Chapter 4

The auction was at a prestigious hotel in Coashire. When Bettina arrived there, most of the elite had already gathered.

Young people from wealthy families chatted lively. Then she spotted Asher and Betsy.

She was standing close to him.

She wore a figure-hugging off-shoulder evening gown. Her long black hair elegantly draped behind her ears. Her cheeks would quickly blush whenever someone complimented her.

The moment someone noticed Bettina, the entire hall buzzed with excitement.

"Is that Bettina? Asher's wife?"

"Why is she here, too? Asher is really something. He brings both his wife and his mistress to the auction."

"Haven't you heard it? Bettina can't get pregnant, and Asher's grandmother wants a great-grandchild, so Asher turned to Betsy for that..."

"So that's the story? I thought Betsy was Asher's new love since she showed up so publicly. She turns out to be merely a tool for bearing a baby."

...

Betsy's eyes turned red as soon as she heard that.

She timidly held Asher's arm and whispered, "Let's leave before the gossip gets worse, Asher."

Asher held onto her arm, and his sharp gaze swept over the crowd. "Don't worry. I won't let them talk about you like that."

Then he took her hand and said to others, "Everyone, Bettina and I are having some problems and are getting a divorce. Betsy's carrying my baby, and I intend to take responsibility for her."

Betsy bit her lip excitedly upon hearing his words. "Asher, do you really mean it?"

"Yes." Asher nodded, but when he looked up, he saw Bettina walking toward them from a distance.

Asher was immediately flustered. "Bettina, don't misunderstand. I only lied because they said something harsh. I was worried about stressing Betsy and the baby. I have no intention of divorcing you."

What a liar!

Watching him hastily try to explain, Bettina laughed derisively. "Asher, we will be divorced soon," she thought.

"It's fine. You're right. The baby matters most." With that, she turned to the crowd and said, "Everyone, it's true that Asher and I are going through a divorce. From now on, Miss Sugden will be the future Mrs. Lambert. So please be kind and don't see her as merely a tool for bearing a baby. Otherwise, it might upset her."

Her words left the crowd in stunned silence.

Even Asher's face turned grim. "Betty, are you angry?"

Bettina replied calmly, "I'm not angry. I'm just helping the mother of your baby out of a tough spot. Can't you see that? Anyway, the auction is about to start. Let's go in."

"Bettina." As soon as Bettina took her seat, Asher followed and sat beside her. He looked grateful. "Thank you for helping Betsy. Don't worry. I'll make sure to win that jade pendant this evening as compensation for you."

Without looking at him, she simply nodded and said, "I hope you keep your word."

Asher bought many things for Betsy that evening.

Whatever Betsy had her eye on, Asher bid for it without hesitation.

Everyone remarked how much Asher loved his new love.

In contrast, people looked at Bettina with sympathy.

Finally, the moment came for the jade pendant. The auctioneer said, "The starting bid for this jade pendant is one million..."

"Five million!" Asher called out an exorbitant price. Others assumed he was buying it for Betsy.

"Asher is really generous with his new love."

"The pendant is worth one million, but he jumps to five million. He must really want it."

"He used to be so good to Bettina, but they're getting divorced now."

"Mr. Lambert has bid five million. Going once, going twice. So it is sold for five million."

Watching Asher secure the jade pendant, Bettina was relieved.

Now that Asher had successfully bought the pendant, Bettina thought she would finally leave Asher as she wished.

After the auction ended, the staff approached Asher and asked him to pay for what he had bought.

The items he bought were brought over, but before Bettina reached for the pendant, a hand snatched it.