Chapter 501-510
Chapter 501
“Mr. Rollins, I didn’t expect to bump into you in this auction today.” Olga was taken aback, and a lump formed in her throat. She was ready to spill out all the grievances they had just suffered. They had been utterly embarrassed!
It might have been three to four years since they last met, but it didn’t affect the friendship between the Murphy family and the Rollins family.
If it weren’t for Mr. Rollins being abroad so often, she would have almost forgotten that the Murphy family had such a big shot backing them up.
Thinking about it, her voice choked even more. “You saw what happened just now, and we,”
“You guys crossed the line.”
Alberto Rollins‘ sudden accusation took the Murphy family by surprise. What the hell was he on about?
Wasn’t Mr. Rollins supposed to have their back?
Seemed like he’s actually here to stir up trouble!
“My granddaughter is being nice by not holding a grudge!”
Attlee was stunned; it took him a while to realize that he was referring to Arabella.
“Mr. Rollins, you’re constantly abroad; you might not know. Arabella isn’t a Murphy by blood; she’s now with the Collins family. You don’t need to treat her as your granddaughter.”
1
So, Mr. Rollins thought that Arabella was the daughter of the Murphy family, Grace’s granddaughter, and that’s why he wanted to help.
Attlee breathed a sigh of relief. Good, that wasn’t the case.
Speaking of which, Mr. Rollins was still a bachelor without any kids. If he could make Yoli his adopted daughter, she would be the sole heir to his massive fortune. “But I still consider her my flesh and blood!” Alberto’s voice boomed, shaking everyone’s hearts. “In my life, I can negotiate on anything, but when it comes to my granddaughter, that’s my bottom line. You crossed it today!”
The Murphy family was dumbstruck; they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.
“To my knowledge, my granddaughter has been ignored rather than cared for by you guys. Instead, your current status and position are all thanks to her!”
Alberto was dressed to the nines; even his voice was full of power, exuding an authoritative aura.
Now you dare to bully her in front of me. Someone should take them to the mental hospital for an evaluation. Let’s see if they’re nuts.”
Before his words even finished echoing, a few people dragged them out.
“Mr. Rollins, you have no right to do this.” Olga was terrified and struggling. “Let go of me; what are you doing? Let me go!”
“Mr. Rollins, did you ever consider your friendship with my mother before doing this?” Attlee couldn’t break free; he could only shout in protest. Alberto’s eyes were sharp and furious. “If it wasn’t for my friendship with Grace, you’d be spending the rest of your lives in a mental hospital.” The Murphy family looked shocked, unable to believe what was happening.
Yolanda couldn’t stop crying. “Grandpa Alberto, I’m your real granddaughter. You should love me. I’m still young; please spare me.”
She wasn’t crazy; she didn’t want to go to a mental hospital for an evaluation!
Even if she had to be evaluated, she wanted to go to a normal hospital!
apter 502
Sending them to the loony bin was just an excuse, wasn’t it? They bullied Arabella, and he wanted to teach them a lesson, right?
She ain’t stupid!
“You’re young, and that’s why you need guidance! Your grandmother is not well; I can’t have folks like you upsetting her,” Alberto said, waving his hand, and the Attlee family was taken away.
The crowd went wild.
Alberto addressed the audience, saying, “I might be out of the country a lot, but nothing in this country escapes my attention.”
His gaze swept over the crowd. “Arabella is the only one I acknowledge and cherish in my life. If anyone dares to bully her, it’s a direct disrespect to me!” In other words, think twice before they mess with her!
Unless the corporations here didn’t need Luna Capital’s funding, didn’t plan to expand overseas, and weren’t scared of local power players, then they can give it a shot.
“Mr. Rollins, you’re joking, right? Arabella is part of the Collins family; she’s Mr. McMillan’s fiancee, and now she’s your beloved granddaughter. Who would dare to bully her?” A lady in the crowd tried to lighten the mood.
The Collins family hadn’t had time to react; how did Arabella know such a big shot like Alberto, and how did she win his favor?
