Ch. 191..200
Chapter 191
Chapter 191
Vivian’s heart skipped a beat.
All she could do was agree with Sarah as she awkwardly laughed. “It’s nothing. He didn’t do much. It
was something simple for him. Don’t expect too much from him.”
Sarah continued, “I don’t care. He’s the savior of our company. Vivian, you have to bring your husband
along to the company trip this time. We have to thank him for what he’s done. He’s really our savior.
Aren’t I right, guys?”
“Obviously!” Everyone agreed with Sarah’s suggestion.
Shannon sat back down, upset and huffing. She thought, Yes, yes. Continue smiling. You’ve already
crossed the chief editor’s wife. Ashley looks like someone you should never cross. Let’s see how much
longer you’ll be happy, Vivian.
Everyone in the office was keen to meet Vivian’s husband.
However, Vivian and Finnick were still giving each other the cold shoulder. She was stumped. She did
not know what answer she should give them.
She was conflicted.
She was still angry with Finnick, and she did not want to bring him along on her company trip. However,
if she did not, everyone would start to doubt her.
However, if she did, then everyone would find out that her husband was the popular president of Finnor
Group, Finnick Norton. The latter is worse!
Pretending to have suddenly thought of something, Vivian said to Sarah, “Sarah, I left my bag
downstairs. Let me go and take it. Help me take the calls for a while.”
At that, Vivian left the office with a reddened face.
Her colleagues started discussing. They wondered if her husband was abnormally ugly, and if that was
the reason she was embarrassed to bring him along. They even wondered if perhaps she did not even
have a husband. Maybe it was an illicit lover or an old friend. Otherwise, why else would that person
help her with this? That person would be doomed if Finnick found out about it. Their life would be over.
Right then, Shannon added fuel to the fire. “Look at that cheap ring on her finger, and you’ll know what
kind of husband she has. He must not be someone important; he must be a minor character working in
Finnor Group. He’s no one to brag about. Why do you even need to think about this?”
Jenny could not bear to continue listening. She huffed, “Shannon, what do you know? You only know
how to talk rubbish. Can’t you be someone nicer? Why are you talking bad about someone’s
husband?”
Immediately, the group of people lost themselves in their thoughts as they tried to imagine what kind of
person Vivian’s husband was.
At Finnor Group.
Finnick looked at the invitation letter for a charity auction on the table with a frown.
This was his grandfather’s friend’s charity auction, and his attendance was compulsory. However, he
had to bring someone along with him.
He was stumped.
Will Vivian go with me?
After work, when Vivian reached home, Finnick was already in the house.
Vivian did not know what to say to Finnick when she saw him.
She had been thinking about many things these few days. Maybe Finnick loves me too much. That’s
why his reaction was so intense. After all, it was her fault to have been forcefully kissed by Fabian. It
was normal for Finnick to lose his temper. If he did not, that meant he was not jealous, and he did not
care about her. His anger represented his love for her.
During these few days of giving each other the cold shoulder, the two bore thoughts of making up to
each other. Yet, they were too prideful to be the first to apologize.
Finnick gripped the invitation letter as he thought, Maybe this is a good chance for me to fix our
relationship.
Vivian had been ignoring him for days, and he had been lonely. The smile was absent from his face,
and he kept frowning. It was obvious he was suffering from the cold shoulder.
Finnick handed the invitation letter to Vivian and murmured, “Vivian, this is an invitation letter to a
charity auction. Let’s go together.”
Vivian took it, but she did not look at it.
She could not bring herself to forgive him yet; she was still angry. She was angry that Finnick was
pretending as if nothing had happened. He really doesn’t care about my feelings. He doesn’t realize
that the scar in my heart has yet to recover.
She replied, “I’ve never attended a charity auction as high-end as this. I’m afraid I’ll embarrass both you
and me.”
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Chapter 192
Hearing Vivian’s rejection, Finnick’s expression turned grim. He persuaded, “This is Grandpa’s friend’s
charity auction. If you don’t attend it, Grandpa will be angry. He’s nice to you.”
Vivian could not possibly embarrass Finnick’s grandfather. Moreover, she was afraid that he might
become angry after realizing something amiss about her relationship with Finnick.
Thus, Vivian nodded, agreeing to go with him.
However, she did not own any pretty evening gown, nor did she know how to dress herself up. She felt
conflicted.
His heart skipped a beat when he saw her pursing her lips. She looked as cute as a baby when she
was troubled.
Finnick swiftly called Noah and told him to make the necessary arrangements. As Vivian refused to
publicly announce her identity, he had to rely on Noah to make the arrangements for dressing her up.
