Chapter 228

Chapter 228 They had never anticipated that Ada Wang would donate the necklace right there in front of everyone!

How could this work?

Skyler spun around and locked eyes with Zoey. From several meters apart, they silently communicated, unable to utter a single word.

Alexa’s work brought the atmosphere of the scene to its peak, The experts and fans in the jewelry industry all leaned forward, necks craning like long-necked deer, eager to catch a glimpse of the brilliance of the legendary designer’s work.

Joseph and Jerome had long admired the name Alexa, and their silent eyes were now moistened with emotion.

The two men, gripping the sign tightly in their hands, were ready to go.

“Skyler, why are you standing? Hurry and take a seat. Can’t you see everyone’s eyes on you?” Aubree tugged her arm, knowing she wouldn’t be getting back on stage.”

“Mom, something’s happened!” Skyler sat down, her voice quavering.

“Something happen? What was it?”

“This necklace that Ada Wang donated... I gave it to her.”

“You gave it to her?! Where did you obtain Alexa’s work from?””

3 Aubree was taken aback, but then she became livid. “You gave her such a valuable necklace! That old woman is a complete waste of a precious gift. She misinterpreted your generosity as ill-will! Is this an insult to you?!”

“You as well, you didn’t return the jewellery that Alexa crafted for your mum, but instead gave it to that actress. I really brought you up for nothing!”

“Mom,” Skyler said, her forehead beading with sweat and her voice barely above a whisper, “that necklace... it’s not real”

“What did you say? Fake?!” Aubree’s heart quivered.

“It was Zoey who assisted me in locating Alexa’s apprentice to fabricate a counterfeit necklace....

“Ada Wang still-hasn’t signed a contract with me. In a state of desperation, I could only think of this plan. I copied Chloe and used Alexa’s jewellery network to win her over...”

“That necklace is really nice. It’s one of Alexa’s less popular pieces, so Ada Wang didn’t take notice of it. I knew that secrets can’t stay hidden forever, but I thought that even if I got caught later, the contract was already signed. Even if Ada Wang wanted to go back on her word, it would be too late.”

“But I never anticipated that she would actually donate this necklace to the auction! If this gets out... then our Sawle Group’s reputation will be ruined!”

“Your stupidity knows no bounds!”

“Even if you don’t want to part with it, you can’t keep it! If you’re discovered, the entire Sawle family will perish with you – are you aware of that?”

“This isn’t my idea... It was Zoey who gave it to me. You can’t put the blame on me!” Skyler pursed her lips in frustration. She felt unjustly accused.

“Zoey is exploiting you like a weapon. Don’t you realize it?!”

Aubree was so enraged that she stomped her feet in secret, and her eyes were red. “If this matter goes undetected, you’ll have to battle for the power to handle Chloe.”

“If you discover that the necklace was given by the Sawle Group in your name, what does that have to do with Zoey? She’ll leave you to deal with the consequences, and you won’t even have a shoulder to cry on if you do!”

Skyler was enlightened enough to hate herself for having been used by Zoey.

“Mom! What should we do now?”

“Let’s tackle the ever-evolving situation.”

Aubree inhaled deeply and soothed herself. “Alexa’s jewelry has been handed down through many nations. Who’d suspect it was counterfeit? If Ada Wang didn’t spot it, no one else would Skyler’s expression softened, yet she remained anxious thave a a chance!”

the counterfeit would be exposed.

“I’d like to share a few thoughts about this piece of jewellery,” Ada Wang said, rising to her feet and beaming at the crowd.

“I obtained this piece of work from Alexa, and I owe Miss Skyler of Group my gratitude. She presented me with this Chloe leisurely pulled out her mobile phone and sent a message to Jordan, who was backstage.

In the next instant, a brilliant light shone on Skyler’s rigid face.

The big screen on the stage gave her a close-up, magnifying every subtle expression of hers.

Skyler was pushed to the brink, leaving her with no option but to inwardly curse and give a hollow laugh.

“I really admire Alexa’s work, but I think it would be more beneficial to keep it to herself. It’s admirable that she’s willing to give it away to help those in need.”

“This is also the principle that Lady Alexa has been adhering to in designing jewelry all these years. As her fan, I hope to follow her in this way.”

“I hope Miss Skyler won’t be displeased with my behaviour. It’s not that I don’t appreciate it, but I’m so fond of it that I wish it could be even more valuable.”

At this point, Skyler naturally didn’t dare to utter the word “no”.

She wished fervently for the lights above her head to be switched off, so that her embarrassed face would no longer be visible on the big screen, and it would be ideal if she could disappear as well!

“Alexa’s work is rare and of great importance, so Miss Ada decided to put it up for auction without a reserve price!”

The auction started, yet everyone was hesitant.

“Four million dollars.”

Jerome smiled as he slowly raised his card, and a clear voice suddenly sounded.

Four million dollars?!

This was the highest price of any item thus far!

Was the starting price of 4 million going to reach a hundred million?

Although Alexa’s work was worth the price, it also caused many eager people to shrink back.

“Seven million,” Joseph raised his paddle with a stoic expression, still detached and apathetic.

Yet, the dark flame in his eyes revealed his unbridled fighting spirit and ambition.

Everyone was shocked to hear that Mr. Sawle’s family had a money printing machine that was running 24 hours a day.

This jump was three million.

A few people still wanted to take a shot, but by now they had abandoned all hope.

“9 million,” Jerome raised his paddle again without even a hint of a frown.

He also threw down the gauntlet to Joseph by adding another 3 million.

“12 million,” Mr. Sawle said.

“14 million,” Fourth Young Master Xavier said.

The entire audience, completely in an uproar, exclaimed in disbelief!

It’s been confirmed: Young Master Xavier’s family has a money-printing machine.

Chloe crossed her arms in front of her chest, her long and beautiful eyelashes fluttering, her red lips tightly pressed together in a straight line.

Seeing the bidding price soar like a red-hot stock, not a trace of a smile crossed her face.

“Miss Thorp, it’s plain as day that these two aren’t bidding – they’re bickering!” Even Alice could tell!

“That’s correct. They believe I’m at the highway entrance. They’re all here to hike up the cost!”

Chloe frowned, wishing she could send someone to seize the two men’s numbers.

Aubree, on the contrary, was utterly stunned.

“Mom, didn’t you say that Young Master Xavier is a pauper? But he just requested ten million! How can he appear to be without money?” Skyler asked, astonished.

Aubree was speechless.

Did she err this time? Was Jerome playing the game of masquerading as a pig to devour a tiger?

“Seventeen million,” Joseph said emotionlessly, raising the bid once more.

He had always had a knot in his heart over Alexa, so tonight he was determined to let out his anger and bid for it.

“20 million!”

A melodious voice, clear as pearls dropping onto a jade plate, resounded.

Chloe’s cold, beautiful eyes had reached their limit, and she raised the sign in response.