Kenneth stepped forward, extending his hand to shake. “Mr. Rollins, do you remember me?”
Years ago, they met at an international business conference. Kenneth, as a representative, had given up his seat to Alberto.
Kenneth thought as the younger generation, he should offer the prime spot to the elder.
But Alberto felt that in terms of achievement, Kenneth had achieved more at his age than he had, so they both insisted on giving up their seats to each other. Although it was a small event, Kenneth’s manners and demeanor left a deep impression oh Alberto.
“I didn’t expect to meet again under these circumstances, Alberto responded with a hearty handshake.
Seeing that they knew each other, the crowd didn’t stick around to listen to their conversation and started to disperse.
Louisa couldn’t help but ask, “Arabella, what’s going on? Did you know Mr. Rollins before?”
From what Attlee said, this Mr. Rollins seemed to be an old friend of Grace. Arabella was brought up by Grace, so was that the connection?
“Yes, it was Mr. Rollins who guided me onto the path of entrepreneurship and taught me a lot of experiences and methods.”
Upon hearing this, Kenneth bent down again and shook his hand respectfully. “So you are Arabella’s mentor; without you, she wouldn’t have been able to establish QY!”
Alberto patted him on the shoulder and laughed, saying, “You flatter me, Mr. Collins. Arabella’s success is due to her own hard work and talent; I had little to do with it.”
“You’re too modest. Without your support, she wouldn’t have achieved what she has today. You’re the guiding light in her entrepreneurial journey. Let’s go to a nearby restaurant; we can sit and have a good chat.”
Kenneth wanted to invite Alberto for a meal to express his gratitude, but Alberto laughed and said, “I came here to cheer for my granddaughter; I still have some. matters to handle.”
His granddaughter was hosting an event, and as a grandfather, he naturally had to support her, lending credibility to the event.
“Mainly because she’s so busy, it’s hard to find a chance to see her.”
Kenneth could hear the fondness and affection Alberto had for Arabella in his words.
“Is this your fiancé?” Alberto turned his
gaze
towards Romeo.
Chapter 503
Romeo looked dashing and handsome. He held out his hand to Alberto and said, “Mr. Rollins, nice to meet you.” ”
Alberto shook his hand, sizing him up, and said, “Very good, very good.”
This young man was not only good–looking and charismatic but also extremely well–mannered. And despite his tender age, he was already the world’s richest man. Alberto had heard of him a long time ago, but this was their first encounter.
“My darling granddaughter sure knows how to pick ‘em.”
“Mr. Rollins, you flatter me.”
Alberto used the handshake as an opportunity to close the distance and whispered, “Those two cutthroat guys from the Murphy family have been tough on Bella since she was a kid. She hasn’t had much love.”
Romeo listened attentively, nodding his head.
“Bella has had only Grace and a bunch of us oldies by her side since she was little. She may not know how to interact with guys her age. She appears aloof, but she’s actually very warm–hearted. I’m not just singing her praises; she really is a good kid.”
“I know that being with Bella is a privilege for me.” Romeo held onto Alberto’s hand, gentlemanly and solemnly saying, “I promise to cherish her, spend more time with her, and give her security and happiness. What I say, I do.”
Arabella grinned slightly and said, “At your age, you should stop running around. If I have time, I’ll come to see you.”
“You know I’m getting older, so be prepared to take over my responsibilities so I can enjoy my sunset years.”
Once again!
Arabella had heard this spiel one too many times, but the people around her looked incredulous. Was Alberto planning to turn Luna Capital over to Arabella?
Seeing Arabella’s expression; Alberto couldn’t help but laugh. This is my wedding gift to you. It doesn’t matter when you accept it. Considering your youth, I’ll bear the pain and help you for a few more years.”
Kenneth was taken aback and hurried forward, saying, “Mr. Rollins, I am incredibly honored that Bella has won your favor.”
The total value of Luna Capital had long exceeded billions!