Vivian shot him a look of gratitude. However, she did not forgive him yet.
The two were silent for a moment before Finnick suddenly said to Vivian, “I don’t want to sleep in the
study room tonight.”
Vivian’s heart softened. The study room was not as comfortable as the bed. He had suffered in the past
few days.
Yet, she replied, “This is your house and your bed. You’re the owner of this house. You can do
whatever you want.”
Hence, Finnick returned to the bedroom, and the two slept on their side of the bed.
The next day, as arranged by Noah, Vivian went to a high-end club. She first went to the spa. Her
moodiness from the past few days had faded away as she breathed in the fragrance of the essential
oils during her massage session. Her mood was now much better than it was.
Vivian, who was a natural beauty, wore only light makeup. With an updo, she looked phenomenally
outstanding.
Vivian put on the dress that Finnick had prepared for her. A famous fashion designer, Alex, designed
the minimalistic mint green dress. The wearer would look lively yet noble in it.
Everyone present, including Noah, could not help but express their awe.
Noah was shocked. Clothing does make the woman!
Mrs. Norton’s a beauty.
Finnick hurried over to the lobby to wait for Vivian’s arrival.
He was in a suit, looking smart and handsome as usual. Although he was in a wheelchair, it did not
affect his charm. He was like a witch who cast a spell over the women and made them look at him.
When Vivian walked through the door, Finnick blinked in surprise.
She’s beautiful. She’s like a real princess. Elegant and youthful. I can’t tear my eyes away from the way
she’s moving.
Although the two were still giving each other the cold shoulder, they were in Finnick’s grandfather’s
friend’s charity auction. Both had silently agreed to head to the auction together.
The auction took place in a five-star hotel. Finnick pushed himself in as the well-dressed Vivian walked
beside him. The pair attracted the eyes of many.
When they entered the auction hall, the first people they encountered were Fabian and Ashley.
Ashley had a look of jealousy and envy in her eyes.
Ever since Vivian met Finnick, she had gone from rags to riches.
In the past, her clothes were all the cheapest kinds; she could never walk beside Ashley on the street.
Strangers who saw them would think that Vivian was a maid of Ashley’s family.
Yet now, Vivian had appeared in an auction for the rich in a stunning dress.
Fabian, too, could not tear his eyes away from her. Vivian was gorgeous. It was as if the woman in front
of him was not her but the classic princess of an old movie.
Ashley stepped forward and mocked, “Oh my, is this my sister? The ugly duckling has turned into the
swan!”
Finnick shot a glare at Ashley.
Ashley’s heart shuddered, and she quickly shut her mouth and turned her head aside.
Finnick pushed himself in front of Fabian and uttered, “Don’t think of getting what does not belong to
you. It’s different from an auction. The highest bidder won’t be the winner; the winner is the one who
wins over the heart.”
Finnick’s words exuded a sense of oppression.
He and Vivian were legal husband and wife. No matter what Finnick said or did, Fabian had no words
to refute. He could not intervene in their matters either. All he could do was to watch from aside.
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Chapter 193
Vivian ignored the two men’s silent fight. She was preoccupied with the feeling of awkwardness when
she thought about Fabian’s forceful kiss and the call from a few days ago.
Furthermore, she had a habit—she always needed to use the restroom whenever she felt awkward.
She informed Finnick, “You can go ahead. I need to use the restroom.”
Before Finnick could reply to her, Vivian walked away with a lowered head.
Rolling her eyes at Vivian, Ashley said to Fabian, “Let’s go in too.”
With that said, she dragged Fabian into the inner hall.
After washing her hands, she looked at herself in the mirror. Something about her looked different, yet
parts of her remained the same. Am I Mrs. Norton or that miserable Vivian back then? Who am I?
Vivian spaced out.
On the way back to the hall, Vivian encountered someone, and the two nearly collided.
She raised her head to look before zing.
It was the celebrity, Yasmin. She’s here too.
Yasmin was dressed as glamorously as ever. She had a good figure, and naturally, she would want to
show it off. That had always been her way of life. Moreover, she was dressed in this way to attract the
attention of others, especially Finnick.
Yasmin was puzzled and annoyed. Vivian is here in a place like this? She’s average-looking with an
average figure. She doesn’t even come from a rich or powerful family. Who invited her here?
Could it be Finnick? Yasmin immediately shook off the thought. I heard Finnick came with his wife.
She glanced at Vivian’s luxurious dress with jealousy. “You’re wearing especially well today. Which rich
man are you planning to seduce? Vivian, you never change. How can someone like you come to an
event like this? Grow a brain and scram!”
Vivian was also sick of Yasmin. She did not want to waste her breath arguing with the woman.
