Chapter 159 Evelyn was stunned for quite a while by Justine's words. Could it be true? She looked at Lucas in front of her with gloomy eyes.
At that moment, she couldn't discern what Lucas was thinking at all. If things truly were as Justine had guessed, then he was going to great lengths to humiliate her and the Reeds as well. She could not accept that her mother's wedding ring would be worn on the hand of Millie's daughter.
"Evie, let's think of another way," Justine suggested anxiously, watching Evelyn and noticing how much paler she had become. Clearly, this had shaken her badly.
Evelyn nodded calmly.
Things had already cto this, so she could only take things one step at a tand figure out another way. A charity gala had its own rules, and she certainly couldn't break them.
She looked ahead. Tiffany was in high spirits as her head turned toward Lucas as she spoke. Lucas was listening quietly.
To anyone watching, they looked like a perfect match, loving. This was contrasted by Evelyn's frustration and embarrassment.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtEvelyn closed her eyes, forcing herself to calm down as quickly as possible. She wasn't a pessimistic person. Even if there were no path forward, she would find a way to carve one out.
She would never give up on her mother's ring.
The gala continued.
The auction items donated from both domestic and international sources were mostly wrapped up.
A representative from the gala's host, the Clark family, cup on stage to announce the total funds raised that evening. It reached a staggering 700 million dollars. This money would be allocated to impoverished rural areas across the country, as well as for the treatment of critically ill orphans in welfare institutions.
Most importantly, the host said with a flattering smile, "Congratulations to Mr. Grant and Ms. Moore for being the highest bidders of the night!" Thunderous applause filled the room.
Evelyn watched with a blank expression as Lucas went to great lengths just to make Tiffany smile. She then let out a mocking laugh.
Unlike formal auctions, charity galas followed different procedures and standards. They leaned more toward entertainment.
Various celebrities had been invited to perform on stage to liven the mood.
The host continued, "Tonight, thanks to everyone's enthusiasm, we've made a small change to the rules and added a fun segment! Honored guests may choose to showcase a personal talent. For whoever takes first place, we will build five additional Hope Schools in their name!" Justine commented, "That's actually a great segment. It gives children a better shot at getting educated." As she spoke, she turned to Evelyn. "Evie, aren't you really good at the piano? We didn't win much at the auction tonight-why don't you play something? You might just earn those schools for the kids." It would at least be one way to do sgood.
Evelyn had already calmed down from what had just happened. She hadn't seen any sign of Fergus throughout the entire event. If she could draw the audience's attention later, perhaps she might also spot him.
She thought it over for a moment, then nodded.
Justine had been waiting for her to agree. As soon as she saw the nod, she immediately raised her paddle. "Over here! My friend would like to perform a piano piece for everyone would that be alright?" Justine had a lot of confidence in Evelyn.
Evelyn had received a top-tier education since she was young, as she was a wealthy heiress.
Even though the Harrisons had not treated her well, the Reeds cfrom a family of scholars. Deborah e herself had been a well-educated young lady who had studied abroad, and the Reeds' intellect was above average.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmNaomi had devoted herself entirely to Evelyn's upbringing, giving her the greatest support and resources m possible. By the age of 12 or 13, Evelyn had already reached level ten in piano. She was highly gifted-quick to grasp whatever she learned.
However, after she got married, her years in that marriage dulled her brilliance. With no one paying attention and no one to appreciate her talents, she simply stopped showing them.
Still, Evelyn didn't falter. She looked calmly toward the stage.
The host, however, suddenly looked troubled and turned toward the front row where Jessica was seated.
Jessica turned to look at Evelyn, a O little surprised and apologetic. "That's a bit awkward... Tiffany ust mentioned earlier that she wanted to play the piano too. Evelyn, you two... kind of overlapped." Evelyn's gaze narrowed slightly.
She glanced over at Tiffany, who was calmly sipping her drink.
The timing was just a little too convenient.
Jessica sighed. Then, she said with a smile, "After all, this isn't a concert. There's no need to hear two piano performances. Maybe one of you could step back?" Although she said that, the implication was clear. She wanted Evelyn to be the one to back down.