Chapter 5
The night Grayson returned, there was a charity gala in their social circle that required Aurora’s attendance
Before heading to the event, their Rolls–Royce stopped at a styling salon]
Grayson personally got out to escort someone–Evelyn, dressed in a million–dollar custom gown and carrying a rare diamond encrusted bag, stood there motionless
He reluctantly opened the back door. “Rory..”
Before he could finish, Aurora silently exited the car and went directly
dy to sit in th
in the front passenger seat instead.]
HER17-
The charity gala was held in a mansion, with intricate enamel chandeliers casting intersecting light and shadow throughout the first floor ballroom
When Evelyn, entered on Grayson’s arm, she immediately became the center of attention. A group of socialites instinctively gathered around them
“Evelyn, Grayson treats you 50 well! You’re the first in the world to
o wear this couture piece!”
“OMG, I heard he was in France Inst week and literally raced some Parisian tycoon to snatch that couture piece for her. Even messed up his arm in the process?”
So that’s how he’d been injured–fighting to get a gown for the precious heiress.
As they chatted, Evelyn’s eyes reddened. “Don’t remind me it breaks my heart. He lost so much blood. I just mentioned once that I liked it, and he…”
“Haha, that clearly shows he loves you so much he’d risk his life for you!:||
The group’s flattery grew more enthusiastic, with some sneering at Aurora: “Some people wear five–year–old off season raga and think they’ve hit the jackpot marrying up. They’re not even worthy of being the heiress’s shoe shine!”
Aurora glanced at her dress–Grayson had arranged it for her.
She chose to endure, clenching her fingers tightly.
When the gain began, it included a charity auction. Though most items were trinkets Evelyn wouldn’t normally care about, Grayson hid extravagantly on each one to save her face.
Only with the jade ring did he miss his chance, as another buyer immediately outbid him with a sky–high offer
But Evelyn fixated on it, tugging Grayson’s sleeve pitifully: “Grayson, I really, really want that ring I won’t be able to eat a bite tonight if I can’t have it.”
Just une sentence, and Grayson approached the buyer after the auction: “Mr. Bennett, name your price. Ten times, a hundred times–I don’t care.“]
The man chuckled. “Mr. Hart, you know my rules. Money isn’t my concern. I’ve been lacking creative inspiration lately and need a model, How about
Aurora overheard their conversation as she passed the corner on her way to the restroom
“Your wife looks quite appealing to me. If sho’ll pose as my nude model, I’ll let you have the ring at cost.”
Grayson’s face darkened. “I’ll consider it.“[]
In that moment, Aurora felt as if she’d been plunged into an ice bath
What did he mean by… “consider it ?
Mr. Bennett was notorious in their circle–a playboy with peculiar tastes who loved photography, though what he photographed was]
Aurora’s body trembled slightly as she quickly walked away.
But before long. Grayson cornered her i
in a secluded area of the ballroom]
“Rory, I need to discuss something with you.” He paused, handing her a personally mixed fruit cocktail as a peace offering “You’ve seen how much better Evelyn’s doing. She’ll be moving out soon after she recovers fully, but… she really wants that ring today.”
“The buyer says if you’ll be his photography model just once, he’ll release the ring. What do you think…”
“Absolutely not!” Aurora pushed him away, fighting to control her trembling. “Grayson, what do you take me for?!”
Overwhelming bitterness washed over her. Aurora tried to suppress the surging emotions by defiantly downing her fruit cocktail in one gulp
But just as she walked out of the ballroom, her mind suddenly went fuzzy, and her hody swayed backward.[]
That drink.. had been drugged..[]
In her fading consciousness, she felt Grayson catch her, his whispered words heavy with suppressed regret: Tm sorry, Rory. This is the last time. I promise.”
Om