She took a step aside, planning to walk past Yasmin. She muttered, “I’m sorry. Please move aside. I’m
going inside.”
Yasmin stuck out her arm to stop her.
“Don’t be in a hurry to leave. I’m not done yet.” Yasmin blocked her way.
“You and Mr. Norton were in a rush to leave the restaurant the last time we met. I didn’t get to see you
that well yet. I want to take a good look at what kind of a person you are to bewitch Mr. Norton. This is
the first time I’ve seen him so concerned about a woman.”
Vivian tamped down the disgust that rose in her chest. She was also blaming herself. If not for the
company, Finnick would not have invited Yasmin to a meal. Things would not have turned out as
complicated as this.
Yasmin continued, “Do you know who’s here today? Finnick from Finnor Group and his wife. Although
I’ve never seen Mrs. Norton before, I’m sure she’s someone who has a high social status and comes
from a respectable family. As for you, you’re just a lowly peasant. How can you possibly be compared
to her?”
Vivian thought, I am Mrs. Norton. How do I compare with myself? Childish.
The more Yasmin said, the more excited she became. “What’s wrong? Are you scared now? If you are,
get lost quickly!”
Vivian had the urge to laugh. Is she really that concerned about the title of Mrs. Norton? Does she
really think she’s his mistress? Even if others enjoyed being Mrs. Norton, Vivian did not. She was
Vivian William, and she would not change herself for anyone.
She said to Yasmin, “I don’t care about Mrs. Norton. I’m here to attend the auction, not to fight with you.
Ms. Ziller, please move aside.”
Yasmin scrunched her nose.
How infuriating!
What Yasmin hated the most was Vivian’s look of disinterest. We are both interested in Finnick, so
what’s the point of you pretending that you’re not?
To Yasmin, Vivian was playing innocent. She looks pitiful and obedient, but she’s just a stepford smiler.
Yasmin had come across plenty of people like her.
Pushing Vivian, she voiced, “So what if you look presentable today? When you’re in front of the noble
Mrs. Norton, you’ll want the ground to swallow you up. When that happens, let’s see what Mr. Norton
does to you. He’ll never talk to you in front of his wife. You’re nothing but a joke to Mrs. Norton. I’d
suggest for you to leave now. You’re only going to suffer when you embarrass yourself at the auction
later.”
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Chapter 194
It was morally wrong, but people in this world were divided into categories based on the power and
money they had.
In society, those with money were the ones who enjoyed a luxurious life. Meanwhile, those who did not
have to live a tough life. What about happiness and health? What category would that be fitted into?
Vivian felt that she and Yasmin were people who had vastly different world views.
Vivian questioned her instead, “What about you? Who do you think you are to Mrs. Norton?”
“M-Me?” Yasmin barked out a laugh before continuing, “I’m the famous Yasmin Ziller. I’m somebody.
Moreover, I’m the ambassador of Finnor Group. Even Mr. Finnick Norton has to greet me politely, not to
mention his wife.”
The one standing in front of you is the Mrs. Norton you’re talking about. What a pity you don’t know,
Vivian thought. It’s tough being Mrs. Norton.
Yasmin whipped her smooth hair, and the aromatic scent of perfume wafted across Vivian’s nose.
Attacked by the sudden smell, Vivian sneezed.
Mockingly, Yasmin muttered, “I heard the items in the auction today are worth millions. I’m surprised
you’re trying to show off with your meagre salary. The guests today are all billionaires, and they spend
hundreds of millions on each purchase. All you can do is to watch them. You can’t afford anything here
at all.”
Vivian only smiled at her. She was here with Finnick. If not for his grandfather, she would not have
come to a place like this.
She did not like auctions, feeling that it was a place that rich people show off their money. Although this
was a charity auction, something was still off about it.
“Vivian, what are you thinking about? Get lost if you don’t have the money. You’re not welcomed here.”
Yasmin pushed Vivian again; this time, she pushed her harder.
Vivian’s body leaned backward. She was already balancing precariously on her high heels. With that
push, she was about to fall.
Right then, Finnick appeared behind her and caught her with his wheelchair.
When Yasmin saw Finnick, she instantly put on a smile and greeted him.
“Mr. Norton!” Yasmin’s voice was coated with sugar.
Finnick ignored her as he grabbed Vivian’s icy hands. Frowning, he asked, “Where did you go just
now? You took quite a while.”
Vivian smiled. His timely appearance made her feel moved.
She replied, “I’m fine. Don’t worry. I met Yasmin, and we had a chat. It’s nothing.”
Finnick reached out to tidy up Vivian’s clothes. He only nodded after making sure she was fine.
