sudden softness made Enrico freeze, and his hands loosened.
Paige, with her soft and boneless body, skillfully lifted her upper body and embraced his neck, snuggling closely against his neck, savoring the completely different aura he now exuded…
It doesn’t matter if it’s different.
It doesn’t matter if he can’t remember.
As long as he can still look at her and talk to her, it’s enough.
“Plop-”
The jelly bag slipped clumsily from his mouth.
“Miss, look outside…”
Angie, dressed in old-fashioned attire with her long hair tied up, pushed the door open and walked in, her voice trailing off as her eyes went blank at the sight of the two on the sofa.
Enrico was kneeling on either side of Paige’s legs, with Paige half sitting up, tightly hugging the man, who was completely frozen in shock.
This…
Angie hastily tried to leave, but Paige had already released Enrico, naturally moving away from him and smiling, “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything by it, I just suddenly missed you a little.”
He’s right here, what’s there to miss?
Enrico continued to kneel on the sofa, staring at her, until a sudden thought flashed through his mind, and the heat in his face felt as if it had been doused with cold water.
She didn’t miss him.
She missed the him with complete memories.
Enrico’s face darkened, and he lay back down on the sofa, feeling inexplicably irritated in his chest.
Seeing his unhappiness, Paige thought she might have frightened him with her actions. Smiling, she said, “I’ve already ordered a limited edition Optimus Prime model for you. It should arrive tomorrow.”
“…”
Enrico’s mood didn’t improve. Without even looking at her, he stood up and walked to the window, ignoring her.
“…”
Paige felt a bit regretful for her outburst.
He’s just a boy inside; she had gone too far.
The room was dim, with only the TV on, broadcasting the charity gala. On the screen, Carrie, in a pearl evening gown, had just stepped out of the car, prompting screams from the crowd.
Carrie walked forward, clutching her clutch bag, her beautiful face radiant, with a slight smile. Even as she entered with a smile, she exuded an air of reserved calm, like a lily that every household could afford. It stood there, making people hesitant to touch it, yet not deterring them from wanting to get closer.
A well-known actress following behind Carrie looked a bit sour-despite being the lead in several major films, her popularity still couldn’t compare to Carrie, who had always played supporting roles.
Angie stood nearby, glancing at Paige, then at Enrico’s back, feeling awkward about her presence and trying to find a topic, “Carrie really has great public appeal.”
“…”
Paige gave her a look, clearly unimpressed by her attempt at conversation.
“…”
Angie silently adjusted her glasses, “I just came to ask if there’s anything else that needs to be arranged?”
“What number is the painting scheduled for auction?” Paige asked.
“The fifth item,” Angie replied.
“That order is fine. Just bring the dress to me when it’s time. There’s nothing else to arrange-just sit back and enjoy the show.” Paige’s eyes gleamed with the confidence of someone in complete control.
“Understood. I’ll head down now.” Angie, already feeling out of place, hurried out of the room as soon as she heard that.
Once she left, the only sounds in the room were from the television and the suffocating silence.
Paige sat on the sofa, watching Enrico’s back. Even the limited edition Optimus Prime didn’t cheer him up-it was going to take more than that. Maybe she should get more jelly?
As she was thinking, Enrico suddenly took two steps back, his tall frame tense.
Paige was puzzled until she heard the clear voice of a top domestic host coming from the TV…