Chapter 128
“One hour left until Thornton Group’s bidding starts,” Flora’s businesslike tone made Gwyneth snap back to work.
Harrison’s words from last night still rang in her head. It was surprising that he would have dinner with her since he was so busy.
Dressed in a neat white suit and heels, Gwyneth arrived early at the hall outside the bidding place, ready to take a quick break. Flora gave her the bidding papers.
With a sharp slap across the face, Melanie was sent stumbling out of the room. A loud voice cut through the air: “Who the hell do you think you are? You’re nothing to Adrian.”
Gwyneth and Flora both stopped. Melanie staggered back into the hallway, holding her swollen cheek, her face full of shock.
Melanie glared, her voice shaking with anger. “How dare you hit me? I already told Adrian about today. If he finds out how you’ve humiliated me, he’ll-”
15
With her wavy hair pinned up high and dressed in a sleek black–and–gold business suit, Kate walked out, her look cold with dislike. She asked, “Is he your fiance, or mine?”
She added, “You’re using my fiance’s connections to pressure me into giving you the project in private? You’re not even fit to be a mistress. And you dare to show up?”
Kate sneered, “Jenkins Group is here for the bidding today, so I wouldn’t hit you. If I could, I’d have my people strip you naked and throw you out on the street. Let’s see if Adrian would stand up for you or for me.”
Flora watched her commanding look and whispered to Gwyneth, “That’s Kate, the heiress of the Thornton family.”
Meanwhile, Kate’s assistant leaned in and said, “That’s Gwyneth Jenkins, the representative of the Jenkins Group and Melanie’s sister.”
Their eyes met. Gwyneth was surprised she didn’t recognize Kate. At the party, Kate had been Adrian’s playful sweetheart. But here at work, she looked like a proud young lioness.
Kate spun around, her chin high in contempt. She sneered, “Your sister is shameless. As her sister, shouldn’t you be taking her home and scolding her, instead of coming here to defend her?”
Gwyneth stepped forward, offering her hand to Kate. “Hello, Ms. Thornton. I’m Gwyneth, Melanie’s half–sister. I hope her shameless acts won’t get in the way of today’s bidding.”
Hearing her words made Kate feel happy. ‘So they’re not real sisters–no wonder they don’t get along,‘ she thought.
Gwyneth didn’t plan to use the Lopez family’s connections to win the bid. She didn’t mention her relationship with Harrison, acting only as Jenkins Group’s official rep.
Through her assistant’s whisper, Kate learned about Gwyneth’s link to Harrison. Seeing Gwyneth stay silent, Kate chose not to say anything and instead started acting friendly.
She shook Gwyneth’s hand sincerely, then sneered at Melanie. “You two really are from different worlds. You’re from different moms, after all.”
Melanie clenched her teeth in anger. ‘Gwyneth doesn’t even stand up for me, her own sister. Instead, she’s sucking up to Kate and even mocking my background,’ she thought angrily.
Gwyneth added coolly, “Jenkins Group only has one official representative here. I don’t know why my sister is here.”
“Since the bidding is about to start, I won’t bother you with your personal stuff,” Gwyneth said with a perfect smile, then walked confidently toward the lounge with Flora behind her.
Melanie’s pupils widened a bit. “Gwyneth, you—”
Gwyneth turned back sharply, and said, “Want to come with me? Fine. I’ll call Dad right now and ask if he even let you come today.” Melanie’s face turned red, but she refused to let Gwyneth make the call.
Quentin never approved of her coming here, especially since her relationship with Adrian wasn’t official. Kate was his fiancee. Coming here was already risky, and she didn’t want her dad to find out.
Melanie thought hard to find Gwyneth’s weak spot, only to hear Gwyneth say casually, “Since this isn’t your place, stop making a fool of yourself. There are plenty of cars at home–just pick one and leave.”
With that, Gwyneth led Flora into the lounge and shut the door. Happy with her earlier words, Kate waved her hand, telling security to kick
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3:09 PM
Chapter 128
Melanie out–then she gave herself a small, satisfied smile.
“Melanie is such a troublemaker, but surprisingly, her sister has some guts,” Kate said.
Her assistant whispered, “She’s Harrison’s wife. Should we let her win the bidding later?”
“Keep professional. I think Gwyneth is pretty decent. As for the bidding, it’s about who’s capable.”
Kate shot her assistant a cold look and warned, “Don’t play tricks.”
“Yes, Ms. Thornton,” the assistant said nervously, hurrying after her inside.
Gwyneth stayed calm, her eyes narrowing a little as she saw Kate’s mood.
She thought, “True to her wealthy background, Kate carried herself with pride.’
+15
Forty minutes later, as the bidding was about to start, people began to arrive. Most were regulars, gathering in small groups and talking quietly while they waited.
Kate was chatting friendly with other guests, while Gwyneth, rarely seen in Joracity’s top circles, sat quietly in a corner. Still, knowing that Gwyneth and Melanie didn’t get along, Kate came over to greet her politely.
With a smile, Kate leaned in and said, “I got engaged to Adrian. Should we get to know each other better?”
Some people knew Gwyneth was Harrison’s wife, others didn’t. Still, Kate’s words clearly showed she was trying to get close to Gwyneth.
The group looked at each other nervously–since Kate clearly supported Gwyneth. Gwyneth saw through Kate; she was testing if Gwyneth wanted
the bid.
Zachary came in with his assistant. Hearing the noise, Kate looked over but didn’t recognize him. Her assistant leaned in and whispered, “Zachary Flynn from Flynn Group.”
“Ms. Thornton, hello,” Zachary said politely, though his eyes briefly looked at Gwyneth–with a surprised look.
Some people whispered among themselves.
“The Thornton family just made a business alliance with the Lopez family. How can Gwyneth, rumored to be Harrison’s mistress, show up so openly to bid? Isn’t she worried that Harrison will find out?”
With the bidding about to start and everyone watching, Zachary stayed professional, sitting far from Gwyneth.
An elderly veteran looked at Zachary with disdain and sneered, “How low standards have gone these days. Even some bastard dares to sit with us.”
Zachary’s eyes instantly turned red as he clenched his fists. That cursed word hadn’t been said to him in years.
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