Chapter 98

Chapter 98

The exhausted Florence knocked on the rental house door in an aged residential area in Jacaster,

Matilda yawned and opened the door. “Oh, you’re back.”

Florence nodded, walking in.

Matilda’s bleary eyes flashed excitedly when she saw the shopping bag in Florence’s hand. “What did Mr. Hennesey buy you?

“He’s stingy, only buying me an emerald bracelet worth 20,000 dollars.”

“Let me have a look.” Matilda s a t c h e d the bag and opened it on the couch. “The quality is not as good as several hundred thousand dollars. He is indeed stingy. Flore, don’t wear this. Serve him well, so he’ll buy you another expensive one.” With that, she put on the bracelet, admiring it.

The three had lived in this rental house since the Hayes family went bankrupt.

Matilda immersed herself in poker all day, losing her money. Hence, she always asked Florence for cash. Meanwhile, Horace stayed home, binging on alcohol, Ultimately, they depended on the financial support Florence got from Roger.

Florence’s face darkened when she saw Matilda mulling over the bracelet. “Mom, do you want to pawn it for money because you lost again?”

Matilda glanced at her. “No way, I just think you deserve better.”

Florence used to believe that Matilda loved her. She soon realized it was because they used to have money to spend freely. As their financial situation changed, Florence noticed that Matilda would somehow associate it with herself whenever good things came their way.

Thoughts about their income that came from her accompanying the fat, cringe, balding Roger, whom she had to endure despite feeling nauseated, made Florence feel like Matilda and Horace were like parasites sucking her blood.

are you unwilling to give it to me? You would have given me the best in the past.” Matilda spoke.

“Flore, are

Florence opened her mouth, and she momentarily choked. “Take it if you like it.”

Matilda looked pleased. “You’re a good girl,”

Florence returned to her room, feeling exhausted. Then, she showered in the restroom after taking her pajamas.

re merged.

Her restroom and toilet were different when she stayed in the mansion, but now, they were

Due to the limited space, there wasn’t even a bathtub.

Every time Florence saw the toilet bowl while showering, she wanted to vomit. She was so disgusted that she quickly took a shower and left

heard her parents’ conversation when she passed their room.

“Hace, should we get Meg to give Flore an invitation?” Matilda asked.

“No. Meg is on a different level, and Flore cannot match up to her now. Don’t mess things up,” Horace replied.

“What if Flore secures a wealthy husband there?” Matilda continued.

“Stop dreaming! Flore has a bad reputation. It’s good enough for her to h o o k up with Mr. Hennesey. Don’t contact Meg too often. We will lose the chance to turn the tables if they discover our connection!”

1/4

Chapter 98

Fri, 31 May

“When will that happen? I’m tired of living like this!”

“It will happen when Meg marries into the Cole family,” Horace stated.

The door was pushed open then.

Florence crossed her arms before her chest at the doorway. “Who’s Meg?”

There were many auctions in Jacaster every year, but the ones held by Timeless Treasures Auction House every month were hard to come by because their auction items were rare and precious.

These eligible to participate were big shots from various fields, as every item started with a price of several million dollars.

The black Bentley stopped at the venue’s entrance. Zane alighted the vehicle and opened the rear door.

With that, Stephanie wheeled Vincent inside.

As soon as she entered the room, the big shots surrounded her.

The auction was not limited to selling items but also a place to make friends with influential people and exchange resources. Therefore, the big shots would participate regardless of the tickets’ high prices and whether the items were valuable

Vincent knew Stephanie did not like these occasions or men staring at her, so he told her to walk around.

Timeless Treasures Auction House exuded a timeless charm in its exteriors, while the interior had gazebos and priceless trees s c t e r e d everywhere.

Stephanie took two pieces of apple pie from the dessert section.

Someone appeared beside her.

Stephanie looked sideways, noticing Nancy.

“Hi, Stephanie.” Nancy smiled.

“Hello,” Stephanie greeted.

“I’m unfamiliar with Jacaster because I just arrived here, so I told Joseph to bring me around. Coincidently, there’s an auction tonight, so he brought me here.” Nancy placed desserts on her plate.

“There are many interesting places in Jacaster. You can visit them if you’re free.” Stephanie smiled.

“Then, let’s meet up when you’re free.” Nancy nodded.

she agreed.

Stephanie wasn’t fond of Nancy because the other woman spoke too cautiously and liked to size her up sometimes secretly.

The feeling of being watched made Stephanie uncomfortable.

Fortunately, Vincent arrived at her side soon.

Stephanie put down her plate and approached him. “Are you done socializing?”

2/4

11:02 Fri, 31 May M

Chapter 98

Vincent held her hand. “That is something that will never end I thought you would be anxious to see me, so I hurried over.”

“You’re a sweet talker,” Stephanie replied.

Vincent caressed her fingers. “You can make me yours later tonight.”

“You’re so annoying.” Stephanie smiled.

Vincent chuckled. “The auction is about to begin. Let’s go.”

Stephanie nodded. “Sure.”

Nancy walked over. “Hi, Vincent.”

“Did you come with Joseph?” Vincent probed

“Nancy nodded. “He saw an acquaintance, so I approached Stephanie when I saw her selecting desserts.”

Just then, Joseph strode over. “You’re all here! Let’s sit in the same private room.

Vincent frowned and was about to reject Joseph when he asked, “You don’t mind, do you, Stephanie?”

“I don’t.” Stephanie answered.

As if he didn’t notice Vincent’s displeasure, Joseph looked at Nancy. “Let’s go. He has a private room here.”

“Won’t we be a nuisance to them?” Nancy pursed her lips.

“Of course not. It’s a yearly tradition.” Joseph waved his hands dismissively.

Vincent mused, “I was single back then, okay? Thave a wife now! You’re third-wheeling us

Stephanie was amused by Vincent’s darkened expression.

She touched his finger with her fingertips, saying, “The more, the merrier. Let’s go.”

Timeless Treasures Auction House was divided into three floors. The first floor was the auction hall, and the exhibition stand was located in the center, and rows of chairs were arranged in circles around it.

The second and third floors were private rooms. The higher the floor one went, the higher the spender one was in the auction house. Vincent’s private room on the third floor was called Serendipity.

Joseph had already sat on the corner seat when Stephanie and Vincent entered, leaving the center spat with the best view unoccupied.

As for Nancy, she was preparing coffee at the table.

Deen a long time since I drank coffee made by Nancy. Have a taste, Stephanie Joseph waved them over.

Stephanie smiled and agreed.

She wheeled Vincent over, letting him sit beside Joseph. Then, she sat on Vincent’s left.

Joseph received a call halfway through and left the private room.

Just then, Nancy walked in with three coffee cups and plopped down onto Joseph’s seat casually.

3/4