Chapter 479

The phone call linked almost instantly.

Vincent was occupied with work. "What is it?"

Bobby laughed under his breath. "Guess who I just spotted here?"

Vincent's expression tightened subtly. "Who?"

Bobby rattled off quickly, "Hannah! That scoundrel Claude escorted her to the charity auction gala to introduce her to his parents. The scene was quite a spectacle!"

Abruptly, the line on the opposite side dropped into absolute quiet. Bobby could even catch the sound of Vincent's breath growing heavier and restrained.

Moments later, Vincent's reply cut through, each syllable cold and precise."Where are you?"

Bobby immediately forwarded him the location.

Inside the charity auction gala, every guest was obligated to contribute a personal belonging for bidding.The full revenue would be donated.

The auction proceeded in a structured sequence, the mood becoming steadily more spirited.

Piece after piece, glittering gems, masterworks, and heirlooms appeared before the crowd, sparking waves of offers from attendees.

Lindsay stayed closely linked with Evelyn's arm, occasionally leaning in to murmur remarks about the pieces, her voice steeped in condescension.

Hannah remained composed beside Claude.

The auctioneer's commanding tone carried over the audience. "Next up-a retro mechanical wristwatch,

provided by an unnamed contributor. Starting bid: one million."

Under the glaring lights, the men's mechanical timepiece appeared plain, almost obsolete, clashing with the radiant ornaments and renowned canvases.

"Ha-" Lindsay's derisive giggle shattered the hush. She covered her lips as though faced with something absurd."Oh dear, who would submit such a pitiful item here? Nowadays, an old battered watch marked at a million? Who could possibly want it? It's laughable!"

While sneering, Lindsay purposely angled her head toward Evelyn, fishing for support.

Yet, the anticipated agreement never arrived. The three members of the Hobbes household stayed strangely muted.

Terrell's countenance darkened swiftly, his eyes edged with irritation and slight insult.

Evelyn's smile stiffened midway; she discreetly tugged Lindsay's sleeve, urging her to hold her tongue.

Claude's forehead creased even more.

Hannah interjected, breaking the weight of silence, "I believe this piece is rather distinctive."

Terrell swiveled toward Hannah abruptly, traces of surprise flashing. "Oh? Ms. Scott, you find it distinctive?For what reason?"

"This watch, though outdated in design... the face is tinted, and the strap bears marks of wear..." Hannah hesitated briefly, her gaze locking back onto the piece. "It's been carefully preserved. Judging by its condition and the steady ticking, it must have been treasured deeply. Likely/ gifted by someone important,bearing sentimental worth beyond its price. That's why I findit distinctive."

Terrell looked into Hannah's clear eyes, feeling a tremendous wave of emotion. That timepiece had indeed been his late father's graduation gift. It never bore any luxury label, but it had been bought with hard-earned savings. It had stayed with him through the harshest early struggles of his career, among his dearest keepsakes. He submitted it to the auction intending to quietly support charity. He never imagined this young woman could discern its story so swiftly.

Terrell paused for several seconds and then inclined his head. "You have remarkable insight, Ms. Scott." His manner softened at once, his eyes on Hannah filled with respect.

Claude, standing nearby, could not hide a satisfied grin.

Lindsay, watching the Hobbes family's attention rest on Hannah, sulked with irritation. It was nothing but a shabby trinket; what could be so noteworthy?

At that moment, the auctioneer smoothly picked up again. "Opening bid: one million. Commence bidding!"

Still, the hall remained hushed. Most present failed to recognize the value or dismissed it as irrelevant.

Lindsay looked all the more scornful.

Terrell was about to raise his paddle to bid on the watch when Hannah beat him to it.

"One million," the auctioneer declared, pointing to Hannah.

No further voices joined in.

Hannah claimed the timepiece at the initial figure without resistance.

Lindsay eyed Hannah and broke into another laugh. "Ms. Scott, you seriously purchased it? Wasting a million on something so unworthy of this venue? You certainly have peculiar judgment! Whoever contributed that piece, even if it's charity, ought to have provided something fitting, not something worthless, and yet dared to label it at a million."

Claude murmured with amusement,"Idiot."

The Hobbes family turned their eyes toward Lindsay with clear disapproval.

Lindsay felt their stares and asked in bafflement,"Why are you watching me like that? I haven't said anything wrong."