Chapter 2 The Charity Auction

Declan's tone was commanding as if Kimberly had committed a theft.

"Where are you? I promised Valerie she could wear that necklace at the auction. Bring it back right now!"

While handing her invitation to the event manager at the door, Kimberly retorted over the phone, "This necklace is from my wedding gifts from the Holden family. Since when does anyone else get to dictate its use? Or has the Walsh family fallen so low that they must lean on their wife's wedding gifts?"

Declan was stunned.

He had never heard Kimberly, who usually bore everything quietly, respond so defiantly.

In a stern voice, he said, "Kimberly, I'm telling you one last time. Return the necklace immediately, or you'll regret it when I lose my temper!"

In the past, when he spoke in such a cold tone, it meant he had completely run out of patience.

What typically followed was her being blocked and ignored, a cold shoulder that lasted at least a month. No matter how much Kimberly tried to humble herself, she could never get him to smile.

Thinking back to her previous life, where she had groveled like a dog just to gain a bit of Declan's favor, Kimberly felt nothing but disgust.

"So I'll say this one last time as well. Using your wife's wedding gift to impress another woman, Declan, are you a CEO or merely a gigolo?" she scoffed coldly. "Go ahead and be angry if you like. It doesn't bother me."

With that, she ended the call, leaving a seething Declan on the line.

He had always been the one to hang up first, never her.

Next to him, Valerie hesitantly said, "Declan, is Kimberly upset because you wanted to take me to the auction? Is that why she won't lend me the necklace?"

This remark only added fuel to Declan's already raging anger.

He sneered, "She's just playing games to make me notice her. She's been with us for barely a year and already she's become so manipulative and jealous!"

Seeing Kimberly's firm refusal to surrender the necklace, Valerie was worried and annoyed, yet she put on a look of sorrow and grievance.

"Forget it, I won't attend the auction. If Kimberly is this upset over a mere necklace, imagine how she'd react if I went as your date!"

"If she wants to go crazy, let her be. It's a disgrace to the Holden family, not ours," Declan said angrily.

After venting, he tenderly tousled Valerie's hair, murmuring, "Don't worry, you'll wear that emerald necklace and be the star of the auction."

Valerie's eyes sparkled, and she embraced Declan. "You're the best, Declan!"

As Kimberly walked into the auction venue, a professional manager came up to consult with her.

"Mrs. Walsh, may I inquire about the item you're contributing to the auction?"

Kimberly paused briefly before responding, "I'd like to donate under my own name instead of the Walsh family's. Is that possible?"

The manager was initially surprised but quickly responded, "Absolutely! The auction respects the individual wishes of all donors."

Kimberly nodded, her fingers lightly touching the emerald necklace she wore.

"I'm donating this necklace."

The manager looked astonished. Being professional in the auction industry, he recognized the necklace's significant value.

"Mrs. Walsh, while we're grateful for your contribution, this auction primarily supports charity and fosters collaboration among elite families including the Howard family, not functioning as a professional auction house. This necklace, crafted from rare materials by top artisans and with historical importance, might be too valuable for such an occasion. Isn't it somewhat wasteful here?"

Kimberly smiled slightly. She knew the necklace's worth, a treasured gift from her grandmother, and never planned to auction it initially.

But she vividly recalled how Valerie had once auctioned it off without her permission to make a grand impression.

Back then, the necklace had caught Renee Howard's attention, the event's hostess, who bought it at the highest price, facilitating a partnership that greatly elevated the Walsh family's status.

As the true owner of the necklace, Kimberly was labeled a madwoman by Declan when she attempted to reclaim it. He forcibly dragged her out and locked her in the car.

After that, she never attended any event again.

Now, instead of allowing others to benefit from her treasures, she decided to take control.

"Charity requires genuine sincerity, which I believe aligns with Mrs. Howard's intentions for hosting this event," she said clearly, earning an admiring glance from the manager.

"However, I have a small request," Kimberly continued with a bright smile. "I want to personally present this necklace on stage, as no one has a closer bond to it than I do."

The manager was taken aback by such an unusual request, but considering the informal nature of the charity auction and Kimberly's status as the donor, he agreed to accommodate her.

"Of course, I'll let you know when it's your turn to take the stage."

This exchange was overheard by two individuals in a private room on the second floor. One, a man in a champagne-colored suit with an open shirt showcasing his muscular chest, radiated a striking presence.

"Wow, Mrs. Walsh is truly generous, offering such a stunning necklace and even presenting it herself. The winner will definitely view her in a new light!"

He then turned to another man seated on the sofa, partially obscured by shadows. "Do you think she realizes your grandmother has always wanted that necklace?"

Chris Howard, Renee's grandson, took a sip of his wine, swirling it thoughtfully before replying softly, "Isn't she married? Why is she here by herself?"