Chapter 431 The Battlefield
Josie went to the gala again. She attended using Dexter’s invitation this time. The attendants saw her card and knew she was here on Russell Group’s behalf. They immediately let her in.
Josie still wore the same gray evening gown. She looked elegant under the spotlight and attracted many gazes. Then, she found a seat and sat down to wait for the auction to begin.
She heard whispers from other guests as soon as she sat down. “I heard Mr. Olsen is here today. It’s obvious why he came.
“That’s strange. He could have gotten his staff to deal with such trivial matters. Why did he have to attend himself.”
“It’s something valuable. Thus, it’s better to handle the thing himself.”
Josie instinctively clenched her purse as she listened to them. Those who wanted to bid today had their assets screened. Only those with sufficient assets were allowed to bid later.
Josie glanced at the surrounding. Judging from what she heard, Mark was here. She hoped he wasn’t aiming for the same item as Dexter.
An older man with a strong presence sat in the middle, surrounded by the crowd. He seemed to have sensed someone looking at him and glanced at Josie, prompting him to pause briefly.
Josie froze but soon recovered and nodded at Mark. Seeing that, Mark looked away and seemed displeased to find her here.
“Ms. Quorn.”
“Ms. Quorn is here. Quick, sit down.”
The voices around Josie caught her attention. She turned and saw Xanthe dressed in a ladies’ suit. She looked elegant and wore thick makeup. Furthermore, she seemed healthier than when they last met. It seemed her life had improved considerably from before.
Josie took a deep breath and had a bad premonition.
She felt out of place in this auction filled with prominent and wealthy people.
The auction started by auctioning a few common items. Most of the crowd seemed disinterested. Meanwhile, Josie felt pain in her lower abdomen. The first day of menstruation tended to be difficult for her.
Josie bore the pain and looked down to message Dexter. She asked whether he was done brewing the herbal concoction.
Dexter replied to her message. ‘It will be ready soon. The secretary has arranged someone to brew it.
Josie messaged again. ‘I saw Xanthe.
There was a long pause on the other side before Dexter replied, ‘I see.
“Ms. Warren, can I sit next to you?” A crisp female voice suddenly sounded beside her. Josie instinctively turned off her phone screen and found Eileen Shaw. Eileen had been a celebrity for years and appeared charming whenever she smiled.
“Of course.
Eileen sat next to Josie. Her smile did not diminish. “I didn’t expect to find you here.”
“I’m here on someone’s behalf.”
“Was it Arnold?” Eileen played with her earring. She looked calm as she continued, “Or was it Dexter?”
Josie sensed that this gentle-looking woman was not one to be messed with. She answered frankly, “It wasn’t Arnold.”
“Oh, I’ve seen you with him a few times. You guys seem close. I thought you two had some special relationship.” Eileen’s smile did not meet her eyes.
Josie suddenly recalled that Carter Group and Laxir Corporation’s marriage alliance was called off. Thus, Eileen was likely dissatisfied with Arnold. After all, she seemed to like him a lot.
“My only interactions with Arnold were the ones you saw. There’s nothing between us.”
“But that doesn’t discount your abilities, right?” Eileen’s smile faded. “Carter Group transferred one billion to you, while Laxir Corporation suffered massive loss. Furthermore, you had Dexter’s protection and were able to escape completely. The dispute was between the three of you, yet I was left suffering for it. How is this fair?”
