Chapter 38
Those starlets who made trouble were ejected from the venue, and Pearl, who had splashed wine on them, decided to leave.
She wanted to go, but Hubert and Elaine wouldn’t allow it. They persuaded Pearl to stay, and Hubert even coaxed her, “Well, well, don’t be upset. Once the auction starts, tell me what you like, and I’ll buy it for you!”
He escorted her outside and complained. “Next time you face such a situation, can you call out to me instead of handling it yourself? What if you get hurt? How could you do that? The thought that you may get hurt will kill me!”
His indulgent behavior and doting attitude to Pearl left onlookers stunned.
The curious crowd speculated about the nature of Hubert and Pearl’s relationship. They all vaguely understood the close ties between the Law family and the Woolery family. Still, they didn’t know how close the connection was between the Law family and the Woolery family.
However, after this dramatic “wine–splashing incident,” the people gossiping about Pearl fell silent and dared not utter a word.
As the crowd dispersed, Marc observed Hubert putting his arm around Pearl’s shoulders, and his eyes darkened, and there was a sparkle of cold look in his eyes.
In a deep voice, he asked, “Are they related by blood?”
Lucas hesitated before responding. “It’s hard to say. We don’t know much about Pearl’s background. As for Hubert, it’s rumored that he wasn’t born to Mrs. Law, but we have no information about his birth mother. They aren’t half–siblings, so could they be step- siblings?”
Marc’s mouth tightened into a thin line.
So, Hubert and Pearl weren’t related by blood. He couldn’t accept Hubert approaching
Pearl.
The evening party was lively, with Zero Hour featuring several popular models on the
Chapter 38
runway, accompanied by dynamic music that quickly raised the atmosphere.
Many popular celebrities also performed on stage, including a young man who had recently gained fame from a popular drama. He sang and danced to a self–written track, causing the audience to scream and cheer uncontrollably. Some celebrities in the crowd couldn’t contain their excitement and turned into enthusiastic fans, screaming and
cheering.
Pearl sat in the front row of seats, maintaining a dignified posture and a calm expression. However, her intense gaze betrayed her appreciation.
Hubert sat beside her and introduced them. “This is Peter Smith, an artist from Starfield Media. He was originally destined for a career in singing and dancing. However, the singing group failed, and he ended up becoming an actor. Unexpectedly, he soon became famous.”
“His singing and dancing skills aren’t bad. It’s a shame he didn’t pursue a singing career,” Pearl responded casually.
Hubert glanced at her and said nonchalantly, “Do you like him? Should I introduce you?”
Pearl shook her head gently. “Now his career is on the rise. There is no need for me to add brilliance to his present splendor, and he might not be interested in Woolery Starry Media at the moment. Besides, Starfield Media wouldn’t let go of such a lucrative talent”
Hubert explained, “Woolery Starry Media has been struggling due to Errol’s influence, and it’s been plagued by hegative press in recent years. It needs a major overhaul. But with Henry’s support, you don’t need to worry too much.”
Pearl shook her head again, a hint of concern evident in her furrowed brows. “Initially, my mother started Woolery Starry Media for Henry, but now it’s become an obstacle in his acting career, which wasn’t her original intention. I won’t allow that to continue.
Hubert nodded. “Henry is still filming in remote locations, and I think it’s almost done. When he’s back, we shall have a meal together.”
The mention of Henry and the others softened Pearl’s usually composed demeanor, and she responded with a soft, affectionate voice. “Okay.”
2/5
0
her.
Marc sat diagonally across from Pearl, who was clearly in a good mood. Observing the closeness between her and Hubert, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy and frustrated.
Although Pearl had become to her former look with good manners, her relaxed behavior in
front of Hubert was different from what Marc had seen before.
It left Marc wondering about the true nature of their relationship.
After dinner, Elaine, the editor–in–chief of Zero Hour, took the stage to deliver a speech. Known as a “fashion maven” in the fashion industry, Elaine was a trendsetter and a philanthropic leader.