Meanwhile, ignored at a side, Yasmin’s mouth was hanging wide.
Is he bewitched? He’s always so protective of Vivian, and the way he looks at her is so gentle. Yet,
every time Finnick looked at Yasmin, he was glaring at her with a glacial look.
The envy Yasmin had for Vivian was killing her. Finnick and Vivian were displaying their love in broad
daylight. What about Mrs. Norton? Aren’t they afraid that Mrs. Norton will find out about their affair?
A thought entered Yasmin with a jolt. She suddenly realized something. She could barely believe it.
Could it be…
Vivian is Finnick’s wife? Is that why they’re being so obvious about it?
Vivian and Finnick both looked at Yasmin at the same time. With the two standing together, Yasmin
could see that they were both wearing identical rings.
She jabbed a finger at Vivian, and muttered in a trembling voice, “Y-You can’t possibly be Mrs. Norton,
can you?”
Vivian and Finnick entered the inner auction hall, leaving the stupefied Yasmin rooted to the spot.
What will Yasmin think about after finding out the truth? Will she want to turn back the time to change
what she has said? She’s definitely going to cry over the impulsive words she’s said.
When Vivian thought about how Yasmin paled earlier, she could not help but chuckle.
Finnick raised his head and saw her smile. After days of giving each other the cold shoulder, he finally
saw her smile. Finnick’s mood lifted.
The two slowly walked in silence.
In the auction, everyone had to donate something. Every money that the auction earned was to be
donated to charity. First, they had to go to the storage room to register their item. Then, they would wait
for the auction to begin.
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Chapter 195
The two came to the outside of the storage room.
Several people were already registering their items. The items they were donating were exquisite, and
they were things that had a certain collection value.
When the staff asked Vivian where was her item for auction, Vivian’s brows furrowed. She exclaimed,
“Oh no, I’ve forgotten to bring something along today!”
The staff member looked at her in surprise. There are people who don’t bring anything to a charity
auction? This is my first time meeting with a lady this weird?
Vivian’s face flushed, feeling embarrassed in front of the staff member. The staff must think I’m a
scammer who’s here to scam some food and drinks.
When Finnick saw Vivian standing still like a child who had done something wrong, he took out a blue
velvet box from his bag.
He then asked a staff member to open it, telling them that this was Mrs. Norton’s donation for the day.
Finnick had prepared the item for her, but the staff had been too quick to ask her about it; he could not
hand it to them in time.
When the staff member saw the intricate velvet box, he wondered what kind of treasure was in it. The
moment he opened the box, he was stunned.
Mrs. Norton’s donation was an extravagant diamond necklace. On the necklace was a total of nine
diamonds, and each diamond was top grade. The workmanship was exquisite, and overall, the
necklace was magnificent. Mrs. Norton’s so generous! There’s finally something to look forward to for
the auction today.
The staff member nearly drooled while staring at it.
Even Vivian was dumbfounded as well. She had never seen something as pretty as this diamond
necklace.
Finnick asked, “Do you like it? If you do, we’ll auction something else. I’ll gift this to you instead.”
“No, no.” Vivian hurriedly waved her hand; she could not afford to wear something like that.
“It’s pretty, but I’d rather donate it to the auction. This way, we can help more people, and it’ll be worth
more than its original value.”
These were the parts that Finnick liked about Vivian—her kindness and guilelessness. If it were not her
but some other women, she would have been attracted by the diamond necklace. In fact, she would
have insisted on owning the necklace.
There were few women who did not love money, and Vivian was one of the few. Finnick had never
expected this when he first met her.
Vivian was moved by how he had prepared an expensive auction item for her today. She looked at him
gratefully.
Finnick gave her a smile, and his eyes were filled with adoration for her.
By now, the majority of the anger Vivian had for Finnick had faded away.
The staff member placed the diamond necklace at the most prominent spot. He uttered, “Mr. Norton,
Mrs. Norton. You may now take a seat in the hall.” Upon hearing that, the two left.
Just as they left, Ashley came with her auction item.
Everything in the storage room was expensive and the best, including jewelry, cultural relics, and
paintings. The beauty of them overwhelmed Ashley.
The item that caught her eye the most was a diamond necklace placed in the middle. None of the other
auction items were comparable to the diamond necklace.
Pointing at the diamond necklace, Ashley asked one of the staff, “Who donated this necklace?”
The staff glanced at the list and answered, “This is by Mrs. Norton from the Finnor Group.” The staff
then said, “Isn’t it beautiful? This is the first time I’ve seen a diamond necklace as heavenly as this. I
heard it’s custom-made in Africa, and there are only three in the entire world. This is one of them.”
