And The Daddy Is… The Infertile Guy?!

Chapter 35

The auction house was a hive of activity, buzzing with the kind of energy that could only be found where fortunes were made and lost in the blink of an eye,

The air was perfumed with the calming scent of sandalwood incense, while the walls were adorned with openwork bookshelves that showcased an eclectic mix of ceramics, paintings, and other vintage treasures, nestled among pots of lush greenery.

The babble of the crowd hushed for a brief moment as Howard and Gwendolyn made their entrance. It was Howard’s first public appearance since the accident that had changed his life. The looks that fell upon Howard’s legs were a mix of derision, disdain, pity, and malice,

Word had spread that Howard, the golden boy, had fallen from grace, crippled and barren. The inheritance of the Chadwick family was all but secured by Bainbridge.

Howard was now the discarded pawn.

“He’s impotent. What good does it do? Just leaves her a widow in the prime of her life.”

“Just a pretty–faced country girl, what a shame! Or are you fancying yourself as her new groom?”

“Ha! The Chadwick family will still need Bainbridge!”

Those harsh whispers turned Jeannie’s face beet red, her fists clenched as if she were ready to throw down. Gwendolyn’s lips were pressed into a tight line.

Gwendolyn reached out her fair hands to cover Howard’s ears.

brushed her hands aside, his voice low,

he should remember these faces well. When Gwendolyn gave him the chance to soar again, he would see how their tune

them speaking about you that way. You’re an incredible

deep into her eyes, which sparkled with indignant fire. The quarrel of the past days seemed to dissolve in

wanted to give Gwendolyn

Chadwick, this way, please.” An auction house employee guided him to a seat in the corner of the first row. A small square table was set with pastries and coffee, beside

Gemma and Herman were relegated to seats much

you owe me one,” Bain.idge said with a cold smile. “If it

11:39

Chapter 35

in the

place where power and status reigned

then, Bainbridge,” Howard replied, his voice cool

composure, “You’re welcome. After all, I should look out for

struck two, the lights dimmed.

Auction House

auctioneer, with microphone and gavel in hand, projected his voice across the room, “Welcome to Grand Gavel’s monthly auction. All items today are up for public bidding. The sellers have declared a ‘non–fidelity‘ policy, meaning items are sold without a guarantee of