Elaine didn’t have much to say, and after expressing her gratitude with a few simple words, she changed her topic to the charity auction and mentioned that all the proceeds from tonight’s event would go to the Western Medical Charity Project, with full transparency in how the funds would be used.
For many celebrities, the evening party was already over, but the real fun was just beginning for Pearl.
She didn’t regret causing a scene earlier tonight, but in the end, she felt slightly sorry for Elaine. In the spirit of making amends, Pearl naturally wanted to do something to support
Elaine.
As they moved to the auction hall, Pearl still occupied the front row of seats. However, the lighting dimmed slightly around her in case someone would take any unauthorized photos, even though they had already informed the reporters about that. After all, they still had to delete any photos if they ended up online. It was just too much trouble.
Onstage, the host was introducing the lots offered by the guests. Pearl had come empty- handed tonight but decided to contribute by donating the emerald pendant necklace she
was wearing.
“Lot 01 is a pair of emerald bracelets donated by Elaine Law, starting at 20 thousand
dollars!”
3/5
A
Chapter 38
“40 thousand dollars!”
“60 thousand dollars!”
“Any higher? 80 thousand dollars!”
“100 thousand dollars!”
Pearl had just raised her bid card when the auctioneer’s excited voice called out. “100 thousand dollars once! 100 thousand dollars twice! 100 thousand dollars three times! Congratulations to Ms. Woolery for winning a pair of emerald bracelets!”
It was an excellent and exciting start, and Elaine’s face lit up as she stood to applaud Pearl. Pearl gave her a subtle nod and a smile.
“Lot 02 is a gemstone screen donated by Manfred Day, the president of Day Group, starting at 40 thousand dollars!”
Manfred stood up and raised his hand with a smile.
Tina sat next to him, her face full of pride.
Hubert cast a faint glance at Manfred, narrowed his eyes, and then focused on the small item on the stage. He asked Pearl, “Is it real?”
Pearl glanced at the information book of the lots in her hand without lifting her head and replied, “Just a worthless trinket. Uncle Ralph has a bunch of them in his collection. I’m guessing Tina swiped them from his room for Manfred.”
Otherwise, why did Manfred bring Tina to an occasion like this?
At the same time, Lucas also questioned. “Is this thing worth 40 thousand dollars?”
Marc was scanning the information book of the lots, his gaze fixed on the four enameled bowls, as he spoke casually, “The gemstone on it isn’t worth much, and the base is from an ancient time. It’s hardly an antique. If you want it, give me the money, and I’ll go to the stall and buy one for you.”
Lucas approached and inquired. “How much can I buy it for at the stall?”
4/5
D
“200 dollars at the most”
Lucas was speechless.
He gave Manfred a disdainful glance and didn’t want to look at his disgusting face
anymore.
But in the end, those in the crowd with an untrained eye heard the word “gemstone” and believed it was valuable. They vigorously raised their bidding signs, and the gemstone screen was eventually sold for 140 thousand dollars.
Lucas and Hubert both pitied that misguided buyer.
The auction was in full swing, with more than a dozen items already auctioned off, and the total amount raised had reached one million dollars. Pearl allowed Hubert to raise the bid card twice and let him pay a nominal amount of the money, purchasing a silver hairpin and an oil painting, neither of which was particularly valuable.
“Feeling better now?” Hubert asked with a smile. Pearl raised her eyebrows and responded with a nod. Hubert playfully tapped her forehead and said, “Look at you.”
Marc observed Hubert’s actions, and his grip on the information book tightened
voluntarily. His eyes shot over like daggers.
The next item up for auction is an emerald pendant necklace from Brunew donated by “earl Woolery, the president of Woolery Group, with a starting bid of 1.4 million dollars!”
s soon as the auctioneer’s words hit the room, the entire audience erupted into an uproar, stantly buzzing with excitement.
