Chapter 6
Left with no choice, he ended up tending to her himself, bringing her along with him even at work.
Lindsay knocked on the door and then entered his office.
“Mr. Barrette, the charity auction starts at six. We should head off soon.”
Hearing this, Darlene, who was playing with Lego, immediately perked up.
“Daddy, I wanna go, too!”
Damian picked her up and wiped her mouth with a wet tissue.
“Sure, sweetie.”
Claudine arrived at the venue in advance to make preparations.
The auction was sponsored by several philanthropists, and all proceeds would go to the United Women and Children Foundation.
Given the extensive number of lots, two auctioneers would be conducting today’s auction as required.
According to the dual–auctioneer system, a veteran auctioneer would prime the audience during phase one, while Claudine, the “Ace Auctioneer“, would take over for the final push.
She was reviewing the lot specifications in the preparation room.
Just then, the organizer came over to introduce her to a benefactor. “Mr. Gregory, this is Ms. Hogan, the ‘Ace Auc- tioneer‘ you requested.”
She stood up and said politely, “You’re flattering me.”
Extending her hand, she smiled gently and gracefully.
“Hello, Mr. Gregory. I’m Claudine Hogan. Thank you for your trust, and I promise I won’t let you down.”
In fact, she was very curious. After all, she had been absent from an auction of this scale in years. Why would he want her as the lead auctioneer?
He reached out and touched her fingertips briefly.
“It’s been a while, Claudine.”
His voice carried a gentle warmth, reminding her of a mountain stream.
She studied his face–there was something vaguely familiar about his features. But after trying for a few seconds, she still couldn’t place him.
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Chapter 6
He keenly sensed her embarrassment and smiled, saying, “I’m Roberto.”
“Roberto!”
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She looked at Roberto Gregory with a surprised smile. Seriously? Was this refined gentleman in a tailored suit really Roberto, the bullied boy from her high school days?
Since they were old acquaintances, the organizer sensibly excused himself, leaving the room to them.
Roberto offered, “There’s a café downstairs. Wanna go catch up? There’s still time before the auction.”
Claudine nodded readily.
For one thing, they went way back. For another, he was the benefactor today. It was only right that she talked to him and had a better idea of his price expectations.
They entered the café together.
“Time leaves you untouched. You still look amazing after all these years,” looking at her, he remarked with quiet sin- cerity.
His compliment came with exact measure, bridging their distance while avoiding presumption.
She smiled, “But you’ve changed a lot. To think I didn’t recognize you.”
They laughed while reminiscing about those days in high school. She smiled brightly, those long–forgotten memories bringing her back to her wonderful, carefree youth again.
Damian walked into the venue holding Darlene’s hand, who craved dessert.
Lindsay said, “Mr. Barrette, there’s a café over there. I’ll go buy Darla a slice of cake.”
He nodded and handed her a card.
“Take this. I’ll take Darla back after making an appearance. You stay here and bid on some jewelry for me.”
She took the card and headed toward the café.
Darlene was thrilled to be out, keeping looking around curiously while squirming in Damian’s arms.
Suddenly, she pointed toward the window and squealed, “Daddy, look! It’s Claudine!”
Following Darlene’s pointing finger, Damian looked over and saw Claudine with a man.
They were chatting, and Claudine was smiling brightly.
He hadn’t seen such a radiant smile on her face for ages.
Compared to adults, kids were more impulsive. While he stood still, Darlene squirmed out of his arms and ran toward Claudine.
“Claudine, what are you doing here?”
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Chapter 6
Chatting with Roberto about the lots today, Claudine was surprised to see Darlene.
“Darla?” she blurted out.
Looking at Darlene, Roberto asked politely, “Claudy, this is…”
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