Love or Die CEO’s Daily Dose of Swoon

Chapter 141

The bid of $10 million sent waves of exhilaration through the auction house.

On the stage, Ballaster finally turned his attention to the source of the bid. Upon seeing the bidder, Ballaster froze

Mr. Watkins?

What on earth was he doing here? And connecting the dots with what Laurinda had said earlier Watkins was Cordelia’s boyfriend?

So, Mr.

The audience below was aghast, and Loule furrowed his brow, his usually soft eyes glinting with a cold light. He adjusted his glasses and raised his paddle again, “$12 million.”

*$15 million,” Everard drawled, chiming in once more.

Sitting beside Everard, Sanderson was stunned. He couldn’t help but lean over and whisper, “Everard, don’t be reckless. If you keep bidding, you’re actually going to have to buy it!”

Everard chuckled softly, “Mr. Delaney, relax.”

As Louie moved to raise his paddle once again, Ballaster shouted from the stage. “$16 million!” After the bid, he shot Louie a pleading look.

Mr. Watkins, being the son–in–law of the Delaney family, surely couldn’t make the purchase. Otherwise, it would only confirm that the Delaney family was using money to hype up Lorna by buying her paintings. But if Loule bought it, Mr. Watkins was clearly unhappy, perhaps even jealous.

At this moment, it was up to Ballaster to make the buy!

Louie twisted his brow, adjusted his glasses once more, and with a sigh, reluctantly lowered his paddle.

Everard seemed satisfied as well and didn’t bid again.

Eventually, the painting was sold for a staggering $16 million, instantly becoming the talk among the elite and making its painter, Lorn, famous overnight!

The auction continued until the last item of the evening was sold, and unsurprisingly. Lorn’s painting fetched the highest price.

Lorna becthe star donor of the evening, Mrs. Collins treating her like royalty. The other society ladies were astounded.

They had always thought that only gold and jewels held the most value, but now they realized that culture and art were truly priceless. They crowded around Lorna, asking eagerly. “Mrs. Delaney, do you have more paintings?”

“Mrs. Delaney, you’re such a cultured person. Next to you, we seem so pedestrian.”

Those who had gossiped about her before were now pushing forward to shower her with compliments, seven hoping to commission a painting.

While they didn’t understand art, they were sharp about investments.

After tonight’s event, Lorna’s paintings were now considered invaluable!

Meanwhile, Mrs. Brown stayed away from the excitement, having stayed away from joining in the mockery of Lorna earlier. Yet, she hadn’t defended Lorna either and now felt too embarrassed to approach.

On another side, Sanderson was being cornered by the Millers. Mr. Miller wore a sycophantic smile as he said, “Mr. Delaney, we followed the crowd too blindly, and we were at fault. We certainly can’t dismiss this. Regarding the business deal, I think we can talk again…”

Sanderson felt a surge of triumph!

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In the world of business, there are no eternal enemies, and after all, it was all a misunderstanding. He didn’t reject the offer and suggested they discuss it at the office instead.

As he was about to add more, a voice called out, “Sanderson, chere.”

Sanderson turned to see Laurinda, her expression dark as she beckoned him aside.

Laurinda huffed, “Tell me, was B. Aster a shill you brought in? Sixteen million just thrown at a charity like that?” Sanderson looked at her with a complex expression, “Mom, do you really think I could afford to hire B. Aster?”

Laurinda, oblivious, went on, ‘Not hired by you? Then it’s genuine? Has Loma been pretending all these years? If her paintings are so valuable, why didn’t she produce more when we divided the family assets? I always knew she was cunning. Now it’s obvious!”

Sanderson looked at Laurinda’s distasteful antics, his face turning grim.

Though they had divided the family assets and he had given her money, promising no further support, Laurinda was still his mother. To say he had no lingering affection was impossible.

But Laurinda was too much. Her targeted remarks at this public event had drained the last of his filial

affection.

Laurinda continued to rant, “She’s undutiful! Hiding her talents on purpose. She looks obedient but harbors at multitude of sly thoughts. That’s how these cultured people are, insulting without using foul language. Sanderson, I’m telling you, don’t be fooled by her. I heard you’ve given her all your money…

Sanderson cut her off abruptly. “Mom, we’re not family at all.”

Laurinda was taken aback.

Sanderson’s tone was indifferent, his demeanor cold, “And when I gave you the money last time, we agreed it was my final act of filial piety. So, our family matters don’t concern you anymore, right?”

Laurinda was dumbfounded, “But I haven’t asked for more money. I’m your mother, would I harm you? I’m warning you about Lorna!”

Sanderson’s voice grew stern, “She is my wife, the closest person toin this life. Why should I be wary of her? Mom, please stop this nonsense, okay?”

His heavy tone stunned Laurinda, who suddenly shrieked, “She’s the closest person to you, so what am I to you?”

Sanderson looked down, “What am I to you? An ATM? What else do you care about besides money?”

Laurinda was left speechless.

i

savin

Sanderson walked past her, pausing briefly to say in a low voice, “Mom, don’t push it until I can’t even call you ‘mom‘ anymore.”

His threatening words silenced Laurinda involuntarily.

In the sprawling family home, the one she truly feared was Sanderson. He was sharp, cunning, and definitely not a pushover.

While her parents were swarmed with chatty guests, Cordelia, reluctant to follow Lorna and become the center of attention, meandered through the bustling reception.

She had just spotted Everard moments ago, but now he seemed to have vanished. She wandered toward a quiet corner of the venue.

Meanwhile, in an inconspicuous nook…

Ballaster stood with solemn respect, bowing his head to the man opposite him. Despite his relaxed demeanor, there was an air about him that commanded caution. “Mr. Watkins, he greeted.

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Everard gave a curt nod and instructed, “The business at Greenmeadow not a word to anyone.”

“Understood. Is there anything else you needto do?” Ballaster asked.

Everard’s brows furrowed, and he let out a derisive chuckle. “About Fanny….

Ballaster hurriedly assured, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”

Everard nodded again, about to add something, when suddenly the sound of approaching footsteps interrupted them. A familiar figure appeared around the corner, eyes wide with surprise, exclaiming, “Mr. Watkins?”

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Chapter 142