CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 52: THE WINNER LOST, THE LOSER WON, BUT LOVED ENOUGH

As the lights dimmed, a golden dragon of light swiftly swam by, weaving through the seats on both floors, circling overhead, ultimately landing on Julian Lawson and the deep blue tanzanite.

At the same time, the drone palace lantern above the villa began to burst into fireworks, with long fiery tassels silently flowing in the tranquil night sky.

Beautiful, stunning, dazzling.

Until it disappeared.

The lights inside came back on again.

Only then did the previously silent interior break out into a massive commotion.

"Clap clap clap clap..."

The applause was enormous, and the buzz of discussion was several times louder than before.

Even outside the villa, with good soundproofing, the loud noises could be heard.

"Something must’ve happened!"

"Get the scoop, why hasn’t anyone found out even a hint after all this time?"

"No idea, everyone who knows is being secretive, and they all have money to spare, even offering big bucks won’t buy information!"

"What’s really going on, I can’t take it anymore!"

"We need to contact the others quickly, get them over here, as soon as this second half is over, we’ll immediately block the exits with numbers!"

"Got it!"

"Get people, gather the troops quickly!"

"Bring everyone, even the company’s cleaning staff!"

"Not just the cleaners, even the dogs need to be brought over!"

Paparazzi and reporters surrounding the villa immediately contacted their associates, countless people and vehicles rushed over to block the area!

The inside was even more chaotic.

"This is too incredible, oh my god, this event is enough for me to brag about for ages, even when I’m 80 years old I’ll be telling my great-grandchildren about it!"

"Me too, me too, it was so exciting, 823 really has guts, even as a man I find her impressive."

"President Lawson was also really charming, setting off the Sky Lantern, throwing in unlimited coins, and ultimately successfully winning the lot, both sides were evenly matched!"

"I admire 823 more, without any other advantages, she could repeatedly push Julian Lawson’s psychological limits, calmly retreating at the critical point, she is truly an exemplary woman!"

"Who would’ve thought, originally I thought it was just a nondescript tanzanite worth a million, but it ended up causing such a thrilling auction! Even Old Master Ford personally came to host the auction, it truly witnessed history!"

...

The crowd cheered and debated, while Vera Hansen’s eyes sparkled brightly.

"Brother Julian, you actually did all this for me..." Her eyes moistened slightly, "Thank you, Brother Julian, I can die without regrets now."

As she said these words, Vera Hansen felt incredibly moved inside.

Lighting the Sky Lantern for her, increasing the whole venue’s bid 25 times for her, once the charity auction banquet ends, she will instantly become a top socialite in Aeston.

From this moment forward, Serena Sterling will pose no threat whatsoever.

What does it matter that Serena was once Julian Lawson’s wife?

What does it matter that Serena spent seven years with Julian Lawson?

What does it matter that Serena was pregnant with Julian Lawson’s child!

None of it compares to her, Vera Hansen!

As the wife of the top Lawson Group’s President Julian Lawson, it must be her, Vera Hansen!

Yet Julian Lawson, listening to Vera Hansen’s words, merely glanced at her without saying more.

The tanzanite.

Initially, he merely asked if Vera Hansen liked it, but after the intermission, he knew it was not for Vera Hansen that he bid on it.

Julian Lawson looked up at the woman slowly returning to her seat in the shadowy corner, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

This woman can always easily affect his judgment and emotions.

A few words on the rooftop made him realize he desired that tanzanite not because of Vera Hansen.

And her bidding tactics, psychological warfare.

She is always so mysterious while he is transparent before her.

A cold glint flashed in Julian Lawson’s eyes.

He had already told her on the rooftop not to follow, had she calculated everything subsequent at that moment?

Since he set off the Sky Lantern, her bids were 5 million, 10 million, increasing by 5 and 10 times respectively, everything was just right.

When Old Master Ford took stage, they bidded on the spot, her bids were 15 million, 20 million, offering, observing his psychological change, then smartly withdrawing.

She had him perfectly under control.

Even Julian Lawson had to admit, even though she made him spend more money to win that tanzanite, even though he was embarrassed by the bidding on site.

Yet, at this moment his feelings toward her aren’t dislike.

But admiration.

Whether it’s her courage, her methods, or her psychological understanding and control of him, she’s top-notch.

He may have won, but also lost.

She lost, yet also won.

Who exactly is she?

Meanwhile, in the semi-raised platform on the second floor, the lights slowly darkened, Percival Ford watched the woman below walk into the shadows.

"No wonder she’s his daughter, if he were still alive..."

Then, as the lights fully dimmed, Percival Ford sighed deeply, shaking his head.

No ’ifs’.

Just like how he once lost his proud son to the sea, that once-dashing man also fell from a tall building, dying before his most beloved daughter.

"Let’s head back, I’m feeling a bit tired." Percival Ford’s voice suddenly aged in that moment.

He, Percival Ford, was nothing but an 80-year-old man nearing his end.

"Yes."

...

On the second floor, at seat 823, Serena Sterling sat quietly.

Suddenly feeling a bit weary, she leaned back onto the sofa.

Not long ago, she had miscarried from a car accident and fallen down stairs, her body still struggling.

Jasper Ford, having watched all this, was almost thrilled enough to leap up.

"Irene, I’m so proud of you!"

Jasper Ford excitedly whispered, "You’ve solved the problem with my grandfather, and even when Julian Lawson set off the Sky Lantern, you managed to pull through at a dead-end."

"What seemed like an impossibly dire situation, tackling such thorny issues, you resolved it all."

"How did you do it!"

Serena Sterling glanced at the burning scented candle on the table, its flame flickering a bright yellow.

How did she do it?

Her mind returned to her father’s gentle smiling face once more.

It’s just that, having lost a lot.

Gradually, she learned.

It’s simply that she once loved deeply enough, to understand profoundly.

She understood from listening to Julian Lawson’s advice on the rooftop.

Matters that cannot be achieved.

But she stubbornly wanted to do it.

The Sheridan family’s training, her years of struggle and insights, were never child’s play.

She is Serena Sterling.

Not Mrs. Lawson, but the eldest Miss of the Sheridan Family, Serena Sterling.

"But what about the tanzanite?" Jasper Ford worriedly asked at last, "Are you just going to let Julian Lawson give the tanzanite to Vera Hansen?"

He knew it was something she prepared for the child.

This time, she brought it out for charity to help sick kids.

If it ultimately goes to Vera Hansen...

Serena Sterling didn’t answer immediately but lifted her gaze toward Julian Lawson over there.