The staff member thought his explanation would pique Ashley’s interest, but to his surprise, Ashley
rolled her eyes at him instead.
When Ashley realized Vivian was donating such an expensive necklace, jealousy surged in her veins.
This was a charity auction for the rich. Ashley refused to let Vivian steal the limelight from her; she had
to win her!
The staff member now looked upset as he asked Ashley, “May I know what you’ll be donating today?”
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Chapter 196
Ashley prepared a limited edition Hermes bag for the charity auction.
After a thorough authentication process, the staff member said, “Alright, Ms. Miller. I’ve recorded your
auction item. Please take a seat in the hall.”
Ashley was still racking her brains on how to sabotage Vivian’s auction when the staff finished
identifying her designer handbag. Suddenly, a malicious smile flickered across her face as an idea
popped into her mind.
She smiled courteously at the staff. “I admire your working attitude! How about we become friends?”
Meanwhile, Xavier was also present at the popular auction event. After greeting Finnick and Vivian, he
rushed off to catch up with the others.
Other than Xavier and a few others, the faces in the hall were unfamiliar to Vivian.
On the contrary, most of them knew Finnick well enough to exchange pleasantries with him. Upon
knowing that Vivian was his wife, they couldn’t help but cast curious glances at her. Every second
spent in the hall was getting more unsettling for Vivian. Sensing her anxiety, Finnick patted the back of
her hand gently.
Finnick reassured, “You’ll get used to these occasions. Don’t worry, I’m here for you.”
“Okay.” Vivian certainly felt better after Finnick’s encouragement.
Fabian hadn’t taken his eyes off Vivian from the moment she entered the hall.
While he understood that Vivian was new to grand occasions like the auction event, he couldn’t help
but feel bitter at the sight of her leaning close to Finnick.
His heart throbbed painfully at the realization that Vivian’s heart no longer belonged to him.
Fabian wanted to go forward and greet Vivian, but he couldn’t find any excuse to do so as Ashley was
keeping an eye on him.
When the auction was about to begin, Vivian rushed off to the toilet again because she was too
nervous.
Finnick offered, “Do you need me to accompany you?”
Vivian shook her head in response and dashed off with her bag.
Before Fabian could follow her, Ashley turned towards him and said, “I’m leaving for a while, Fabian. It
won’t take too long.”
He couldn’t possibly go after Vivian when Ashley was heading in the same direction as her. Deciding
that it wasn’t a wise move to upset his pregnant wife, he stayed put.
When Ashley tiptoed into the restroom, Vivian just entered a cubicle and forgot her bag on the basin.
Ashley’s initial plan was to rope in the staff members and destroy Vivian’s diamond necklace, but she
couldn’t resist the urge to try her luck by following Vivian to the restroom.
It turned out that she was having a stroke of good luck that day. Vivian conveniently left her bag on the
basin!
What else could be more perfect than this?
Careful not to make any noise, Ashley rummaged through Vivian’s bag. Her face lit up with delight
when she found an object that would surely embarrass Vivian in public.
Chuckling under her breath, she sneaked out of the restroom and made her way to the storage room
before anyone could notice her.
Vivian only exited the cubicle after Ashley was long gone. When she opened her bag to get her lipstick,
she realized in horror that her amulet was missing. Vivian’s mother went to great lengths to obtain the
amulet for her years ago. She had carried it with her in her bag ever since. How could it vanish all of a
sudden?
After a frantic search, she poured out the contents of her bag. Her lipstick, tissue, phone, and keys
tumbled into the sink, but she couldn’t find her amulet anywhere else in the restroom.
Could it have dropped out of my bag in the hall?
Vivian rushed out of the toilet and ran into a man before she could see him. She felt a splitting
headache from the force of the collision.
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Chapter 197
“Ouch!” Vivian yelled instinctively.
“Are you alright, miss?” The man responsible for the cause of Vivian’s headache asked nervously.
His mind couldn’t quite comprehend what had happened. Brushing off the possibility that the woman
might have thrown herself at him purposely to gather his attention, he helped her steady herself
gentlemanly nevertheless.
The man studied Vivian carefully. The way her eyes sparkled warmly in contrast to her elegant dress
desired him to look closer. The only thing that seemed off about the beautiful lady was the way her
eyes darted around skittishly.
“I’m fine… I’m fine. So sorry for knocking into you.” As Vivian leveled her gaze with the man, she fell
into a daze.
How charming.
The man in front of her had all the perfect features that anyone could dream of. His nose was straight
and finely shaped, and his lips were thin but rather elegant. The way his bright eyes adorned with long
eyelashes shone was extremely captivating.
