Chapter 253

Melody was lost in thought, and when she finally looked up, she was met with James’s scowling face. He immediately began complaining, Miss Fox, didn’t Mr. Swanson tell you? The auction is at seven, and there’s no way you’ll make it in time if you start getting ready now. And yet, you’re still moving so slowly!

Melody had lost track of time while talking with Leo, so she reluctantly said, I guess I won’t bother getting dressed up. It doesn’t make much difference with this face of mine anyway. Having lived with her plain appearance for so long, she had completely stopped caring about her looks.

James’s scowl softened, and he said, Let’s head straight to the venue then, but if Mr. Swanson asks, it’s not on me. You were the one who said you didn’t need to get dressed up.

Of course. Melody nodded. She had a lot on her plate, and today, she was dressed in simple jeans and a short-sleeved shirt-plain as could be. But she would buy things, not walking a runway, so what she wore didn’t matter. However, not everyone was indifferent to appearance and attire. When Melody arrived at the entrance of the auction, she was stopped by security. This is an auction; unauthorized individuals are not allowed in. She had been mistaken for an unauthorized person.

Melody had no choice but to explain, I’m here for the auction.

You? The security guard gave her a once-over and extended his hand, asking, Where’s your invitation? Let me check it.

Melody had been brought by James, who had gone to park the car, so she didn’t have the invitation with her. Frowning, she said, You didn’t ask people who just went in their invitations.

The security guard remained firm. NO invitation, no entry.

Just as Melody was about to argue, a familiar voice came from behind. What are you doing here? Instinctively, Melody turned her head and saw Mabel, arm-in-arm with Regina, looking at her with a displeased expression.

Mabel went to deliver desserts to Ken but was denied access by the front desk. After searching around, she finally got Ken’s phone number, but he promptly blocked her as soon as she introduced herself.

This humiliating experience, being blocked by Ken, had soured Mabel’s mood all day. Seeing Melody being stopped by the security guard, Mabel’s soured mood slightly eased.

She looked down at Melody with disdain and chuckled. Melody, I don’t know why you’re here, but some places aren’t just open for anyone to walk into. Unlike here, who didn’t need an invitation-just as face scanning would do. The Title of “Best Celebrity” held considerable prestige and importance.

Mabel continued to mock Melody, unaware of Regina’s increasingly unnatural expression. Regina never expected to encounter Melody here, and immediate anxiety about being exposed and losing everything consumed her mind. She wondered, Has this oddball seen the news? Will she expose me? The more Regina thought about it, the more frightened she became, fearing that everything she had gained could vanish instantly.

Unable to bear it any longer, Regina discreetly pulled Mabel, who was incessantly taunting Melody, and whispered, Stop talking. Let’s go in. You wanted something from the auction. I’ll give you.

Upon hearing this, Mabel’s eyes instantly lit up. Are you serious?

Regina’s eyes briefly flickered with disdain, which she quickly concealed, nodding subtly. I’m serious.

With her attention now diverted to Regina’s offer, Mabel no longer bothered to insult Melody. She looked coldly at Melody and haughtily remarked, We’re going in. You better leave quickly and stop embarrassing yourself here.

When Mabel’s words fell, a male voice sounded, Miss Fox, why are you still standing at the entrance? Didn’t I ask you to wait for me inside? It was James who had arrived. Meeting James’s gaze, Meldoy spoke slowly, The security guard said I needed to show an invitation to enter.

The security guard, shocked, glanced between James and Melody, his face filled with fear and apologies. So, you’re Mr. Swanson’s associate! I apologize deeply for my mistake. You don’t need to show an invitation. Please come in, and please forgive my rudeness earlier! The security guard seemed on the verge of dropping his knees to Melody.

Upon seeing this, Regina’s eyes widened in surprise. She thought: James is known as Ken’s top confidant. This oddball has a connection with James. Could she possibly use this connection to expose my lies? Regina’s body began to tremble uncontrollably.

Oblivious to Regina’s changing expression, Mabel observed the interaction between James and Melody with increasing mockery in her eyes. She thought: no wonder Ken goes out of this way to help Melody. Turns out she’s gotten close to his right-hand man. How short-sighted of him. I’ll be Mrs. Swanson in the future, while Melody will be nothing more than the assistant’s wife. Or even James might not genuinely like her, maybe he’s just after a fleeting novelty. Mabel became increasingly pleased with these thoughts, to the point where she even hoped the Clark family wouldn’t deal with Melody too quickly. She eagerly anticipated the day Melody would have to address her as Mrs. Swanson.

On the other hand, Melody didn’t want to argue with a security guard, understanding it was simply his job, So, she remained silent and turned directly to James, saying, let’s go in.

James paid no attention to Mabel and Regina. He acknowledged Melody with a grunt and walked alongside her into the venue.

Regina stared directly at Melody’s back, realizing Melody hadn’t noticed her. She sighed in relief, thinking, Looks like she had no idea I took credit for her work. That’s good, then I’ll have to get Mom to spend some money to suppress those news stories to avoid complications. With these thoughts on her mind, Regina walked into the venue.

They arrived late, by now, the venue was nearly complete. Regina and Mabel struggled to find their seats in a corner, only to glance up and see Melody sitting in the front row of the VIP section. Upon seeing this, both of them couldn’t hide their jealousy.

Soon, the auction began. James pointed discreetly to an antique vase in the catalog and whispered, Miss Fox, this is what Mr. Swanson wants.

They had only one bidder’s paddle between them, and Ken had assigned it to Melody, so naturally, the responsibility fell to her. Melody looked at the antique vase in the catalog, her expression somewhat surprised.

Does he like antiques? Melody was surprised that someone who designed high-tech AI products had a liking for antiques.

James shook his head and said, Mrs. Swanson, Ken’s mother kept this in the Pearly Antiques before her passing. After her death, it was sold off. Somehow, it found its way back here and ended up in Benny Lawrence’s possession. That’s why we must secure it in this auction.

Got it! Melody understood instantly, but deep down, she felt today’s auction right not go smoothly.

Soon, the hostess brought the first item up for auction onto the state.