CHAPTER 109: GRAND MORESI AUCTION HOUSE [CHRISTIAN POV]

One Week Later.

"Why hasn’t he been put into jail yet? We’ve provided more than enough evidence about his abuse!" I roared over the phone.

"Christian, trust me, I’ve been back and forth with the lawyer every day this week. There are just too many alibis to sort through. I also suspect the Moresis are using all of their connections to get them to drop the case," replied Zach on the other end.

I felt like smashing something. I promised Leslie that I would take care of the situation, but even after gathering concrete evidence and testimonies from Karl’s previous abuse victims, he was still walking freely on the streets.

"I’m sorry, man. I’m doing everything I can with the legal team that you sent me. They’re still fighting, hopefully the next hearing will be in our favor," Zach sighed.

I knew better than to take out my anger on Zach, so I took a deep breath, "Keep me updated. I have to go. Today is the season launch, and I’m going to do my best to dig for evidence while I’m there."

"Alright, man. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do," said Zach before hanging up.

I put my phone into my pocket and looked at myself in the mirror. Tonight’s event wasn’t scheduled until the evening, but as a representative of Sophia, I needed to show up earlier.

Today, I opted to wear a dark navy blue suit since I knew that the entire collection was centered around sapphires. On my left wrist was the watch that Leslie purchased for me, matching the rest of the silver and sapphire accessories that I was wearing.

As I checked myself over, I was busy thinking of ways to get myself further into the auction house today. I was confident that while they hid a lot of the evidence, they couldn’t possibly move everything.

"Sir, it’s almost time to go," Jonathan said, walking over beside me.

I nodded, "Okay, let’s go pick up my beautiful bride." My voice was laced with a tinge of sarcasm, and he knew it.

The plan was that I would pick up Morgan and Leslie and take them to the auction house for the event. There was a little over an hour before the event began, so we had to head out now if we didn’t want to be late.

-

"Oh, Christian’s here!"

I heard Morgan’s loud voice coming from inside the house. I really wasn’t in the mood to deal with her today, but it wasn’t avoidable today.

Before I could knock on the front door, the door swung open, and Morgan came running out.

"Christian! I missed you so much! I’m so excited to see you today!" she exclaimed happily.

Behind her, Leslie smiled at me calmly. Everything appeared to be fine until I noticed an extra piece of jewelry on her ring finger.

Noticing my gaze, she covered it with her other hand. A new burst of anger flared up inside of me, not at Leslie, but at Karl.

That pig deserves to rot in jail for the rest of his life.

Morgan noticed my surprise as I saw the ring on Leslie’s finger and smiled, "Oh, you probably don’t know. My lovely sister just recently got engaged. Now both of the Moresi ladies are taken."

Never before have I found Morgan’s voice to be so ear-grating as it was right now. To prevent her from irritating me further, I pulled her over to the car. "Come, we need to get going or we’ll be late."

Morgan didn’t notice the coldness in my words and happily hopped into my car. I turned to help Leslie in, holding out my hand for her to hold on to as she entered the car.

She seemed bothered by the fact that she was wearing the ring, but accepted my outstretched hand.

"You look beautiful tonight," I whispered, squeezing her hand a few times to tell her that there was nothing to worry about.

She smiled in response and got into the car.

We drove to the Moresi auction house in relative silence. Morgan would occasionally tell me about some recent events, but Leslie remained quiet.

"Christian, do you think you could reserve a piece for me tonight? I would love to own a season launch exclusive piece," she said, fluttering her eyelashes at me.

Her request wasn’t surprising to me, but I slowly shook my head. "Forgive me, but this I cannot do. All of the executives agreed that we were not allowed to reserve or bid on any of the season launch pieces."

Morgan pouted when she heard my response. "I see, that’s unfortunate. I’ll just have to try and bid on my own there. What sort of fiancée would I be if I didn’t support my future husband’s business?"

"Then I will thank you in advance," I smiled.

-

We finally arrived in front of the Grand Moresi Auction House. The word ’grand’ was very fitting, as the entire building resembled a Mediterranean palace. The white stucco walls and red tile roof covered the exterior of the building.

Outside, large statues of angels and fountains decorated the walkway up to the main entrance. The manicured gardens rivaled the ones at the Moresi mansion, with many rare and beautiful flowers on display. Though it wasn’t my first time here, I never bothered to have a good look around.

Limousines and luxury cars could be seen pulling up to the venue. Everyone was dressed in their finest clothing, showing off their family’s status and wealth by their choice of attire.

As soon as Morgan stepped out, she pulled her arm around me, making sure that everyone nearby saw us together.

Leslie followed us a few steps behind. I realized that her silence bothered me more and more. I was used to the silly, chatty Leslie who loved to laugh. Seeing her so quiet and appearing as if she was attending a funeral, made me want to wrap her in my arms.

Hopefully, once we’re inside, she’ll cheer up a bit more. This is her night, after all.