Vivian couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious in front of the man with ethereal looks.
The man watched with curiosity as she gaped at him with the weirdest expression he had ever seen. It
was a combination of awe and amusement.
What a funny expression. I wonder what is on her mind?
“Miss, are you sure you’re alright?” The man asked carefully.
Finally aware that she had been looking at him like an idiot, Vivian grinned sheepishly and answered,
“I’m fine. It was nothing.”
The man looked relieved. “Are you here for the auction as well?”
“Yes!” Vivian beamed. “I reckon that you’re here for that too?”
“Yes.” Sensing that Vivian was about to fall into a trance again, he quickly reminded her, “You seemed
to be in a hurry a minute ago. Is there a problem?”
Vivian gave herself a mental slap. Damn it! How can I be distracted by a handsome guy and forget
about my amulet?
She found it strange to be attracted to the man before her because she wasn’t the type of woman to
swoon over good-looking men. For some reason, she felt strangely familiar to the man standing before
her.
“Oh, yes! There’s something that I need to do. Thank you for reminding me!” Vivian replied hastily in an
attempt to conceal her thoughts. “Please excuse me.”
No sooner as she stepped forward, she felt her stilettos slipping beneath her as she hadn’t really gotten
used to wearing high-heels. Uh-oh.
Vivian yelped in fright as she lost her balance. Just as she thought that she was going to make a fool of
herself in front of the public, Finnick rushed to her aid in his wheelchair at top speed and saved her
from the embarrassment.
Phew… that was close!
Vivian felt her heart pounding rapidly against her ribcage. Grateful that Finnick saved her again, she
whispered a “thank you” to him.
However, Finnick didn’t appear to hear her. Vivian turned around and noticed that he was staring
daggers at the man whom she previously bumped into.
Instead of greeting one another, the two men remained glaring at each other after a long time.
Guessing that they must have some bad blood between them in the past, Vivian asked warily, “Do you
know each other?”
Only then did Finnick look away.
The man could see that Vivian and Finnick knew each other well, but he couldn’t make out whether
they were on good terms or not. Eventually, he broke the silence. “It’s been a long time, Finnick. What
a small world.”
Finnick didn’t respond.
The way he lamented “what a small world” implied his reluctance of meeting Finnick. Is he one of
Finnor Group’s business rivals? Vivian felt perplexed because the handsome man before her didn’t
look vicious in the least.
Ignoring Finnick’s aloofness, he stretched a friendly hand out to Vivian. “Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Benedict. May I know yours?”
Benedict. Vivian couldn’t help admiring his looks again.
Vivian took his hand and shook it gently. “Hello, Benedict. I’m Vivian, Finnick’s…”
Vivian was interrupted by Finnick’s abrupt cough before she could finish. “Alright, we should make a
move. I believe the auction is going to start anytime now.”
Vivian gave Benedict a polite smile and waved goodbye to him.
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Chapter 198
Just as they were about to leave, Benedict blurted, “She’s your wife, isn’t she?”
Vivian and Finnick turned around. Finnick glared at Benedict icily for a moment before replying, “Yes.”
As Finnick turned around to leave, Vivian thought she heard Benedict snort. His words, however low,
were audible. “She’s not even close to Evelyn.”
Evelyn?
Evelyn Morrison?
Vivian froze in her tracks. However, she was pulled away by Finnick before recovering from the shock.
Walking away, Vivian wondered what Finnick’s relationship with Benedict was. How did Benedict know
about Evelyn? Were they friends in the past? Did Benedict love Evelyn just as Finnick did?
When Benedict mentioned Evelyn earlier, Vivian glimpsed the hints of sorrow in Finnick’s eyes. He
must have missed her dearly.
She couldn’t help asking, “Finnick, who is Benedict? Why do you dislike him?”
Finnick pretended that he didn’t hear her.
Meanwhile, having executed her plan, Ashley went back to the auction hall and sat with Fabian at a few
rows in front of Vivian’s seat.
With Finnick and Xavier sitting beside her, Vivian could sense the hostility of the neighboring women’s
glances thrown in her direction.
Vivian allowed her eyes to dart around and noticed Benedict taking up his place at the row in front of
her. He noticed her, too, and greeted her politely with a nod. Vivian smiled and nodded back.
Soon, the stage was illuminated by dazzling lights as the auctioneer was welcomed onto the stage.
The auctioneer made an official speech to welcome all the philanthropists and socialites. And with a
booming announcement, the auction started. “Let the auction begin!”
Benedict’s donation was the first to be auctioned. It was a fountain pen.