“Ah!” Alberto laughed, saying, “In this world, she’s the only kid have faith in. You don’t know how long I pleaded with her to be my granddaughter–two whole years!”
Everyone was even more surprised.
Alberto leaned over to Kenneth’s ear and playfully said, “Mainly because she got so annoyed with me, she couldn’t help but agree, haha.”
Arabella could guess what Alberto was saying, watching him whisper to Romeo one moment and share secrets with her dad the next.
Even after Alberto left, Hans was still in shock, wondering just how many identities his precious little sister had.
Chapter 504
People outside always said Alberto was like a burning flame, but in front of everyone, especially Bella, he’s an energetic, adorable, and fun–loving old man!
On the other side.
Zachary received a call at home: “What did you say? A mental hospital? I’m on my way.”
Shortly after Zachary left, his mother got a shocking message: “The Murphy family bought that piece of land in the suburbs and paid 1.2 billion dollars on the spot? Aren’t they about to go bankrupt? Where did they get so much money from?”
After hanging up, she told her husband and anxiously asked, “Do you think the Murphy family was testing us before? Pretending to be poor to get our help? But we showed our true colors and pushed them away.”
Zachary’s father nodded and said, “It’s possible.”
“1.2 billion, just like that. That’s several times more than our assets!”
Now that they’ve bought that piece of land in the suburbs, it’s rumored to be worth a fortune, and owning it could reap several times the profit!
“What if the Murphy family strikes it rich and Yolanda dumps Zachary?” Zachary’s mother was suddenly panic–stricken.
“Calm down; let’s wait for Zachary to come back and ask about the situation. If they really did buy that land, we as parents need to show up at the engagement party in a few days, give the Murphy family due respect, and seal this marriage deal!”
“But,” Zachary’s mother said, she couldn’t stand Yolanda, be it looks, temperament, academics, or talents; she’s no match for Arabella!
“Forget about Arabella; she’s a top scholar and a piano master; she won’t even look at your son. Let’s go, let’s change, and get ready for tonight’s charity gala.”
“I heard Attlee dropped 1.2 billion today; he was invited to join tonight’s charity gala on the spot. We must build good relations with them tonight, no matter what!” Zachary’s mother’suddenly regretted her previous attitude towards the Murphy family and hoped to make amends tonight.
Over at Reflections Villa
Serena received several calls, her face getting grimmer with each one.
Martha couldn’t help but ask, “Serena, what’s happened?”
“My classmates‘ parents attended a land auction today; my parents publicly admitted in front of everyone that the founder of QY is their daughter; they even stood up for her against the Murphy family.”
Serena was getting anxious: “Now my classmates are asking me what’s going on, asking if Arabella was adopted by my parents? They also said they haven’t been invited to my house for a while and want to come over in a few days! What do we do about Arabella’s identity? We can’t let them find out I’m a fake heiress!” “Serena, calm down.”
Just as Martha was speaking, the front door was pushed open. Kenneth, Louisa, Hans, and Arabella walked in together, their family of four laughing and talking, sight that deeply hurt Serena.
“Dad, mom, you’re back? Brother, you’re back from abroad? Sister, why did you come back together? Did you meet on the road?”
“We attended a land auction with Bella today,” Louisa said, smiling at Arabella. “You go upstairs and rest for a bit; we’ll eat something before we go to the gala.” The food at the charity gala was mainly for show; Louisa was worried Arabella would be too shy to eat properly, so she asked the chef to prepare some food in advance.
“By the way, your dress for tonight is already in your room. Edith put it there.”
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“Aren’t you supposed to be going out with your friends tonight? Louisa shot back.
Serena hadn’t expected her mom to ask about her plans last right, so when she said she was going out with friends, her mom didn’t take her to the charity gala.
Would her mom only take Arabella to the gala in the future?
