On the weekend, at the Sna Auction House.


    A crowd of journalists gathered outside the venue. They had to wait outside to protect the privacy of the


    wealthy. Those who joined the event were genuine antique collectors and investment bankers.


    They were here for business and not to seek media exposure like celebrities. They weren’t interested in


    interviews. They only focused on valuable treasures for auction–except for Sophia, Rosaline, and


    Liana.


    Every year, Sophia would attend the event in her best attire. She would turn the high–end charity


    auction into a red carpet–moment for her. She would block the entrance and let the media take photos.


    She would only leave after being persuaded by the staff, looking disgruntled.


    It seemed she feared people might forget she was the washed–up star who had climbed to a higher


    status by breaking up someone else’s family over two decades ago.


    That led to Javier not attending the event personally for the past two years. Presumably, he felt it would


    tarnish his reputation.


    However, Sophia decided not to repeat the same old act this year. After all, Rosaline had repeatedly


    begged her to give up this limelight and let her and Liana take the stage together. They were family.


    She couldn’t refuse despite her reluctance.


    So this year, it was the Gardners who stood at the entrance and caught everyone’s attention.


    “As representatives of the Gardner family, we hope to acquire exceptional collections in this auction


    and contribute to charity,” Rosaline said elegantly, putting on a ssy demeanor as she spoke in front


    of the gathered journalists.


    “Mrs. Gardner, how is the financial situation of the Gardner Grouptely? We heard it’s on the verge of


    bankruptcy,” one reporter asked sharply.


    “Has the investigation into Mr. Gardner’s case concluded? Will he be sentenced?” another one


    inquired.


    “Is it true that your daughter and the president of the Beckett Group have broken up?”


    Broken up? Those two words immediately caught Liana’s attention. She stepped forward. Then, she


    red at the journalists, sending shivers down their spines.


    “What break up? Where did you hear that?”


    N?velD(ram)a.?rg owns this content.


    “Well… Miss Liana, there’s no need to be so nervous. We’re just asking,” one of the reporters replied.


    “After all, Mr. Beckett has yet to show any support as your fiancé regarding the Gardner Group’s


    issues. It’s natural for such spection to arise.”


    “We haven’t broken up! Don’t spread rumors!” Liana’s voice rose in agitation as she thought about how


    Jasper hadn’t approached her in


    the past few days.


    Rosaline quickly pulled Liana, who was losing her cool, aside and smiled at the cameras. “My daughter


    and Mr. Jasper are in a stable rtionship. Please don’t think too much about it. As for the matters


    between the Gardner and Beckett families, they’re private. We’re not quite aware of the details.”


    “Mr. Jasper is also present at the event today. Why didn’t he take a photo with Ms. Liana?”


    “It seems like they have never taken a photo together. Is it to avoid suspicion?”


    “What suspicion is there to avoid? Mr. Jasper would surely be with my daughter if he were toe.”


    “But they are people saying Mr. Jasper had arrived half an hour earlier.”


    That caught Rosaline and Liana off guard. Their faces immediately turned pale.


    Meanwhile, Jasper had already entered the venue with Xavier apanying him.


    “Jasper!” Landon approached with a yful grin. He affectionately wrapped his hands around Jasper’s


    waist.


    “Wow, you’ve grown stronger. You seem quite sturdy,” he said, pinching Jasper’s narrow waist.


    “Keep your hands away. Behave yourself,” Jasper‘ furrowed his brows, not budging as he nced


    coldly at Landon.


    “Haha, you’re acting all serious, huh? What happened to the times you used to tickle me under the


    covers?” Landon stopped pinching his


    say hello?” 1


    “I’m trying to avoid suspicion.”


    +15 BONOS


    “Fair enough, looks like there’s still a cure for your lovesickness. You’re no longer Ms. Liana’spdog


    this time around. You should know that the Gardners‘ reputation in the industry is terrible. Whoever


    gets involved with them will be tainted.”


    “Who’s lovesick?” Jasper’s expression darkened. He added, “Don’t think I would let things slide


    because of the Harper family.”


    Everyone knew the Harper family ran the business in Belware, and Landon ran the Harper family.


    *Brother, I’m doing this for your sake! I don’t want your reputation dragged through the mud because of


    the Gardner family.” Landon added. “My grandpa didn’t want the Gardner family toe to this


    auction. He invited them out of respect for you. You should know they do not even deserve to be here.”


    “They might not for now. But Liana would marry me either way. I hope your opinion of her changes


    then. After all, the Gardner family and her are not mutually exclusive.”


    “I understand. I can’t disrespect the future Mrs. Beckett. But I have to say something that you might not


    like.” 1


    “Alright then, don’t say it.”


    “Regarding looks and personality, I still think your ex–wife, that resolute and untamed wild rose, is more


    suitable for you. Your passionless self will only be ignited by a fire like Ms. White in the winter.” Landon


    spoke too quickly, and he blurted out before he could stop himself.