Winnie Summers glanced hesitantly at Joanna Dunn and Melody Summers. Seeing her hesitation, Joanna Dunn smiled and said, "This is wonderful. Go get your gift; we’ll wait for you out here."

...

Winnie Summers followed the auctioneer into a VIP lounge. The auctioneer took out an exquisite box and handed it to her.

Winnie Summers took the box and gently lifted the lid, greeted by the sight of an exquisite Jade Pendant.

The jadeite was warm and smooth to the touch, with a gentle luster. Its color was like a pool of turquoise water—crystalline and translucent, with the distinct, steely glint characteristic of high-quality glass-type jadeite.

The shape of the pendant was also unique. Its center was a smooth, unadorned plaque, framed by a circle of intricately carved, magnificent peonies. The head and neck of a phoenix could be faintly seen emerging from amidst the flowers. The craftsmanship was superb, the lines fluid and natural—clearly the work of a master.

Even someone like Winnie Summers, who knew nothing about jadeite, could tell that this Jade Pendant must be incredibly valuable.

Just then, an elderly gentleman slowly approached. His steps were steady and firm, his expression was rather serious, and his deep, bright eyes held a gleam of worldly wisdom.

Seeing the elderly gentleman, the auctioneer introduced him to Winnie Summers. "This gentleman is the original owner of this piece. He’s the one who provided this gift for our auction."

Winnie Summers politely greeted the man, then placed the Jade Pendant on the table and gracefully declined. "This is too valuable. I can’t accept it."

Winnie Summers had assumed the gift the auctioneer mentioned would be a simple souvenir, perhaps a pin or a small token. She never expected it to be something so valuable.

It was a reward without merit, and she simply couldn’t accept the piece of jadeite.

Mr. Rhodes glanced at the pendant in the box and said in a solemn voice, "...Please, take it. This pendant originally belonged to my wife, but sadly, she passed away a long time ago. I’m an old man now. In a few more years, I’ll be joining her. Before I go, I want to find it a new owner."

Hearing this made Winnie Summers feel it would be even more inappropriate to accept.

She quickly tried to refuse, "Something this important, I really can’t accept... You should leave it for your other relatives."

Mr. Rhodes fell silent for a moment, then he slowly said, "...After my wife passed, the only family I had left to care about was my son... Unfortunately, my son and I aren’t close. He’s getting on in years himself, but he refuses to find a wife, no matter what. I don’t know how to convince him."

Winnie Summers smiled at his words and replied, "These things depend on fate. You can’t rush them. When the time is right, it will happen naturally."

As Winnie Summers spoke, she pushed the Jade Pendant back toward Mr. Rhodes. "You should keep this jadeite for your son."

Mr. Rhodes was silent for a moment, then asked, "Do you not like this pendant? I heard the item you bid on earlier was also a jade pendant. I thought you liked these things."

’Otherwise, I wouldn’t have rushed to call my butler and have someone bring this pendant over.’

Hearing this, Winnie Summers smiled and replied, "The pendant I bid on... it looks very similar to one my father once gave my mother. Unfortunately, my younger sister broke that one, so I bought this new one as a gift for my mother."

Mr. Rhodes nodded in understanding.

He nodded and sighed wistfully, "So that’s why. You’re such a devoted daughter... not like my son..."

At this, Mr. Rhodes sighed deeply, a look of helplessness crossing his face.

He slowly shook his head and continued, "The relationship between my son and me has never been good. In the early years, I was busy with work and neglected him and his mother. He’s always blamed me for it..."

Hearing him say this, Winnie Summers’s heart went out to him. She quickly comforted him, "Please don’t be too sad. Maybe with time, the conflict between you will slowly resolve. After all, blood is thicker than water, and family ties can’t be severed."

Mr. Rhodes looked at Winnie Summers, nodded, and said solemnly, "Let’s hope so..."

...

Meanwhile, after Winnie Summers left, Melody Summers excused herself to get some fresh air. She left the reception room and made her way to a nearby emergency exit.

Albus jumped out from the stairwell and leaped onto Melody Summers.

Melody Summers stroked Albus and asked, "Well? Did you see anything? What’s the situation with Joanne White?"

Albus replied in Melody Summers’s mind:

"Host, I didn’t see Joanne White, but... I saw your birth parents!"

Melody Summers: "..."

