Chapter 13
Claudine couldn’t see her face, but her silhouette alone was enough to suggest uncommon grace.
The woman said something to Damian, and he turned to look at her, the gentleness in his eyes the privilege Claudine had never been granted.
As usual, Damian held Darlene in his arms.
When they came over, Claudine instinctively lowered her head, not wanting them to see her.
To her relief, they didn’t stop in the main dining area. The restaurant manager soon ushered them into a private room.
She fixed her gaze on their retreating figures uncontrollably.
Holding Darlene with one arm, Damian wrapped his other arm around the woman’s slender waist. Anyone who saw them would believe they were a sweet family of three.
Five years as Damian’s wife, she had never shared such intimate moments with him.
Even Darlene liked the woman very much.
She thought, “Is the woman some family–arranged match for him?
“Right after I mentioned the divorce to Brandie today, here he is, dining with his match.
“But then again, why should I be surprised? After all, I married him shortly after his divorce back then.
“It seems he’s quite pleased with his blind date.
“I guess it means the divorce will be finalized soon.
“It’s a good thing. The sooner everything’s settled, the better I can concentrate on preparing for the Ph.D. exams.”
The food suddenly lost all its appeal.
She grabbed her things and left the restaurant.
She inevitably got caught in the rain on the way back. After returning home, she had some tea, took a bath, and went to bed early.
Waking up the next morning, she found she had caught a cold after all.
She had become noticeably weaker after the abortion.
The pills didn’t help with her headache. But she had to go to the auction house today for an interview, and nothing could go wrong.
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Chapter 13
288 Vouchers
Though she had established her reputation at the auction that night, she knew–working with an auction house was a must if she wanted to stay in this business.
She was meeting with Rachelle Walton, a partner at Astoria Auctioneers.
The meeting was set at the gallery that Rachelle operated.
Claudine arrived early. Soon, Rachelle showed up.
“Hello, Ms. Walton,” Claudine greeted her with a smile.
Rachelle started her career as an auction broker. Years of experience had established her as one of the auction world’s most respected veterans.
During her graduate studies, Claudine had worked with Rachelle. It was just that they had lost touch after her mar- riage.
In a sleek white business attire and a pair of red–soled heels, Rachelle walked toward Claudine.
“What is it? Now that you’re a rich man’s wife, you address me as ‘Ms. Walton‘? What happened to ‘Rach“?”
Claudine had been worried that Rachelle might treat her coldly.
To her surprise, Rachelle was as friendly as always.
She stepped forward and said, “Rach.”
“That’s more like it.”
Rachelle pulled her into the gallery.
“I took the first flight back when I heard you wanted to work together. Claudine, you’d better not be lying to me, or I swear I’m gonna keep you locked up here if necessary.”
Hearing this, Claudine was finally relieved.
She said seriously, “Rach, thanks for giving me a chance.”
Rachelle waved her hand. “I’m all for profits. Of course, I’ll work with anyone who brings me money. Besides, I saw the auction the other day. Gee, Claudine–you’re as good as always.”
Claudine smiled, saying nothing.
Rachelle continued, seeming curious, “But your husband hated you working, right? What happened?”
Rachelle knew Claudine had quit work to get married, but she had no idea who the husband was.
After all, there had been no announcement, no wedding, no celebration–all Claudine had was a marriage certificate.
Other than the two families, almost no one knew Claudine was Damian’s wife.
Claudine said softly, “I’m getting a divorce.”
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