Love's Change of Heart

Although Aidan said she could work at the studio, but she wouldn't be getting a salary, Leanna often

gave her a bit of allowance money.

Thus, she had a small amount of savings, though it was nowhere near enough to afford the items up

for auction.

Joseph looked at Lachlan to say something, but Lachlan was looking straight on, and his stoic

expression made Joseph swallow his words back down.

Soon, the charity dinner started.

The first item up for auction was provided by Justin. It was a famous painting that had been a part of

Gordon's collection for many years now and was valued at over 2 million.

However, the starting bid was only 45 thousand.

The crowd gasped when they heard the starting bid. While they did not doubt the authenticity of the

painting, they had a feeling that Gordon had no clue this was happening. Otherwise, he would certainly

jump out of bed in anger. That would be quite a miracle.

"Is Justin doing it on purpose?" someone muttered. "He's blatantly disregarding his father's prized

possession."

"I heard that someone offered Old Mr. Pearson 30 million for this painting and he refused, and yet… It's

now being auctioned off for 45 thousand…"

"It has to be said that even though Old Mr. Pearson has everything he could possibly want, he failed to

develop a good bond with his sons. He and Aidan are basically mortal enemies at this point. I thought

he would have a good relationship with Justin, but then this happens."

"You're all not seeing the bigger picture here. This is a charity event, so the focus should be on doing

charity, right? Think about it. This is the first company anniversary since Justin took over. He has to put

his best foot forward, doesn't he? It's not surprising that Old Mr. Pearson is giving his full support."

"It's still a bit much…"

"You really don't know anything, huh? The grudge between Aidan and the Pearsons has gone on for

years now. Old Mr. Pearson deeply resents that… illegitimate son of his. Now that the son he cherishes

the most has taken over the company, he's bound to be overjoyed. Why would he care about a simple

painting?"

"You've got a point there."

While the crowd eagerly discussed the situation, the bid for the painting had gone up to six million.

The starting bid had been rather low, but the market value of the painting couldn't be denied. It was still

a bargain at this price.

In the end, the painting sold for 12 million.

The next few items were successfully auctioned off as well.

Soon, it was time for the seventh item on the auction list.

As soon as the ring was set on display, the crowd livened up.

Despite being a 20-year-old ring, in terms of workmanship and material, it was still impeccable by

current standards.

The pink diamond dazzled under the light and stole the hearts of countless women who saw it.

The starting bid was 30 thousand.

However, Justin had made the arrangements beforehand, and since Aidan had raised his paddle, no

one else would have the fortune of taking it home with them.

Just then, a paddle was raised in the corner. "75 thousand."

Everyone quickly turned around to see who was silly enough to try and bid on the ring.

Nevertheless, no one recognized the man who raised his paddle.

One thing was certain. The man wasn't going to give up without a fight.

The crowd turned their eyes back on Aidan who didn't seem taken aback. His eyes didn't even flicker

as he raised his paddle and said, "150 thousand."

The man in the back raised his paddle as well. "300 thousand."

"750 thousand," Aidan called out.

Everyone was speechless.

Even the wealthiest among them would never think of being this nonchalant about spending that sum

of money.

As the bids kept increasing, the atmosphere in the hall tensed up as well.

Initially, everyone was intrigued by the bidding war.

As time went on, all that could be heard were the sounds of paddles being raised and bids being called

out.

When the bid rose to 10 million, Leanna pressed down on Aidan's hand and murmured, "Don't call out

a higher bid. It's obvious he's doing it on purpose."

Aidan held her hand. "Don't worry."

He raised his paddle yet again. "15 million."

The crowd was gob-smacked. Even Gordon's painting had only sold for 12 million. Aidan's latest bid

was the highest sum that had been called out so far.

Even though it was a gorgeous ring, it wasn't worth 15 million.

The man in the back hesitated.

However, he soon called out a higher bid. "18 million."

"27 million."

At last, the man went completely silent.

The auctioneer began calling out the final bid. "27 million going once, 27 million going twice, sold for 27

million."

Thump—

The bid was finalized.

The subsequent auction lots were auctioned off with far less drama. Everyone gathered their heads

together to discuss the bidding war. They were curious to know the identity of the man who went up

against Aidan and made the price skyrocket.

Naturally, they were most intrigued by the ring that was worth 27 million.

When the charity dinner was over, the crowd slowly took their leave.

As soon as Aidan and Leanna stood up, a man came over to them and said cheerily, "Congratulations

on getting the item you wanted, President Pearson."

Aidan's expression remained indifferent as he surveyed the man. "What makes you think you have the

right to approach me?"

John's expression stiffened as he subconsciously took two steps back. "No reason to be this hostile,

President Pearson. Everything was going so well just now. A man who spends all his money to win the

favor of a beautiful lady. It makes a wonderful story, doesn't it?"