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While the onlookers speculated, the sound of high heels echoed.
Cordelia saw Nelly walk in on her high horse as the tassels of her shawl swayed with her movement. Her chin was
tipped up as she looked down like she was scorning everyone—until she saw Cordelia.
She paused, and her gaze stayed on Cordelia for a moment before a mocking smile pulled her lips up.
“Ah, Ms. Tanner!” The auction host went to welcome her.
Someone in the crowd said swiftly, “I heard that Mr. Tanner’s passed the whole Tanner Group to her!”
“She’s the youngest female president among the four major families now! It’s no wonder her appearance was
grander than a president’s!”
Nelly slowly approached Cordelia. A flash of cold contempt gleamed in her eyes.
“Ms. Jenner, it’s been a while!”
“Yeah, it’s been a while.” Cordelia knew that Nelly did not have any good intentions. “Heh, what’s keeping you up
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtrecently, Ms. Tanner? Busy inheriting your family business?”
“It’s alright!” Nelly crossed her arms. “Dad’s passed the Tanner Group for me to run, so I’ve been occupied
recently!”
“You should inform me of your day off no matter how busy you are,” Cordelia said with a smile. “The western
suburbs’ project hasn’t ended yet. It’s been three weeks since there’s an update on the part the Tanner Group is in
charge of!”
There were snickers from the crowd as soon as the words were spoken.
Nelly glared at Cordelia.
Cordelia said seriously, “Nelly Tanner, I don’t care what family business you have to inherit. I’m your boss in the
western suburbs’ project! According to the agreement, you missing work for no reason and not reporting the
progress to me allows me to break the contract with the Tanner Group from my side!”
“You—”
“I’ll remember this and let it slide this time, but you won’t get away so easily the next time. Understand?”
Nelly was furious but could not retort at all.
What Cordelia had said was reasonable and justified. The onlookers chuckled and went off to socialize, ignoring
Nelly.
Nelly had assumed that her grand appearance would be able to intimidate everyone, but she still failed to get what
she wanted ultimately… She pressed her lips together and gnashed her teeth.
A while later, the host went up the stage and showed the paintings that would be auctioned. They were all painted
by female artists, and some of them were old but increasing in value—like “The Fireflies’ Light” in the center.
Cordelia’s heart lurched as she stared at the painting with widened eyes.
“This is…”
“Fireflies with double sets of wings.” Janine looked at her. “Look who drew this.”
Cordelia felt like her heart was about to leap out of her throat.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe bottom right corner of the painting had one word written clearly—Xyla.
“Mom…” Cordelia murmured, “It’s my mom?”
Janine nodded with a smile.
“She painted this when we were still schoolgirls. We were in the same international school, and I was just right next
to her when she painted this.”
Cordelia was thrilled. She had never known that her mother was so talented.
“But why’s her painting here?”
“I’m not sure either,” said Janine. “This painting could already be sold at a decent price back then. Maybe it’s been
passed around outside and ultimately collected by this auction place.
“This is also the reason I brought you here.” Janine looked at Cordelia. “Your mom loved doing charity when she
was young. This is a charity auction too. If this painting can be sold for a good price, the proceeds will go to
impoverished places.
“I believe that your mom will be happy to see that happen!”
“Let me call her then!” Cordelia was ecstatic.
“Better not…” Janine stopped her and looked like she was reluctant to say more.
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