Filed to story: The CEO’s Wife Is a Secret Boss Novel (Allison & Jeremy) Free Online >>
“Lyse, how have you been lately? Are you tired? Do you need my help with anything?”
Jonah asked, his voice full of concern.
‘I’m fine. You, on the other hand, shouldn’t overwork yourself. Take care of your health,”
Alyssa replied.
After chatting for a while, Jonah said, “There’s a charity auction this weekend. Can you represent me and attend? Dad is adamant about getting the Antique Rosewood Chair. The budget is within one billion. But I have to go to church to lecture this weekend, so could I trouble you to secure that antique for me?”
“Me? Who should I attend it as? The girlfriend of the president of the KS Group?” Alyssa teased him, taking a bite of chocolate.
“That works,” Jonah chuckled. “As long as you go, you can be whoever you want. Or you can say you’re related to the Taylor family.”
Alyssa chewed on the chocolate and nodded. “Alright then, I’ll go. But with just one billion in the budget, what if I also find something I like?”
“Just bid for it, and I’ll reimburse you. However, remember the Taylor family’s rules. Once we join an auction, we must win. We can’t leave others any chance,” Jonah reminded her.
“I know. Dad taught us to pave our own path and leave others with no way out!” Alyssa said, cracking her knuckles playfully.
“Wishing you good luck, Lyse. Don’t forget the Antique Rosewood Chair,” Jonah said before hanging up.
auction? But isn’t it a bit rushed to prepare everything now?”
“We will bring something, and I’ve already prepared everything.” Alyssa’s lips curved into a sly smile, and there was a cunning glint in her eyes.
On the weekend, at the Solana 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 classy demeanor as she spoke in front of the gathered journalists.
“Mrs. Gardner, how is the financial situation of the Gardner Group lately? 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 Walsh Group have broken up?”
Broken up? Those two words immediately caught Liana’s attention. She stepped forward.
Then, she glared at the journalists, sending shivers down their spines.
“What break up? Where did you hear that?”
“Well… Miss Liana, there’s no need to be so nervous. We’re just asking,” one of the reporters replied. “After all, Mr. Walsh has yet to show any support as your fiancé
regarding the Gardner Group’s issues. It’s natural for such speculation to arise.”
“We haven’t broken up! Don’t spread rumors!” Liana’s voice rose in agitation as she thought about how Jeremy 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. Jeremy are in a stable relationship. Please don’t think too much about it. As for the matters between the Gardner and Walsh families, they’re private.
We’re not quite aware of the details.”
“Mr. Jeremy 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. Jeremy would surely be with my daughter if he were to come.”
“But they are people saying Mr. Jeremy had arrived half an hour earlier.”
That caught Rosaline and Liana off guard. Their faces immediately turned pale.
Meanwhile, Jeremy had already entered the venue with Xavier accompanying him.
“Jeremy!” Landon approached with a playful grin. He affectionately wrapped his hands around Jeremy’s waist.
“Wow, you’ve grown stronger. You seem quite sturdy,” he said, pinching Jeremy’s narrow waist.
“Keep your hands away. Behave yourself,” Jeremy‘ furrowed his brows, not budging as he glanced 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 1/2
say hello?” 1
“I’m trying to avoid suspicion.”
“Fair enough, looks like there’s still a cure for your lovesickness. You’re no longer Ms.
Liana’s lapdog 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?” Jeremy’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 to come 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. Walsh. 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.Burton in the winter.” Landon spoke too quickly, and he blurted out before he could stop himself.