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.

Howard brushed her hands aside, his voice low, “I’m not

to soar again, he would

like them

looked deep into her eyes, which sparkled with indignant fire. The

himself that he indeed wanted to give Gwendolyn the

An auction house employee guided him to a seat in the corner of the

the triumphant Bainbridge with Vivien, while Gemma and Herman were

with a cold smile. “If it weren’t for me,

11:39

Chapter 35

the

house was a place where power and status

Howard replied, his voice cool and

welcome. After all, I should look out for

struck two, the lights dimmed.

at Grand Gavel Auction House commenced, and the room fell silent.

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