Melody Summers: "Huh?!"

******

Inside the Simmons Family’s duplex presidential suite, the dining table—once laden with delicious food—was now covered in cold scraps. Wine glasses, bowls, and plates were scattered across it in complete disarray.

Robert Lancaster had already departed, leaving Bernard Simmons and Elaine Hughes alone.

Elaine Hughes felt her entire body go limp. She had no strength in her arms or legs, as if her body no longer belonged to her.

A pleased smile touched the corners of Bernard Simmons’s lips. He carefully supported Elaine Hughes, leading her slowly to the bedroom door.

He then gently pushed open the door and guided Elaine Hughes into the room.

This was Paige Walsh’s room.

Bernard Simmons was struck by a whim. ’Sleeping with The Lover in my wife’s room,’ he thought, ’would be even more thrilling.’

To get Paige Walsh out of the way, he had even arranged to have something added to her food to trigger an allergic reaction.

Judging by Paige’s previous reactions, Bernard Simmons knew she would be stuck in the medical bay all night, which gave him the perfect opportunity to have his way with Elaine Hughes.

Paige Walsh’s room was filled with a faint fragrance. Moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow on the large bed. Together with the rose petals scattered across the mattress, it lent the entire room an amorous atmosphere.

Elaine Hughes realized Bernard Simmons had laid her on the bed. She struggled to sit up, her words tumbling out. "No... stop... Bernard Simmons, you can’t do this..."

Bernard Simmons easily suppressed Elaine Hughes’s resistance. He whispered in her ear, "Elaine, you know I’ve always liked you... From the first time I saw you when we were kids, it was love at first sight... Don’t reject me, okay?"

Elaine Hughes had no strength in her limbs, but her mind was exceptionally clear.

She wasn’t a fool. By now, how could she not understand what was happening?

She had been sold out by Robert Lancaster!

Robert Lancaster had used her as a bargaining chip for his own benefit, selling her to Bernard Simmons!

Elaine Hughes was both shocked and heartbroken. Tears welled up uncontrollably, blurring her vision.

She felt as if her heart were being ripped in two, the despair so overwhelming she could barely breathe.

She had never imagined that she would one day be betrayed by someone so close to her.

Seeing Elaine Hughes crying, Bernard Simmons quickly raised his hand and gently wiped the tears from her cheeks.

With a look of pained concern, he soothed, "Elaine, don’t cry... Rest assured, I’ll be very gentle."

Elaine Hughes glared at Bernard Simmons, her teeth gritted. "Bernard Simmons, don’t you dare! I’m a married woman!"

Bernard Simmons just chuckled softly. His gaze burned as it fixed on Elaine Hughes’s beautiful eyes. "I don’t care, Elaine," he answered gently. "We’ve been apart for so many years. Now our love can finally come to fruition. Aren’t you happy?"

As he spoke, Bernard Simmons raised his hand to stroke Elaine Hughes’s slender neck.

He had eyes only for Elaine Hughes, his expression like that of a devout worshipper.

But to Elaine Hughes, Bernard Simmons seemed completely insane!

She struggled to avoid his hand and said sharply, "Don’t forget, you’re married too! Aren’t you afraid your wife will find out?"

Bernard Simmons shook his head nonchalantly. "There’s no love between her and me, Elaine. From start to finish, I’ve only ever loved you. My time with other women was just an act... As long as I have you, I don’t need any other woman..."

Bernard Simmons’s eyes brimmed with deep emotion. He caressed Elaine Hughes’s lips and murmured, "You might not believe me, but after all these years, you’ve always been The Lover I could never forget. Be good now. Don’t refuse me, okay?"

Seeing Bernard Simmons about to lean in closer, Elaine Hughes quickly cried, "No, you can’t!"

But how could Bernard Simmons possibly listen to her? He ignored Elaine Hughes’s struggles and placed a kiss on her slender neck.

Elaine Hughes took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves, and said to Bernard Simmons, "Bernard Simmons!... Are you willing to divorce your wife?"

Bernard Simmons’s movements paused. He lifted his head as if he hadn’t heard clearly and asked, "What did you say?"

Elaine Hughes looked into Bernard Simmons’s eyes and said, "You... you divorce your wife first... As long as you get the divorce papers, I’ll... I’ll agree to be with you!"