“Friend gatherings are just small potatoes. But a charity gala is such a big event that it might be Ms Bella’s first time, right? It would be nice to have Serena accompany her,” Martha suggested warmly
Louisa took a few sips of coffee and said coldly, ‘I’m enough company for Bella Besides, Bella’s never a stranger to any situation! When it comes to experience, Bella’s got Serena beat by a long shot!”
That sentence left Martha and Serena speechless.
Louisa, grinning looked back at Arabella and said, “You go upstairs and rest. I’ll have Edith call you when dinner’s ready”
“Okay”
After Arabella went upstairs, she received a phone call.
[Ross, you asked me to investigate the fire at Mercy Hospital on September 10th, eighteen years ago. The more I look into it, the fishier it seems.]
“What a fishy” Arabella walked onto the balcony, her expression cold.
I found out that the janitor, Yvonne, who adopted Yolanda, heard an explosion while cleaning up water that night. At first, the explosion was very loud, and she was too scared to approach. It was only when she wanted to rescue people that she noticed several unlicensed black sedans driving in the opposite direction.]
Yvonne was too busy rescuing people to pay much attention, so she didn’t see what kind of car they were driving or what they looked like. So I checked with her colleagues at the time and asked them about the situation that day, and they all said the same thing as Yvonne.]
[But one janitor said that after the explosion that night, they rescued many people from the health center. It was raining heavily, and while she was resting, she suddenly saw one of the black sedans that had left earlier returning.]
(in that era, in that place, very few people owned sedans. The car was the same as the black cars that had left earlier, with four rings on the front.]
“Audi?”
In that era, very few people could afford an Audi, let alone in a place like Wye.
[I showed her photos of cars from that era, and she said the car she saw was indeed an Audi, but their car didn’t have a license plate, so it’s hard to investigate.] [That night, three men got out of the black sedan that returned. They looked very fierce and kept searching among the rescued crowd for someone. They left when they didn’t find them.]
[I checked the car model and compared it with the Audis that had appeared in Wye that year. My eyes were about to go blind from all the investigating before I found a tiny clue!)
Arabella seemed used to his way of talking: “Keep going.”
“One of the owners of the Audis died on September 12th, eighteen years ago! It was said to be a drunk driving accident! If he hadn’t had an accident that night, he was supposed to leave the country the next morning.”
“What was his job?”
“He was initially jobless, then started driving people around like a cab driver.”
“He drove an Audi to pick up passengers?” Arabella couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.
Who would believe that?
“He supposedly won the money to buy the car from gambling. He drove for a few days after winning the money and then suddenly died in a car accident.”
So he thought it was strange.
“Any other findings?”
“The other car owners also suddenly owned an Audi. Some won it in a casino, others got it through other means, but not long after they got it, they suddenly died!” Was there really such a coincidence in the world?
The person on the other end of the phone said, “Boss, if someone really planned this explosion, and all the drivers involved that night were killed, and it has remained undiscovered for so many years, then his power is definitely not something that Martha alone can handle.”
“Uh huh, I know”
But after investigating, she found that things were not that simple.
“Did you check the blood relationship between Martha and Serena?”
“Boss, the hair samples you gave me last time were fake! I mean, one of the two types of hair you gave me last time was from a wig!”
“A wig? Arabella raised an eyebrow. Serena couldn’t possibly be bald; could Martha be wearing a wig?
Thinking about in this way, she couldn’t help but want to laugh.
“By the way Boss, all those Audi drivers were loners, without family or friends. But I found that one of the drivers, after suddenly becoming rich overnight, visited a woman several times, always the same one.”
“The woman said she had a very deep impression of the driver because he was very generous. She once curiously asked him where a driver got his money, and he said someone gave him a lot of money to do a bug job, which was to pick up a few people and take them to a place, then safely bring them back.”
“Boss, do you think it’s possible? Suppose there’s a puppet master who wants to kill someone in the health center, so he hires a bunch of drivers, specifically to transport his subordinates to and from Mercy Hospital. The reason why he specifically hires drivers who have no family or friends is to make it easier to deal with them later.”
