Chapter 17
The gala venue was buzzing with energy–the banquet hall outside led to the auction room within.
When Charlotte and Ethan appeared at the entrance together, all eyes turned in their direction.
“Who’s that woman? She looks familiar.”
“Isn’t that Charlotte West, Mason Sullivan’s wife?”
“Why is Mason’s wife with Ethan Reed? Aren’t Sullivan and Reed mortal enemies?”
“I heard Charlotte divorced Sullivan! She even left Sullivan Group to join Reed. Looks like the rumors are true!”
“Didn’t Mason adore Charlotte? Why would he agree to divorce her?”
“You don’t know? Mason has a young mistress. Apparently, he was willing to divorce Charlotte for her!”
As they walked into the hall, the whispers continued. Charlotte heard every word clearly.
Ethan, concerned she might be affected, glanced at her, only to find her face expressionless, her eyes showing no ripples of
emotion.
He raised an eyebrow, impressed. Of course–Charlotte West wasn’t an ordinary woman. Such gossip meant nothing to her.
“I’m sorry, Mr. Sullivan, but tonight’s auction requires each attendee to have a female companion. May I ask where your companion is…?”
Outside the hotel, an attendant stopped Mason as he stepped out of his Maybach alone.
Seeing he was by himself, the attendant explained the evening’s requirements.
Mason’s face darkened. “What kind of stupid rule is that? I need to get in–you dare stop me?”
The attendant looked troubled. “Mr. Sullivan, these are the rules. We have no choice.”
“Mason.”
Sophia appeared behind him, wearing an evening gown. She took Mason’s arm and raised an eyebrow at the attendant. “I’m Mason’s girlfriend. Can we go in now?”
Seeing her, Mason frowned. “What are you doing here?”
“You have the nerve to ask? You come to an auction without me? You promised to bring me to events like this, to show me
around.”
“You may both enter now.”
The attendant let them pass. Once inside, Mason immediately pulled his arm away from Sophia and began searching the room
for Charlotte.
“Mason, where are you going? Wait for me!”
Mason snapped at her, “Don’t follow me!”
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My Idiot CEO BY Chose His Mistress Now I Run His Rival’s Empire?!
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Chapter 17
Seeing his anger directed at her, Sophia started crying.
“What’s wrong with you? Why are you suddenly treating me like this? Yesterday you were talking about getting our marriage license, about marrying me! Is this how you treat your future wife?”
“My wife will only ever be Charlie. I won’t marry you anymore.”
“Mason, what did you say?”
Sophia stared at him, unable to believe what she’d heard. “You’re not going to marry me anymore?”
“I don’t have time to discuss this with you. Go home.”
He couldn’t keep entangling himself with Sophia, or Charlotte would be upset if she saw them.
He searched the entire room and finally found Charlotte sitting in a corner.
When he saw her, Mason’s eyes flashed with admiration.
It felt like ages since he’d last seen Charlotte dressed up like this–elegant, noble, and refined.
His heart stirred as he happily walked toward her.
Suddenly, Ethan appeared beside Charlotte. They exchanged some words, and Charlotte lowered her head with a radiant smile.
Seeing her give such a smile to another man made Mason clench his fists in anger.
“Charlie.”
Charlotte looked up. Seeing who it was, her expression remained unchanged.
She had expected to see him tonight and had mentally prepared herself.
“What do you want?”
“Charlie, can we talk? Please?”
Mason took her hand but saw only coldness and detachment in her eyes.
Her gaze made his heart tremble.
In just a few short days, she looked at him as if he were a complete stranger.
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