Onlookers and reporters once again turned their surprised nces towards Evadne


    “My apologies. Ms. Iris I didn’t realize you were waiting for me.”


    Evadne was somewhat taken aback, causing the usually calm andposed Evadne to blush a little.


    Behind her sunsses, Iris’s eyes twinkled with a friendly smile. “No worries, you’ve been busy tonight.”


    She then draped an arm around Evadne, as intimate as sisters, and grinned at the reporters, “Guys, could you take a few shots of us together?” Evadne’s eyes widened in surprise


    Good heavens! What a sight!


    The notoriously high and mighty fashion maven, Iris, actively seeking a photo op with someone else


    President Ashbourne was indeed extraordinary. Her charm even made countless prominent figures bend over backwards to impress her


    The expressions of Glynnis and Edith, the pair of rising stars, crumbled


    Especially Edith, who was left in the dust. The humiliation rushed to her head, causing a loud ringing in her ears.


    Why? Why?


    Did Evadne have honey on her? Was the attracting all these bigwigs like bees to a flower?


    She didnt understand!


    Despite trying to maintain herposure, Evadne felt her heart was pounding like a kettle that had been boiling for far too long ad she posed for photos with Iris The face she had lost earlier was somewhat regained at that moment.


    After the photoshoot, Evadne and Iris found a quiet corner to chat


    “Ms. Ins. I really appreciate what you did earlier


    Evadnes voice was sincere. “As you saw. I ran into some trouble tonight. By taking a photo with me you showed your support and helped me regain some dignity” “Ms Evadne


    1 know I’m hosting this event, and we’re in the same boat. You helped me to ensure the event is sessful”


    Evadne smiled wryly, fully aware of the situation. “Anyway, I’m very grateful for your help”


    “No, Ms. Evadne My assistance has nothing to do with whether or not were working together!


    Iris looked at her kindly like an elder it’s because of your brother, Cassius. He asked me to help you as much as possible at this event, to take good care of you.” Evadne’s eyes widened with surprise


    Cassius was always such a worrier, always afraid that she’d get bullied. So even if he couldn’t appear in person, he’d make sure to prepare everything for her in advance But Iris’s feelings for Cassius were far from simple!


    Cassius, knowing iris had a crush on him and still taking advantage of her, How could he


    “Ms. Evadne, I know Ada canceled her coboration with you. That must have been hard”


    Iris adjusted her sunsses, her expression serious Tve known Ada for many years, and we have a good rt Enship. I talk to her about the wedding nning rights. Hopefully, I can help you more.”


    “No, no, no” Evadne quickly shook her head. “You’ve already helped me enought I’d feel quit


    helped me any more?


    “Are you afraid of owing me a favour, youngdy?”


    Ins patted her shoulder gently, her tone warm. Don’t worry I’m happy to do this for you, and I’ve never expected anything in return. Cassius must have told you how much I care about him, right?”


    Evadne pressed her l*ps together and nodded hard


    “You’re Cassius’s beloved sister, an important part of his family. The people he cherishes are precious to me too. I’ve loved him for ten years and never asked for anything in return. As long as he gives me the right to continue loving him, I’m satisfied”


    When Iris mentioned Cassius, her eyes sparkled with a burning love.


    Evadne was at a loss for words. She wanted to know what Cassius had done to this woman to make her so devoted to him.


    Damn, he had her wrapped around his finger


    Outside


    Thaddeus had smoked three cigarettes in the smoking area, but his heart was still heavy


    Seeing that the auction was about to begin, he could only make his way towards the venue with a heavy heart


    Thaddeus, tall and sombre, walked from the left end of the corridor.


    At the other end of the corridor, a handsome man wasing towards him


    They both stopped in front of the venue’s entrance


    Their eyes met, creating a silent tension that was palpable


    Thaddeuss dark gaze was cold and icy as he stared at Avery


    Mr. Avery pushed his gold rimmed sses up, a smirk ying on his face. Mr. Thaddeus, what a coincidence. Are you here to contribute to charty as we


    Thaddeus’s eyes were calm, his l*ps curling up slowly. Tm not as generous as you. I’m only here to support her”


    The women he was referring to could be none other than Evadne


    Avery’s smile froze at the corners of his eyes, his fists clenched tightly


    The main event of the evening, the charity auction, finally began.


    There were two ways to participate in the auction donating items or bidding on items.


    All proceeds would be donated to the national charity fund for charitable causes. Everything would be transparent, with no underhanded dealings


    This year marked the 15th year of Ethereal Vogue’s charity event. Everyone was specting whether this year’s event at the K Orld Hotel would set a new record for the most funds raised


    The arrival of Thaddeus and Avery caused a str


    However since tonight was Evadne’s event they both kept a low profile, sitting at the back of the room, content to be a part of the backdrop.


    Evadne who was oblivious to Avery’s arrival was sitting up front with Iris, asionally whispering and chatting enthusiastically


    Edth, who was several meters away, was green with envy!


    The auction began


    The emcee lifted the red cloth covering the ss disy case, revealing the first item for auction


    This item is from the private collection of the Chairman’s wife of the Chambers Group, a n*e featuring five emerald-cut diamonda’ it’s incredibly rare, a true gem? The crowd gasped in awel


    The was just the first auction item, and boy was it a heavyweight! It brought serious prestige to Evadne’s charity eventi.


    Evadne couldn’t help her surprise hurriedly turning her head to search for Avery in the crowd


    Soon, she spotted his handsome face tucked away in a corner


    Avery caught her surprised gaze instantly and responded with a subtle wave


    With a smile tugging at her red l*ps. Evadne returned his gesture


    Unbeknownst to them, their exchange was witnessed by Thaddeus from across the room


    Ho gaze was fixed unblinkingly on Evadne, her face illuminated by a radiant smile. Hefet a burning sensation in his throat his hand gripping his auction paddle so tightly it was beginning


    to warp