If it was his own people who did it directly, then the investigation would likely lead back to him!
Arabella nodded “That possibility cannot be ruled out”
“But back then, Mercy Hospital was just a dump, and the people who lived there were nobodies. There wasn’t anyone worth going to such great lengths to kill for money, was there? If there were any big shots, wouldn’t your parents be the most important?”
1/2
Arabella, hearing him say this, her eyes suddenly lit up. “What were my parents‘ achievements back then?”
“You mean around the time of your birth, eighteen years ago? Let me check. But boss, why are you asking this?”
“Tell me as soon as you find out Arabella suddenly thought of a possibility, but she wasn’t sure.
“To my knowledge, your parents were just passing through that place, and suddenly your mom’s water broke. If someone wanted to harm them, they couldn’t possibly predict your mom’s water would break that night, could they?”
“Less talk when you’re stupid, or you’ll expose your IQ” Arabella’s voice sounded very lazy. “I’m hanging up now.”
“Hey, Boss?”
What did she mean, she’s just hanging up like that?
Was the boss saying he’s not smart enough? But he clearly did a ton of research; if anyone’s the dum–dum, it’d be Jones!
At least he’s better than Jones!
Seven in the evening.
Chapter 506
Arabella, along with Kenneth and Louisa, headed over to a charity dinner.
This shindig was started years ago by a big shot from Summerfield. It’s held annually, and ever since the guy kicked the bucket, his daughter had been keeping it going. It’s been a thing for about seventeen years now.
The point of this event every year was to help the kids out in the sticks sort out their grub, education, health, and stuff like that.
The crowd was pretty much the people from upper class of Summerfield. It’s not open to the public; it’s just for folks with some serious clout and standing.
Kenneth and Louisa had been coming for the full seventeen years. But this time was a little different; they rocked up with their daughter Arabella in tow, who pretty much stole the show as soon as she arrived.
Arabella had this cool, classy vibe about her. Dressed in a black evening gown, she looked icy yet regal, like some kind of queen bee.
She rocked up, arm in arm with Kenneth on one side and Louisa on the other, and instantly had all eyes on her.
Lots of guests started asking around: Who was she? Why did she seem so chummy with the Collins family?
The event host, Erlinda Archer, spotted them and made a beeline, saying, “Arabella, you made it! I was worried you might give it a miss!”
She saw Arabella arm in arm with Kenneth and Louisa, and curiosity got the better of her. “You guys know each other?”
Looked like they’re pretty tight, considering Arabella was usually pretty aloof and wouldn’t just go around linking arms with anyone.
Kenneth and Louisa were taken aback by her words. Erlinda knew Arabella too? Just how wide was Arabella’s social circle?
Erlinda was the head honcho of the Archer family. Ever since her old man passed away, she’s been running the family’s century–old business and had some serious sway in the business world.
She was over forty and looked capable and gutsy, with the sharp eyes of a businesswoman.
“They wouldn’t happen to be your actual parents, would they?” Erlinda hit the nail on the head.
Arabella nodded, making no attempt to hide it: “Yes, they are my parents.”
“I thought as much.” Erlinda shook hands with Kenneth, gave Louisa a hug, and said, “Great to see you guys at the Archer family dinner again this year. I had no idea you were Arabella’s biological parents. She had a rough time with the Murphy family. From now on, you should shower her with love and make up for the past.”
Louisa was puzzled: “How do you know my daughter?”
“It’s a long story.” Erlinda chuckled. “But I’ll give you the short version.”
It happened a few years ago. Erlinda, who seemed to have everything, had a dream one night where she was wearing a super fancy dress.
The next day, she hunted down Arabella, who was just making a name for herself as the founder of QY, hoping she could make a dress just like the one from her dream.
The young girl told her straight up that the dress wouldn’t suit her and would turn out ugly. It was a waste of time.
Erlinda didn’t buy it and insisted. The girl refused, and things got tense between them.
