Chapter 13

Gigi strode toward them. She must have had an urgent matter because she looked visibly agitated. Her face was a little flushed too. She held the folder from earlier in her hand. However, she could not care about anything else at this moment. Anson immediately stepped forward to greet Gigi when he saw her approaching. "Ms. Moore—" But before he could even finish his greeting, Gigi asked coldly, "Mr. Foster, you have just returned to the country, and yet you're already stirring up trouble. What is the meaning of this?" Bernard, taken aback by how Gigi was behaving toward Anson, rebuked her. "It was Andrew who created the problem. But instead of apprehending the culprit, you're blaming Mr. Foster? I'd like to speak to the person in charge!" If it was someone else, they might not have been so resolute. However, on her way there, Gigi had already learned about the details of the entire incident. While she was still in the office earlier, she also learned of a piece of shocking news—Andrew was Doria's husband! Moreover, she knew the employees well. It was almost impossible for them to commit any kind of mistake when it came to such meticulous work. Everything was as clear as day. "Ms. Thompson's currently busy, but she wanted me to pass a message on to Mr. Foster. Only you know whether it's authentic or not. This matter ends here. Stop dragging it on any longer." Doria was not sure who was telling the truth. It was just that she leaned more toward Andrew. If Anson remained relentless, then she would have no choice but to personally investigate the matter. Gigi's words and resoluteness made the already-guilty Anson flustered. If it was up to him, he could easily twist the truth around. However, doing so would be rather troublesome. It would also mar his reputation. Besides, he did not want to leave a bad impression on the Thompsons. He had just returned to the country, and he would inevitably have business dealings with the Thompsons after he took over his family's business. "Now that Ms. Moore has already spoken, it would be rude of me to go against her wishes. Since the bracelet was a donation to charity, it doesn't matter whether my name's mentioned or not." Anson used ambiguity to escape the situation unscathed, neither admitting nor denying the fact. "We shouldn't let this punk off so easily." Bernard was upset about the outcome of the situation. But since Anson himself had already made his decision, Bernard was in no position to pursue it further. Bernice's prejudice toward Andrew did not waver at all. It was not just her who shared the same sentiment. Most of the people there had the impression that it was Anson who took a step back out of respect for the Thompsons to avoid any further altercation and that Andrew had just gotten lucky not to be implicated. Once the situation had calmed, Gigi shifted her attention toward Bernice. "Ms. Bernice Collins of VitaCare Pharmaceutical Group? The president has gone through your proposal. It failed to meet the requirements." After handing the proposal over, Gigi turned away and left without even giving any explanation for the rejection. Bernice was stunned. She could not accept the fact that her proposal had just been rejected. She had put a lot of effort into this proposal. Even if it did not meet the Thompsons' requirement, there should still be room for discussion. How could it be such an outright rejection? "Don't be too disappointed, Bernice. If it falls through with the Thompsons, I'll introduce you to other business partners." Bernard went up to comfort Bernice after noticing that her mood had changed. She let out an exasperated sigh, accepting the fact that she could only find another way. The farce had sunk the atmosphere of the auction event, leading many of the attendees to leave. All the attendees had already exchanged the information they needed during the networking event. Moreover, Gigi had revealed that the top management of the Thompson family would be busy and wouldn't be attending. As such, there was no point in them staying. Anson, Bernard, and Bernice left together. While they were leaving, Anson stared at Andrew with piercing, cold eyes. Doria had only managed to rush over when the banquet was about to end. "I'm really sorry for making you wait. There was an important project that I had to deal with urgently." Doria apologized sincerely. She did not expect something like this to happen, causing Andrew to suffer injustice. Gigi explained as she walked behind them, "I checked the surveillance camera when I returned earlier. It was Mr. Hughes who donated the bracelet. I will issue a clarification statement later." Nobody could have expected that a descendant of a wealthy family in Jaedornia would engage in a conduct that would greatly jeopardize his status. "There's no need for a clarification statement. These recognitions don't bother me," Andrew said with a wave of his hand. He did not want to be in the limelight. Andrew was also worried that Rudd would find out about this matter if it were to be publicized. That old fellow treasured these items as if they were his babies. If he were to find out that Andrew had donated it, he might throw a massive tantrum and cry about it. "Mr. Hughes, you're so humble and indifferent to fame and fortune. Such a virtue simply cannot be learned. I would like to thank Mr. Hughes on behalf of the children in the mountain regions." At the same time, in order to express my apology, I would like to invite you to Rayonner Teahouse for dinner tonight." Andrew knew about Rayonner Teahouse. It was a restaurant that was relatively popular among couples. Andrew had wanted to take Bernice there before. He had even made multiple reservations. However, she always stood him up as she was always too busy with work. He no longer felt anything when he heard the restaurant's name. Seeing Andrew's silence, Doria was worried he might have some concerns. She walked over to him and gently said, "If I were to go back earlier than expected, it would be hard to explain to Grandpa. Just think of it as doing me a favor." Doria batted her eyes, adding some cuteness to her crafty persuasion. "Let's go, then." Andrew agreed to go with her since there was nothing urgent he had to attend to that night. … Downstairs, a few men in bodyboard uniforms were sitting in the car as they paid unwavering attention to the gate. Even after all the attendees had left, their target still had not appeared. "That punk hasn't come out yet, sir. He must've gotten scared and escaped from the other exits in advance." Anson snorted coldly after picking up the call. He then said, "He won't be able to escape as long as he's still in Thenswy. Continue searching! Break one of his legs when you find him, and then bring him to me!" Anson wouldn't let Andrew off the hook so easily, especially after he had humiliated him in front of so many people. … Bernard sent Bernice home. Once she got home, she went straight to her room to study the proposal. She needed to know the reason for the Thompsons' rejection and correct it. When Bernard was about to leave, he bumped into Darlene, who had just come out of her room. It had already been three days, and yet her cheek was still a little swollen and red. "Mr. Clarke, has Bernice gone to see that bastard Andrew lately?" Darlene's fury flared anew as she mentioned his name. When she broached the subject, Bernard recounted everything that had happened over the past two days. He told her about the ridiculous charade that Andrew had orchestrated just to gain Bernice's attention. "Hah! That bastard sure is ambitious with his wishful thinking! How could he even compete with you? Do you happen to know where he's staying? I must make him suffer!" The slaps she had to endure were still throbbing. Since there was no progress from her daughter's side, Darlene could only rely on herself. Bernard happened to share the same sentiment as her. Previously, when Bernice was searching for Andrew's place, he was also present. However, Bernice did not let Bernard go with her. "Mrs. Collins, I have a way to help you get your revenge. I know some people who can fight. I'm sure you could blow some steam off!" "That's great news. I must make Andrew regret staying back in Thenswy!"