Chapter 697 That Piece Is Stunning!


    "Mr. Green actually paid such arge amount for a piece created by Aurora. It really makes me wonder if there might be more to their rtionship."


    "Why did Mr. Riley withdraw from the bidding? I was sure he''d go head-to-head with Mr. Gorman."


    "Did you see that? Ms. Walton held him back from bi more. It looks like their connection runs deeper than mere


    friendship."


    "It seems Mr. Riley genuinely appreciates Aurora''s art. I was starting to think he might have fallen for..."


    "Shh, keep it down. If Ms. Walton catches wind of that, it could upset her."


    "Given the turn of events, if Ms. Walton is upset, Mr. Riley surely will be as well. We ought to treat Ms. Walton with extra


    courtesy from now on."


    These snippets of animated conversation reached Linsey''s ears.


    She maintained a stoic expression and cast her gaze downward, feeling that much had shifted during her absence from


    Grester.


    Initially, the changes in Collin had hurt, but the more she heard, the more reconciled she felt.


    Linsey considered that her decision to attend the event tonight was validated.


    She had clearly seen Collin''s position and felt a sense of relief about her own emotions.


    She anticipated that soon, Collin might not evoke any emotional response in her at all.


    "Linsey, are you doing okay?" Gorman asked.


    Linsey came back to the present and shook her head slightly. "I''m fine."


    After a moment, she turned to Gorman and murmured, "Thank you for such a spirited bid on my piece, and for


    contributing significantly to charity tonight."


    Gorman''s face warmed, his smile tender.


    "


    ''As long as it brings you joy, it''spletely worthwhile." He let out a teasingugh and added, "It appears Collin admires. your work as well. It''s unfortunate he didn''t continue to bid. With his means, he could have easily matched my offers. I''m


    fortunate to have won your piece in the end. It seems you''ve quite the fan base." Linsey offered a weak smile and softly said, "Stop teasing."


    Gorman continued to gaze at her, his smile unwavering. "I''m serious. Your talent alone wouldmand a high price, regardless of me or Collin."


    0.0%


    17:27


    < Chapter 697 That Piece Is Stunning!


    Moved by his earnest tone, Linsey found herself touched.


    She faced Gorman, her smile broadening sincerely.


    Her expression was undeniably warmer this time.


    New items were sessively presented on stage.


    While the audience was abuzz with excitement and anticipation, Linsey felt detached.


    Part of her disinterest derived from theck of appealing items.


    Yet another factor yed a role. Despite Collin sitting quietly next to her, she found it difficult topletely disregard his


    presence.


    Linsey continually reminded herself that Collin had moved on.


    Moreover, even without Haven''s return to Collin''s life, their divorce four years prior had set their paths apart.


    She believed that their lives were meant to unfold separately, without ovep.


    Time progressed swiftly, and soon, the final auction item was unveiled.


    As the covering was removed, revealing the item inside the ss case, a collective gasp filled the room.


    "Amazing! That piece is stunning!"


    "It''s clear why this is the auction''sst piece. It''s truly magnificent."


    "Who could be worthy of such an exquisite ne?"


    Linsey was caught by thements, her attention drawn to the stage. In an


    instant, herposed expression transformed


    into one of astonishment.


    100.0%


    17:27