Eventually, she went to great lengths to find someone else to make it. Sure enough, the dress turned out to be an eyesore. She had no desire to keep it and tossed it straight
away.
Chapter 507
Later, she fell ill and sought help from renowned doctors everywhere. Eventually, with some connections, she managed to get a highly reputable miracle doctor, only to find out it was the same little girl again.
As they interacted, they gradually got to know each other. Erlinda wanted to make the little girl her goddaughter, but the girl didn’t want to call her Mom. In the end, after being pestered by Erlinda, the girl gave in and called her Auntie.
Erlinda, who had never married and had no siblings, took Arabella as her own niece!
“Sorry for forcibly making her my niece without your parents‘ consent!” Erlinda laughed cheerfully, saying, “I just really like her. She’s genuine, capable, humble; I just really like her.”
“This is my daughter’s fortune.” Kenneth never expected his daughter to be so popular in high society. First, it was Alberto chasing after her, wanting to be her grandpa, and now Erlinda, this powerful woman, wanting to be her aunt.
Thinking about all the roles his daughter had played over the years and how hard she must have worked to make it all seem effortless, Kenneth felt even more heartache. “I’ve invited you for three consecutive years to the Archer family’s banquet and have been rejected every time. But tonight, you’re here with your parents! Clearly, mom and dad are more important to you!” Erlinda said, feigning jealousy.
“There you go again!” Arabella saw right through her act.
Erlinda laughed and put her hand on Arabella’s shoulder. “Tonight, I’ve specifically invited the Panter family to give them a piece of my mind for you.”
A question popped into Arabella’s mind: “I’m not familiar with them.”
“I heard that as soon as the Murphy family’s biological daughter returned, your fiance fell for her; and they hit it off. Anyway, I won’t let them off the hook tonight.” Erlinda said this and raised an eyebrow at Arabella: “I heard some guests invited the Murphy family; let’s teach them a lesson together later.”
Seeing her excited expression, Arabella couldn’t help but warn, “Don’t go overboard.”
“You can trust me.” Erlinda patted her shoulder and said, “Just enjoy yourself! I prepare your favorite pastries every year, and since I heard you were coming tonight, I had some more made. See those tables over there? All your favorites.”
Arabella laughed at her humorous expression, saying, “Keep laughing like this, and you won’t keep your image.”
After all, she was always stern and serious in front of her employees.
“Sure.” Louisa was surprised and a bit envious of how familiar she was with her daughter.
She, too, wanted to chat with Bella so intimately, but she was afraid Bella would think she was frivolous.
“Bella, you have so many seniors in the business world who care for and support you. When you have time, invite them over. Your parents can take the opportunity to thank them.”
“Alright.” As soon as Arabella ended the conversation, many guests came forward to greet Kenneth and Louisa and ask about her identity.
“I’m representing QY Corporation.” Arabella didn’t explain in detail, but as soon as the guests heard the name QY, they couldn’t help but come forward to chat with her.
As the guests came forward to chat, Arabella made an excuse to get away and went to the table Erlinda had prepared for her. She picked up a pastry to taste.
Every single pastry here was her favorite flavor.
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Arabella had just finished one when she overheard someone saying that the Murphy and Panter families had arrived.
“Word has it that the Murphy family dropped 1.2 billion dollars today to buy that land in the suburbs. Hard to believe, really. Who would’ve thought the richest family in Tranquil City had such deep pockets?”
“The Panter family’s son is here with the Murphy family’s daughter. Heard they’re quite the match: both good–looking and intelligent. Seems they’ll be getting engaged in a few days.”
“The Murphy family is really on a roll, huh?”
Arabella continued munching on her pastry, unfazed. She was impressed at the mental fortitude of this family of three. It wasn’t long after she came out of the mental hospital, and now she can attend a charity dinner.
Didn’t their stint in the mental hospital leave any emotional scars?
They worked really hard to climb up.
For Attlee, this was his maiden voyage to a high–society dinner in Summerfield. The venue was the Archer family’s private estate, luxurious and grand, a lavish mansion ten times the size of his own villa.
