CHAPTER 53: CHAPTER 53: GROUP PHOTO AT THE END

The charity auction gala continues.

There are still numerous items to follow, with different people continuously placing bids, though none as thrilling as before.

Serena Sterling is waiting.

Her fingertips slowly scroll down the list of auction items, finally pausing on one.

Then—

"The next auction item is a 6-carat Myrland Pigeon Blood Ruby pendant..."

This is Julian Lawson’s second bid of the night.

He ultimately secured the pendant for 28 million.

Watching this, Serena Sterling smirked sarcastically.

He is still the same.

Just like over a month ago, after learning about the birthstone meanings of Tanzanite and Turquoise, he had told her—

"It doesn’t matter. My child, Julian Lawson’s child, deserves the most expensive diamonds, like the Pink Star."

She could almost imagine what Julian Lawson was thinking right now—[My woman, Julian Lawson’s woman, deserves the expensive Pigeon Blood Ruby. A 1 million Tanzanite is something I can’t gift; it would be an embarrassment if she wore it out.]

Time slowly passed, and finally, it was time for the final auction item.

"This isn’t a physical item; it is a collection of paintings by the selected underprivileged children, a total of twenty pieces. Everyone can choose one or several pieces to bid on, and 100% of the proceeds will go to charity."

At other auctions, the highlight would be a very rare item, but this is a charity gala, so using these paintings as the final item, though not costly, is very meaningful.

Serena Sterling looked at these paintings but did not raise her 823-numbered bidding paddle.

Instead, she glanced at Jasper Ford next to her.

Jasper Ford understood her intention: "Which one do you like?"

Serena Sterling smiled, taping a painting on her tablet, and said, "This one by little Seraphina."

It depicts a cactus under the sun, simple but something she likes very much.

Jasper Ford nodded and used his paddle to bid for it.

Both knew that it wasn’t appropriate to bid with the 823 number anymore.

Nonetheless, they were both invited guests, so they each had a bidding number.

Jasper Ford’s 811 number is quite inconspicuous, so even if they sat together, it didn’t matter; they just had to raise the paddle. After all, it was quite normal for people on the second floor to move around and network.

No rule stated that only one person could sit per seat.

Once the bidding was over, the charity auction gala was nearing its end, leaving only some performances and the final group photo.

Julian Lawson generally dislikes participating in such group photos, but Vera Hansen looked at him pitifully, so he reluctantly joined.

Everyone else made way for him at the center, but he merely frowned and stood at the very edge in the back.

As for Serena Sterling and Jasper Ford, they stood at the furthest end from Julian Lawson.

In the center, other celebrities jostled for position.

"Alright, everyone, look at the camera! One, two, three!"

"Click!"

A group photo was taken.

"Okay, let’s do another one. One, two, three!"

During the second group photo, Julian Lawson was visibly impatient but, for some reason, glanced at the other two at the far end.

The masked woman was saying something softly to Jasper Ford, her lips curling into a smile, looking gentle and beautiful, unlike when she looked at him before.

[This time, Jasper Ford found a decent woman, better taste than before.] — Julian Lawson thought.

"Click!"

The second group photo was taken.

It was only after hearing the shutter sound that Julian Lawson withdrew his gaze and turned to look at Vera Hansen beside him.

Completely unaware of Julian Lawson’s actions, Vera Hansen was busy striking poses.

"Last one! Look at the camera!"

Serena Sterling was in a good mood.

Her phone had just buzzed, indicating a transfer of funds.

The Tanzanite was hers; although she had initially sold it to Jasper Ford, they privately agreed on terms.

The donor contribution percentage for this auction was 70%, except for the first kickoff Ming Dynasty antique at 50% and the final children’s paintings at 100%. All others were at a 70% contribution.

Therefore, from the 25 million, 70% was donated, leaving 30%, which amounts to 7.5 million, leaving a substantial amount even after taxes.

The Ford Group always acts promptly, so the funds had already been sent to Jasper Ford, who transferred them to her.

She would collect the cactus painting later, as these items could be stored.

"The outcome isn’t bad." Serena Sterling said to Jasper Ford.

The Tanzanite she had was initially worth 1 million, but after donating 70%, she still had so much left.

Jasper Ford sighed helplessly: "But the Tanzanite still ended up with him."

Serena Sterling shook her head and smiled: "This is already the best outcome. Originally, that Tanzanite was intended to be auctioned off for children’s charity, and now I even profited, providing more funds for charity, quite good."

They had already signed a divorce and property division agreement at the civil office a few days prior.

For major corporations like the Lawson Corporation, to safeguard the group’s interests, they had a prenuptial agreement when they got married, so she decisively gave up a lot, only to leave a way to reclaim the Sheridan Family’s old ties.

During the halftime on the rooftop, she had already decided that her final price was 20 million.

Thinking of this, Serena Sterling looked over to the other end at Julian Lawson.

He was looking down at Vera Hansen, lost in thought, his profile tranquil and impassive, making it difficult to fathom his intentions.

"Click!"

The third group photo was taken.

"Alright, the photo session is over, thank you everyone," the photographer said, and Serena Sterling shifted her gaze.

With the photoshoot done, Serena Sterling and Jasper Ford turned and left.

While Julian Lawson and Vera Hansen were surrounded by others.

"President Lawson, I’m from Xu Xu Construction..."

"President Lawson, I am... may we get acquainted?"

"President Lawson..."

Many people started conversations with Julian Lawson, but he had no interest in responding.

At this moment, many turned to Vera Hansen.

"Miss Vera, you look beautiful today. I’ve read about your accomplishments online and admire you greatly."

"Indeed, Miss Vera is very compassionate, coming here specifically for the charity gala tonight."

"Does Miss Vera have other plans afterward? Our company has proposals in this regard..."

...

Vera Hansen graciously responded, smiling all the way.

Standing beside her, Julian Lawson felt slightly impatient. He lifted his head and looked through the crowd, catching sight of the pair leaving side by side.

For some inexplicable reason, he felt a hint of irritation rising within.

Withdrawing his gaze, he glanced down at Vera Hansen, who was still mingling with everyone.

"Let’s go," he said.

Vera Hansen then lifted her head: "Oh, alright."

The others dared not block their path and dispersed.

Some stayed inside the villa, but most began heading out.

At this point, outside the villa, all sorts of camera equipment had been set up.

"Is it almost over?"

"Yes, they just finished taking photos and are about to come out."

"Everyone gets ready, once people come out, immediately occupy the best spots!"

"Got it!"

...

And so, the villa doors, which had been closed for some time, finally began to slowly open.