After a brief introduction by the auctioneer, Vivian finally got to know the mysterious man’s identity. He
was Benedict Morrison, the eldest heir of the Morrison family. Which meant that he was Evelyn
Morrison’s elder brother—Vivian realized in a shudder.
That explained his wistful tone when he mentioned Evelyn earlier.
The auctioneer continued, “Ladies and gentlemen, this is not an ordinary fountain pen. Please have a
closer look at the diamond embedded in it. Specially customized, the jewel craftsmanship is of
impeccable artistry. In loving memory of the late Ms. Evelyn Morrison, Mr. Morrison’s younger sister, he
has decided to auction it, knowing that his sister will certainly approve of the good that the price it
fetches will do to the needy.”
Both Xavier and Finnick frowned upon seeing the fountain pen.
Evelyn…
Finnick was soon lost in his own thoughts.
The pen was a gift from him to Evelyn on her twelfth birthday as an encouragement for her to get good
grades in school.
Finnick remembered that Evelyn was so fond of the pen that she refused to let Benedict have a look at
it.
Who knew that Benedict would auction off the pen after so many years?
Finnick’s expression darkened.
Xavier murmured, “That’s very cruel of Benedict.”
Knowing Benedict’s personality, Xavier guessed that he must have done that purposely to anger
Finnick.
Having caught what Xavier muttered under his breath, Vivian asked him what he meant.
Xavier could see that Vivian was itching to know about Finnick’s past with Evelyn. He whispered in her
ear, “Finnick gave the pen to Evelyn on her twelfth birthday.”
Oh.
Judging from the hostile look on Finnick’s face, he must be angry and sad at the moment.
Vivian blamed Benedict in her heart. How could he not cherish his sister’s belongings? Didn’t he know
how important the gift was to both Evelyn and Finnick? Or did he auction the pen just to piss off
Finnick?
What is Finnick thinking about right now?
The auctioneer’s voice interrupted Vivian’s stream of thoughts. “Mr. Morrison, would you like to have a
few words?”
Chapter 199
Chapter 199
Upon seeing Benedict walking toward the stage, the auctioneer beamed. “Let’s welcome Mr. Morrison!”
The ladies sitting below the stage swooned collectively at Benedict’s incomparable charm as soon as
he went up the stage.
Glancing at Finnick’s direction, Benedict began, “I believe that in times of need, helping the poor should
be a priority, and that priority should come above all personal needs, which includes keeping the pen
for myself as a memory of my dear sister. Knowing that she will gladly approve of my action today,I
cannot tell you how much peace
and comfort that brings to me upon parting with this pen.
”
Rounds of applause erupted inside the hall.
After Benedict went back to his seat, the auctioneer announced, “Alright, let’s begin with the auction!
The minimum bid is a hundred thousand!”
The exquisite pen shimmered under the incandescent lights of the hall as if it had not aged with time at
all. The nib was made of pure gold, thus making it perfect for signing with great flow. Imagine how
impressive it would be to sign company agreements with the magnificent pen.
The audience began to bid.
“One hundred thousand!”
“One hundred and fifty thousand!”
“Two hundred thousand!”
The bidders seemed very intent on getting the fountain pen because it was the first item to be
auctioned.
Finnick’s clenched fists were sweating profusely. He had been doing a good job of holding his emotions
in until everyone started bidding for the pen with excitement.
It was his! It could only belong to him! Finnick was sure that Evelyn would disapprove if her favorite pen
was to end up with a stranger. He couldn’t let it happen!
Uncertain of Finnick’s next move, Xavier and Vivian turned to look at him.
Vivian was in a dilemma. She hoped that Finnick wouldn’t bid for the pen, but that would mean that he
didn’t place great value in relationships.
Previously, Finnick got so furious at Vivian for merely admiring Evelyn’s crystal necklace that he had
been treasuring for years. What would Finnick do now that Benedict was auctioning Evelyn’s pen!
The images of Evelyn’s beautiful face flashed through Finnick’s mind repeatedly. She was there,
smiling lovingly and calling out to him with her angelic voice gently, “Oh, Finnick! I don’t think words can
describe how much I love this pen…”
Meanwhile, the bidding war was at its climax. No one was going to let the chance of getting the pen slip
without trying.
“One million!” Finnick raised his paddle suddenly.
Everyone gasped. Most of the previous bidders gave up upon hearing the highest bidding price.
Three hundred thousand was already considered too expensive for the pen.
Determined to prevent Evelyn’s beloved item from falling into a stranger’s hands, Finnick joined the
bidding eventually. It was just as Vivian expected. He couldn’t forget her.
Although she had foreseen it coming, never would she have thought that it would taste so bitter.