As soon as he stepped into the garden, he couldn’t help but marvel at the opulence. Truly, it was the taste of a centuries–old wealthy family. Grandeur, heritage, things their minor wealthy family couldn’t hold a candle to.
The Archer family had been trading for generations, with over a hundred years of history in Summerfield, and quite influential.
Just then, a guest spotted him and approached with a smile.
“Mr. Murphy, I heard you dropped 1.2 billion dollars in one go today. You must have made a hefty contribution to tonight’s charity dinner as well, huh?”
“Hahaha, too kind,” Attlee chuckled awkwardly. Apart from their Maybach and Yoli’s engagement dress, they hardly had anything of value.
On their way to the dinner, he and Olga had been discussing what to donate and how much.-
“Mr. Murphy, you’re too modest. If you can drop 1.2 billion dollars, your donation tonight must be much more than ours, hahaha.”
“I hope Mr. Murphy will consider the feelings of we smaller families. Don’t donate too much at time. We’re planning to donate around a million dollars. Mr. Murphy, how much are you planning to donate?”
“Hey, we could agree on a sum and donate roughly the same amount. How about it?”
“Hahaha, I was thinking the same. What’s your expected amount, Mr. Murphy?”
Several guests were asking for Attlee’s opinion.
Although the Archer family hosted only one charity dinner a year, there were many more in the high society. These wealthy folks donated all year round to disaster–stricken areas, impoverished regions, calamities, the elderly, and children. They can’t possibly break the bank every time.
Upon hearing their expected amounts, Attlee became increasingly uneasy, but he forced a smile and said, “My wife and I haven’t decided yet. This is our first time, so we’re not sure how much would be appropriate.”
On the way, he and Olga had discussed maybe donating his watch. It could fetch at least a hundred thousand dollars.
Initially, Olga was somewhat reluctant.
Now, hearing the others‘ expected amounts, her legs went a bit weak. She couldn’t help asking, “How much do you usually donate?”
*Hahaha, when I started donating, I didn’t know the ropes. I thought there were only a few charity donation opportunities per year, so I would donate around five million dollars; the most I’ve given at one time was ten million dollars!”
Upon hearing this, Olga could barely maintain her smile.
Mrs. Panter, assuming the Murphy family was incredibly wealthy, held Olga’s hand warmly and laughed, “Olga, whatever you donate, we’ll match. Just don’t donate too much. One or two million dollars should suffice.”
Chapter 509
Olga pulled a long face and managed to say “alright” with a sigh of despair.
What to do next?
After a while, Erlinda took the stage in the middle of the garden and made a speech, and then everyone was free to donate in the boxes set up around the stage.
༈ འན ཥ
There was no order or amount required for the donations, and everyone could donate as they pleased.
Some people put checks into the box, some took off their expensive jewelry, and some directly transferred funds.
Attlee and Olga shared a glance, planning to escape to the restroom, but they were surrounded by guests curious about their donation amount.
“For our first donation, we should donate something meaningful.” Olga said with a graceful smile to Attlee, “Let’s donate the rings we bought when we got married. They hold great significance to us and will prove our commitment to charity.”
Everyone thought they would donate something of high value. Erlinda even had a couple of spotlights directed at them, only for them to donate a pair of platinum rings with just a few diamonds on them. The value of both rings probably didn’t exceed two thousand dollars.
They smiled and nodded at the crowd after making their donation, showing no signs of being strapped for cash.
Everyone was surprised. They couldn’t believe the people who spent 1.2 billion dollars on land were being so stingy with their donations!
Their generosity was seriously lacking!
Erlinda signaled to the crowd, and someone immediately spoke up, “Mr. Murphy, Mrs. Murphy, this is just your opening act, right? There’s more to come?” “Mr. Murphy surely has bigger plans for donations. Let’s see what Mr. Murphy and Mrs. Murphy will donate next.”
You guys spent so much on land, and your donations won’t be small, right?”
