6#06

6

Christina feigned vulnerability, her eyes glistening with feigned innocence. She strategically positioned herself with Eric behind her, subtly revealing faint red marks on her neck.

"Come on, Wanda isn't one to jump to conclusions," Eric said, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. "There's no room for misinterpretation. We've done nothing improper."

Before Christina could respond, he interrupted, "Don't you have a press conference to attend? You should get going."

"Mr. Gordon ... but ... you said today you'd ..."

Sensing Christina was about to disclose something inappropriate, Eric's tone turned stern, "Christina, you're overstepping!"

Her mouth tightened defiantly, but upon seeing his expression, she eventually yielded. Casting a surreptitious glare at Wanda, she donned her mask and departed, her reluctance evident.

Ben, leveraging his youth, approached Wanda and said, "Mommy, Christina came to help choose a gift for you! I wanted to get you the best birthday present ever."

Wanda replied evenly, "I'm not angry. It's just ... quite unexpected to see you all here."

She appeared distant, "Is there anything else? If not, I'll be leaving now."

"We rarely go out together," Eric said, his voice softening. "There's a charity auction tonight. Would you like to join me?"

Wanda remained silent, but her lack of response was enough for Eric to interpret as agreement.

Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around her slim waist. "You've put on some weight," he commented absent-mindedly, then quickly added, "But that's good. You were too thin before. I love you regardless of your size."

Wanda's lips curved into a cold smile, but she said nothing.

Her weight had remained constant for years. His remark about her being heavier was merely because he was accustomed to Christina's figure.

Perhaps out of guilt, Eric took her to a high-end boutique and personally selected a red dress for her.

When Wanda emerged fully made up and wearing the tailored gown, a flicker of awe crossed his eyes.

Ben, however, clapped enthusiastically and exclaimed, "Mommy, you look beautiful!"

As Wanda gazed at her reflection, she couldn't help but recall the red dress Christina had worn on TV just days ago. For years, she had never worn red.

Yet, when choosing a dress for her, Eric had instinctively picked Christina's preferred color.

In the past, she would have confronted him, demanded explanations, and even threatened divorce. But now, she no longer cared.

With less than a week remaining, she decided to let him do as he wished.

Upon arriving at the auction that evening, Wanda wasn't surprised to see Christina again. This time, she was on stage hosting the event. Her clever remarks elicited laughter from the audience.

After leaving the stage, Christina deliberately sat beside Eric and even affectionately pinched Ben's cheek.

In contrast, Wanda, seated to the side, appeared remarkably indifferent to the father and son duo. She paid no heed to Christina's provocations.

Her focus was on the stage, and her eyes gradually reddened as she recognized the final auction item.

If she wasn't mistaken, the last exhibit was the necklace her mother had worn when she was killed, the Eternal Heart.

The name symbolized the purest form of love.

Her mother had once joked that when Wanda grew up, she would give her the necklace as part of her dowry.

Perhaps noticing Wanda's unusual interest in this item, Eric was the first to raise his paddle to bid. "Seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars," he announced.

However, a clear female voice immediately followed, "Fifteen hundred thousand dollars."

Eric frowned upon hearing this. He was displeased with Christina's impulsiveness.

Yet the woman acted spoiled and pretended to be envious, "Mrs. Gordon is truly fortunate, Mr. Gordon adores you so much. Surely you wouldn't mind if I acquired this necklace, right?"