Chapter 342 I Want Aurelia’s Painting 

Gracie frowned. 

She wasn’t like Kayla Lawrences. She had grown up abroad. 

All her businesses were overseas. 

But she was smart, and her business already stretched across seven or eight countries. 

She was one of the more powerful people in this event. 

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Just looking at the emerald bracelet on her wrist, its deep green color, flawless clarity, and rounded design made it clear it was a true masterpiece. 

A rough guess? Worth close to ten million. 

Not to mention, every piece of clothing she wore was custom–made by world–famous designers. 

Pure luxury from head to toe. 

Sparkling jewelry and all, it was impossible not to notice. 

The auctioneer wasn’t the type to flatter or put people down, but even he felt the urge to make a good impression on someone this successful. 

He said, “Actually, we still don’t know who donated the piece. They just said the painting will be shown during the auction.” 

Gracie didn’t press for the person’s identity, 

“Anyway, I have to get this painting,” she said firmly. 

The auctioneer said, “Don’t worry, Ms. Lawrence. I’ll be notified before the auction, and I’ll let you know ahead of time.” 

Gracie was just planning to wait right there anyway, so no special notice was needed. 

But the auctioneer was just trying to butter her up, and she let it go with a nod before returning to her tea. 

Sophie and Emery arrived a bit earlier and sat right next to her. 

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Chapter 342 I Want Aurelia’s Painting 

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Sophie had been fuming a moment ago, but when she saw Gracie, her face softened into a flattering smile. 

She said, “Ms. Lawrence, I promised you before, I’ll make sure you get that painting.” 

Gracie’s expression barely changed. 

“Mm,” she said, then suddenly asked, “Have you found out who the donor is?” 

Sophie smiled slightly. “We haven’t found the donor yet, but everyone here is my friend. If it turns out to be one of them, I can get the painting for you.” 

Gracie didn’t hesitate. 

“Good. If you can make it happen, that project you mentioned before will belong to your family.” 

Sophie’s face lit up with excitement. 

She hadn’t expected that this big international project would end up in the Previns’s hands. 

Before, the Rowlands had been after it, too. 

But Sophie had better instincts. She had started making connections the moment Gracie arrived in Torenridge. 

Years in business had taught her one thing: you can’t succeed without being ruthless. 

Taking the project from the Rowlands didn’t make her feel guilty. If anything, it made her feel that the Rowlands weren’t very capable. 

Her biggest dream was to rise to the top, to be like Ruby–standing at the peak of the social ladder. 

At that point, no one would dare challenge her. 

Whatever she wanted, she could have. 

Maybe Gracie could sense what she was thinking. 

Just then, Stella and Colton walked in. 

They didn’t look as close as before. Even though they walked side by side, they seemed more like friends than a couple. 

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Chapter 342 I Want Aurelia’s Painting 

Sophie sneered. 

Sure enough, they weren’t some perfect, loving pair. 

Hmph. All they do is pretend. It’s useless. 

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What she didn’t notice was that as soon as Stella sat down, Colton stuck close to her like glue. 

“Babe, I was wrong. I should have come before Mr. Eric. 

“You’re still mad? Can’t you forgive me? 

“Next time, I promise I won’t embarrass you. 

“Please, just this once? 

“I’ll cook you your favorite–spaghetti bolognese–today.” 

Stella’s face was still cold as ice. 

Colton nearly fell to his knees in apology. 

But then, in the next moment, Stella’s expression softened a lot. 

Colton froze for a second and glanced toward the door. 

It was Eric and Alice. 

Both of them were strikingly good–looking. Alice was holding Eric’s arm, looking very close and intimate. 

Truly a perfect couple. 

Colton couldn’t help feeling jealous. 

“Babe, when will I get a title like that? 

“Right now, 

all my friends are saying we’re just a fake couple. 

“Look at Ms. Spencer.” 

Stella snapped, annoyed. “Why don’t you look at Mr. Eric and learn something from him?” 

Colton was speechless. 

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Chapter 342 I Want Aurelia’s Painting 

Isn’t that like asking a rookie to become a master overnight? 

That’s impossible! 

He sulked, sticking close to Stella’s side and refusing to move. 

He looked so pitiful. 

Like a big dog that was about to be forgotten. 

Stella turned his face away–every time, she fell for that look. 

But to her surprise, Alice and Eric had actually sat down next to them. 

Stella immediately stood up, acting very polite. 

“Ms. Spencer, you shouldn’t be sitting here.” 

Even though it was just a small art exhibition, the seating arrangements mattered. 

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When Eric came to Torenridge, the head of the Rowlands, Nicollo, had personally gone to pick him up at the airport. 

That alone showed his status. 

By protocol, he should have been seated in the front row. 

The front row came with privileges. 

For example, if an item at the auction started at 10 million, the front row could bid 11 million. The second row might bid 12 million, and then later someone else could bid 15 million. 

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