“Mr. Murphy, don’t worry about shocking us!”
Exactly.”
Just as Attlee and Olga were about to leave, applause from the crowd stopped them in their tracks!
Seeing the expectant looks from the crowd, they reluctantly took off all their accessories, including their watches, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and put them in the donation box.
Seeing that their jewelry only amounted to about two hundred thousand dollars, Erlinda raised an eyebrow at Arabella as if to say the best was yet to come.
Someone in the crowd asked, “Mr. Murphy, I heard there was something big happening at your place today during the auction. What was it?”
Attlee and Olga looked awkward at the question.
Wasn’t the big thing today their apology to Arabella and Yoli being beaten beyond recognition?
How did the news spread so fast, reaching them here so quickly?
“Mr. Murphy, I heard you visited a mental hospital today. Were you there to make a donation, or?”
Attlee and Olga looked even more awkward and quickly left the donation box, pretending to go to the restroom.
Many guests were curious about the mental hospital visit. What happened, and what was the situation?
Zachary, in the crowd, spotted a cool and noble figure casually eating cake again. No doubt, she must have leaked the news!
Thinking back to the scene in the mental hospital today, Yoli ran into his arms crying, saying that Arabella had deceived everyone with lies and had them sent to a mental hospital. Before sending them away, she even beat Yoli’s face until it swelled!
The Murphy family raised this ungrateful ingrate for eighteen years, and she didn’t even appreciate it. She kept embarrassing them!
She’s just causing trouble because she can’t have the guy she liked, right?
Zachary made up his mind, and he’s got to talk to hert
Arabella was munching on pastries at the table when she heard an angry voice.
Arabellal
Zachary stormed toward her, his face stern. “You still have the nerve to eat?”
A question popped into Arabella’s head, but she continued to eat, swallowing the pastry in her mouth. She didn’t even glance at Zachary as she picked up a glass of coconut juice
She looked elegant and captivating as she held the glass. When she tilted her head back to drink, her slender neck and collarbone caught Zachary’s eye. making him swallow hard.
This gai really didn’t give a damn about anyone, but she was pretty, that’s for sure.
He hadn’t noticed her beauty before, but ever since she left the Murphy family, her cold and aloof charm was just too enticing.
He almost forgot what he was about to say. “Why did you send Yoli to the mental hospital today?”
Seeing Zachary approaching Arabella again, Yolanda quickly ran over and held his hand, asking cautiously but still smiling. Zachary, what are you guys talking about?
Zachary didn’t answer her. Instead, he stared at Arabella, who clearly cared about him but pretended not to talk to him!
It must be because Yolanda was present!
Tm talking to you?” Zachary continued, “You even hit Yoli? Look what you did to her face!”
Yolanda’s face was a mess today, her eyes welling up with tears as she applied makeup. Despite the pain, she piled on layers of makeup for tonight’s dinner party. Her face was swollen and looked a bit ridiculous.
Arabella ignored Zachary and coldly glanced at Yolanda. “Can’t you keep your dog in check? It barks at me when it runs to me.
Dog? She just called him a dog!
She’s mad because he was pursuing her before and then suddenly disappeared, right?
She’s upset because he chose Yoli over her, decided to get engaged to Yoli, and abandoned her, right?
Arabella didn’t bother with these two dummies. She was about to leave when Zachary suddenly grabbed her wrist!
“Arabella, explain yourself!”
Even Yolanda was shocked. She didn’t expect Zachary to grab Arabella’s hand in public.
Zachary didn’t expect to lose control, either. Arabella’s wrist was slender and smooth, and he didn’t want to let go. He didn’t expect Arabella’s skin to be even better than Yoli’s.
At this moment, Arabella furrowed her brows and angrily threw off his hand, “What’s your problem? You want to lose your hand?
Her words brought Zachary back to reality.
“Can you tone down your hostility?”
Zachary understood. She was Queen Abby, a piano master and a top scholar, of course, she would be a bit arrogant!