What Curt said was a prominent statement that he had come to the party merely for his daughter-in-law. Ben blushed awkwardly, feeling embarrassed and annoyed.

The crowd mocked silently. Ha-ha. How embarrassing! Now he knows himself better. Curt Davidson thinks nothing of him at all.

​​

Feeling touched, Nathalia replied gratefully, "Thanks, dad." Though he could have done much better as a father to Spencer and a husband to mum, he has been helpful and supportive to me.

Then, Nathalia turned to look at Nate, up and down. He looks well today. Ha-ha. Just thinking about how he ended up seeing the doctor after the spicy shrimp anecdote! Amused by her own thoughts, she couldn't help chuckling a bit.

"What a surprise to see you! Mr. Nate Morgan." She said teasingly.

Nate stared at her for a bit. She's laughing at me?! Cheeky little devil.

"Why? I'm honored to be invited and very pleased to be here. Am I not welcomed now?"

Nathalia pouted her lips, thinking, I don't really care if you attend or not. But she said cheerfully, "Oh, you are most welcomed! By the way, we are starting the auction soon. I'm sure, generous as you are, you will be making a great contribution tonight."

On hearing so, the crowd was rather taken aback. No one else would dare to speak to Nate Morgan as she does. However, to everyone's surprise, Nate wasn't annoyed at all. He lifted his brows and teased back, "Hmm. Shouldn't you be a bit more hospitable and complimentary when you are asking someone for financial contribution?" What a proud girl! She never compromises, does she?

"Complimentary?" Nathalia intentionally paused for a bit, then said, "But I'm very bad at lying, you see. Anyway, I'm offering you a chance to show off, so you should thank me. But it's ok. I don't live for people's gratitude or compliments." And she stressed the last word deliberately.

Nate stared at Nathalia in disbelief. Cheeky devil! She's too sharp!

Curt interfered to help release the tension that was building up, "Ha-ha, Nate, it sounds like it will be a fun auction coming."

"Surely. I'm excited." Nate replied gentlemanly and cooperatively.

Now that the two most important guests had arrived, the auction was to commence.

The first item up for bid was a Cartier diamond studded bracelet. The presenter started, "This Cartier bracelet is offered by Miss Katie Ford. On behalf of the Carter Company and the Education Foundation, I thank her for her generous offer. Let's, please have Miss Katie Ford introduce this beautiful item."

Katie had been to many social events as such, so she wasn't nervous at all. She walked up to the stage gracefully.

"This is a valuable present from my father on my eighteenth birthday. I've worn it since then, and it's one of my favorites. To support and celebrate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Carter Company as well as to congratulate Mr. Ben Johnson, I'm offering this up for bid. Thank you." She spoke confidently and clearly, with a gentle smile. The crowd found her elegant and amiable and had forgotten her sharp and rude comments earlier.

Nicolas watched his daughter proudly. Now, that's my girl.

Ben gazed at her with affection in his eyes.

The presenter went on, "Thank you, Miss Katie Ford. The starting bid is 20,000 dollars."

The crowd was bidding with great enthusiasm as everyone wanted attention and showing off. The price went up to 50,000 within minutes. Katie was pleased and proud.

She happened to be sitting behind Nathalia. Seeing that Nathalia wasn't participating, she asked, "Mrs. Nathalia Davidson, you seem very quiet. Are you not interested? Everyone says you are the kindest person who loves making contributions."

Her sarcastic tone made Nathalia knit her brows slightly. I'm quite sure I haven't done anything wrong to upset her. What's she so bitter about? She seemed fine when we met last time. Anyway, I just don't understand most girls, I guess.

"There's no hurry. I'm waiting for something that's worth bidding." She said casually. Don't cross the line, girl. She thought, feeling a bit impatient and annoyed. What good does it do to her to annoy me?

Nathalia would rather keep peace and not annoy anyone, but if people preferred it the other way, then she would not retreat. If she wants to learn the hard way, then she will.

Katie was so angry that she was speechless. Isn't she saying that my bracelet is worthless! She couldn't really think of anything to say to retort, though. Nathalia had everything that every woman would desire. The bracelet she was wearing was probably worth ten times the one Katie offered, let alone the necklace that sparkled around her neck, and the bag she was carrying, the dress she was wearing.

"50,000 once, 50,000 twice." The presenter shouted with excitement.

Katie shouted out proudly, "70,000."

The presenter grinned happily and said, "Wow, Miss Katie Ford, you are so generous. 70,000 once."

The crowd grew even more excited. "75,000."

"80,000!"

"90,000!"

"100,000!"

It wasn't about the money but more about the chance to show off. This is a ridiculously high price! The presenter thought. "100,000 once." He shouted, waited for a bit, and again, "100,000 twice. Anyone else?"

The crowd looked around. There was murmuring and discussing, but no one answered. The presenter asked one more time, and the bracelet was sold at the price of 100,000 dollars.

The highest bidder was invited onto the stage. It was a young man in his early twenties, very expensively dressed. People recognized him as the owner of a big restaurant chain.

"I don't want the bracelet." He said abruptly.

The crowd was shocked. What?! Did he change his mind? That's not acceptable.

It's just 100,000 dollars. That's embarrassing.

But look at his attire. Surely he can afford it!

The presenter was also taken aback. "Huh? What do you mean?"

The young bidder seemed a bit nervous. "I don't want the bracelet. Can I request something else, please?"

The presenter felt a bit relieved, thinking Ok, at least he will still pay. "But what do you want?"

The crowd was all very curious. The young man suddenly blushed, and after a little while, he spoke shyly. "I'd like to meet Mrs. Nathalia Davidson in person. I, err, I want to be close to her..."