fool

Chapter 31 

Ella couldn’t wait any longer for Marcus response. She raised her glass and then took a small sip 

Marcus said. “There’s nothing else, you should go 

“Alright, I’ll bead out. I owe you a meal sometime.” With that, Ella turned to leave. 

Just as she was about to exit, Jaden called her back. “Don’t drink alcohol. And no coffee either 

“I got it.” Ella left, puzzled. What a strange request! But since Marcus said so, she had to follow it. She refused any drinks offered to her, no matter who it was from 

After some small talk among the crowd, the auction began quickly. Ella wanted to bid, but compared to the wealthy folks, her offers were Insignificant. The bidding started casually at 2 million dollars, which was too much for most people to even consider. The rich bidders weren’t interested in everything just some rare paintings, each starting at 2 million dollars, obviously meant to donate money to charity. 

Ella had initially decided to simply enjoy the event without bidding, but when the classical vase from two hundred years ago, her grandfather’s favorite, came up for auction starting at 600 thousand dollars, she couldn’t resist. She recalled a similar vase selling for just over 600 thousand dollars in 2011, so a starting bid of 600 thousand dollars was already quite high. 

Quickly. Ella placed a bid of 700 thousand dollars. Bids continued to trickle in, and she eventually raised her bid to 1.2 million dollars. The room fell silent as the auctioneer called out, “Number 28 with 1.2 million dollars, any higher bids? Going once, going twice… 

Just as the 

as the gavel was about to fall, Grace raised her paddle. “1.3 million dollars,” she announced triumphantly, glancing at Ella. 

Ella frowned, thinking angrily. What did Grace say to Harry? Why didn’t Harry stop her from bidding? Grace lived with Grandpa, so she knows he loves this kind of vase! She knows! Even if we don’t get along, Grandpa was so good to her. How ungrateful 

“15 million dollars!” Ella countered firmly. 

Grace calmly raised the bid again. “L6 million dollars.” 

Determined. Ella declared, “1.8 million dollars, no, 2 million dollars!” 

Grace gritted her teeth, feeling the pressure of the rising bids. Even Harry, who had initially supported her, was having second thoughts. He didn’t care about the vase, but Grace had convinced him that Ella wanted it badly just to spite her. 

Grace was about to bid again but Harry stopped her, frowning. “Are you going to bid higher!” 

I’m doing this for your reputation, Grace insisted. 

After a moment’s hesitation. Harry let go of her hand. Grace swiftly raised her paddle, but Ella suddenly shouted, “2.4 million dollars!” 

The audience gasped at the significant increase. The auctioneer was impressed and exclaimed, “Number 26 has bid 2.4 million dollars! This classical vase has gained new value because of Number 20’s passion for it. Any higher bids? Anyone?” 

Ella clenched her fist. Winning that classical vase was crucial to her. Just as she prepared to raise her paddle again, another voice called out, “3 

million.” 

The auctioneer promptly announced, “Number 11 with 3 million 

Ella glanced over and saw it was Hank. She frowned, hesitating. Overpaying for the vase didn’t bother her because it was her grandfather’s favorite. However, Denison Group was now a business partner. If she outbid them, wouldn’t it create problems! After a painful moment of deliberation, she reluctantly decided not to raise her paddle again. 

Meanwhile, Grace was furious and eager to bid again but Harry scolded her. “More bidding? My funds aren’t limitless! A vase for that much?” 

Grace bit her lip and remained silent. 

To some, money had limits, but to a wealthy tycoon, it was just numbers. In the end, Hank won the vase. 

Ella lost interest in the rest of the auction and waited for the post–auction dinner. Following Marcus‘ advice, she only drank fresh juice, avoiding those indulging in alcohol. Yet, some people couldn’t take the hint. 

Grace approached, accompanied by a few familiar faces. They were the women who had been gossiping about Grace in the restroom earlier. 

“Ella, you were right. No need to pay attention to idle goup. Their families now need Rhys Group, so they have to suck up to me. What they say in private doesn’t matter. What matters is they’re flattering me now because I’m Mrs. Rhys Grace said in a hushed voice, barely containing her 

excitement. 

Ella narrowed her eyes and responded coldly, “You deliberately outbid me for that classical vase, didn’t you!” 

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11:20 AM 

Chapter 31 

Feeling triumphant, Grace retorted, “So what if I did? It’s all about money here. If you’re wealthy enough, you can win too! She raised an eyebrow. 

Ella clenched her fist, seething with anger. She was determined to make Grace pay, Jenny’s plan was almost ready, just waiting for Grace to fall into the trap. 

Before 

Grace could 

could continue her taunt, Hank approached with a warm smile. “Ms. Willow, there you are. I’ve been looking for you.” 

Ella turned to him, asking. “Hank, what’s going on!” 

“Mr. White noticed you liked the classical vase. He saw some unsavory characters trying to outbid you, so he bought it for you. Here, it’s yours.” He respectfully handed her a box containing the classical vase. 

Grace’s face turned pale. 

“Oh, Mrs. Rhys is here too?” Hank said, pretending to notice her just now. His acting was Oscar–worthy. 

Ella’s mood lifted. Normally, she wouldn’t accept gifts without good reason, fearing strings attached. But this time was different. She smiled. “I feel grateful taking this. Please thank Mr. White for me. He’s very thoughtful” 

“It’s nothing,” Hank said as he left. 

Ella tapped the box lightly with her fingers. “Ah, it’s meant to be with me e after all. 

“You” Grace’s face went from pale to purple with rage. Hank had insulted her in public and Ella was mocking her. 

“What’s your relationship with him? Why is he so nice to you?” Grace asked, then sneered. “I get it now, I underestimated you, Ella How could an idiot satisfy you? Turns out you’ve been having an alfair with someone from Denison Group all along” 

“Grace, how dare your Ella’s voice was cold, her face like ice. 

Grace was startled but refused to back down. “Am I wrong? You’re just a tramp, needing men to survive! Grandpa would be furious if he knew..“. 

“Ah!” Grace was slapped hard across the face. She cried out, “You you hit me! Help! Someone help!” 

Grace’s scream drew a crowd. She threw herself into Harry’s arms, sobbing 

“Ella hit me” 

Harry used to have some feelings for Ella, but now it was mostly hate. He wanted to destroy what he couldn’t have. Even if he didn’t like Grace much anymore, she was still Mrs. Rhys, his woman, Hurting her was like slapping his face. 

“Ella, you’ve gone too far. I don’t hit women, Grace, why didn’t you hit back?” Harry asked. 

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