Chapter 136

Time seerns to fly when you’re buried in books Cordelia had breezed through her day’s lessons and even managed to wrap up her homework during study hall. As the school day drew to a close, she shoved a book into her backpack to entertain her on the way to the auction she was attending later.

The charity gala was being held at the prestigious Greenmeadow Grand Hotel, a six–star beacon of luxury. By the time they arrived, the place was already teeming with guests.

Cordelia, trailing behind Lorna, had barely stepped out of the car when she heard a familiar voice call out. “Lornal”

There was Rachel, striding over in all her glittering finery, looking every inch the wealthy socialite. With Laurinda on her arm, she approached with a complaint ready on her lips. “Lorna, I know we’ve gone our separate ways, but we’re still family. I tried visiting your neighborhood, but they wouldn’t even let me in. I had no choice but to wait for you here.”

Lorna, ever the embodiment of understatement, was not a fan of Rachel’s flashy style. She spoke with detached tone, “What do you want?”

Rachel’s smile didn’t waver as she said, “I heard you were attending this gala and I was worried you might not have anything suitable to contribute. So, I brought something for you.”

She produced a box from her purse and handed it over. “Inside is a diamond brooch, worth a cool twenty grand. Why don’t you auction this off?”

Laurinda scoffed, “Lorna, you should learn from Rachel. Think of the bigger picture. Isn’t she magnanimous?”

Magnanimous? This was clearly a ploy to put Lorna in their debt, something to hold over her head later, most. likely an attempt to curry favor with Calvert.

Lorna saw through their game immediately. They’d grown a bit smarter, offering a favor first before expecting returns, never missing a chance to get what they wanted.

“I don’t need it,” Lorna said, pushing the brooch back. “I’ve already prepared something for tonight’s auction.”

Rachel was taken aback, “You’ve prepared something?”

resting on the long box Lorna held. “What’s

Lorna could answer, Rachel guessed aloud, “A

painting? Are you joking? Don’t you know your pieces barely fetch fifty bucks? Is that your

ways. What I donate is none of your

that changes your last name? Do you think that changes. that Sanderson is my son, and I’m his mother?

voice laced with urgency, “Lorna, if you don’t listen to

till now, spoke

where starting bids begin at fifty

respond, simply guiding Lorna past the two women

many eyes upon her, she hesitated, not wanting to cause a scene. After a moment’s thought, she blurted out, “Did Sanderson arrange for someone to bid high? Is this some

grasping Rachel’s insinuation, asked, “What do

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Chapter 136

a hint of disdain, “It’s hype. The only way for Lorna’s painting

ever blunt, put it plainly. “You mean he’s going to throw mone

in confirmation.

auction just to

the Harmony Haven Foundation was in full swing, with its president, Mrs. Collins, playing the gracious host. Upon spotting Lorna and

there was no chance of any

they placed the painting in a secure area under the watchful eyes

the painting. As they unfurled it, one commented, “Mrs. Collins, we’re no art critics, but we’ve heard that Mrs. Delaney’s work is hardly worth fifty dollars. Isn’t it a bit disrespectful

the painting. “Don’t jump to conclusions. I find

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