He loves Evelyn more. All this time. It must be it.
She was too naive. How could she ever replace Finnick’s childhood sweetheart? Not to mention that
Evelyn was more beautiful and intellectual than she would ever be.
A quote she read somewhere resurfaced in her mind. Death leaves a heartache that no one can heal,
and love leaves a memory that no one can steal.
Vivian didn’t know what to think.
Just then, Benedict raised his paddle too.
“One million one hundred thousand!”
The crowd exclaimed. What is going on? Why is Benedict bidding against Finnick for something he
donated? Maybe he’s regretting it. It’s his sister’s belongings after all!
Staring intently at the pen, Finnick raised his paddle again.
“One million two hundred thousand!”
By then, everyone was already mumbling among themselves.
Most of the attendees were upper-class socialites who knew about Finnick and Evelyn’s past,
especially when the kidnapping and arson incidents involving both of them were given high coverage in
the news at the time. Some of the people present who were long-time acquaintances of the Morrisons
and the Nortons knew more about the fateful incident.
Back then, Finnick only survived because Evelyn sacrificed herself to buy time for his escape. She
perished in the fire sadly.
Chapter 200
Chapter 200
Looks like some feelings are so deep it is just impossible to let go easily. His wife is sitting right next to
him, and yet he is so determined to get Evelyn’s pen.
Benedict scoffed and raised his paddle again.
“One million three hundred thousand!”
Hypocrite. You don’t deserve my sister’s pen!
Finnick didn’t give up either.
“One million four hundred thousand!”
Vivian lowered her head, not daring to look at Finnick’s face or the pen. Her bag suddenly became an
interesting object to focus on.
Everyone was glancing curiously in Vivian’s direction. Some of them pitied her for being outshined by
Finnick and Evelyn’s token of love.
How awkward she must be feeling now.
Dejected, Vivian’s head sunk lower.
Worried that Vivian might walk away due to the intensifying stares, which would, in turn, draw more
unwanted attention to Finnick and Vivian’s relationship, Xavier hurriedly comforted her, “Don’t worry too
much, Vivian. It’s all in the past. It’s just a memory—a pen. You being Finnick’s wife is all that matters.”
Xavier’s words only served to upset Vivian more. Vivian sighed quietly. What’s with my luck today? First
the amulet, and now the fountain pen. What’s next?
Was it inappropriate for a man to bid for his childhood sweetheart’s belongings in front of his wife?
Even if it were, Finnick couldn’t care less about it. By pursuing the bid relentlessly, he had put Vivian
into a difficult position. But didn’t she love him for his loyalty in the first place?
Vivian had never felt so conflicted in her entire life. She couldn’t possibly blame Finnick for wanting to
hold on to a precious memory.
Benedict raised his paddle once again.
“One million five hundred thousand!”
After a few seconds of utter silence, the auctioneer began to raise his hammer.
No! Finnick wasn’t going to let Benedict get his own way. I must have it!
He exclaimed, “Two million!”
The day’s auction event turned out to be more thrilling than anyone had anticipated. The crowd was
cheering for Finnick and his eternal love for Evelyn.
The auctioneer looked exhilarated as he prepared to raise his hammer again. The auction was unlike
anything that he had ever seen in his entire career.
Unable to conceal the excitement in his voice any longer, the auctioneer announced, “Going once,
going twice, sold!”
Thunderous applause rumbled in the hall.
Benedict stared at the pen and sighed wistfully. Deep down, he knew that Evelyn would be happy to
know that Finnick got her pen.
Nice one, Finnick Norton!
The next item to be auctioned was Xavier’s ornament from Thailand. Gilded with gold and adorned with
jade embellishments, the colorful handicraft was an exceptional masterpiece suitable for room decor. It
went to a plump millionaire.
Ashley’s limited edition Hermes bag, which she bought in France and got tired of eventually, was
unexpectedly popular among the ladies.
When the handbag was sold at a high price, Ashley smiled smugly, feeling proud of her preloved item.
One by one the collections donated by socialites were auctioned off. Although the objects were equally
exquisite and rare, the enthusiastic atmosphere during the diamond pen’s auction was long gone. Even
the auctioneer’s voice drooped a little.
Soon, it was Vivian’s item to be displayed.
The previous boredom of looking at general collectibles was instantly replaced by anticipation.
Everyone was craning their necks curiously and wondering what Mrs. Norton donated. It must be
something extraordinary!
The audience held their breath as the item was being presented.
When Vivian saw it, she was stupefied.
Impossible!
Why is it here?
Where is my diamond necklace? Shocked, Vivian was about to stand up when Finnick grabbed her
hand and signaled her to stay calm.