Chapter 10
On the other side of the hall, Lauren waved Eunice over. “Go and donate 3 million dollars in Dr. Lloyd’s name,” she instructed.
Eunice was stunned. While the Rhodes family was indeed wealthy, she thought Lauren should not be so reckless with her expenses.
“Miss, isn’t that a bit excessive?”
Lauren smiled haughtily. “What’s wrong with donating 3 million for the man I’ve got my eye on? Christina may not appreciate him, but I’m not foolish enough to let such a treasure slip through my fingers.”
She held a file containing information about Stevens Corporation. In just a few short years, the company had transformed from a failing factory into Jayrodale’s publicly traded powerhouse. With that, Christina’s net worth had skyrocketed to an astounding 150 million dollars.
Interestingly, many aspects of Stevens Corporation’s rise seemed suspicious, as if someone had been pulling strings behind the scenes. The company’s sudden success coincided perfectly with Andrew and Christina’s three–year relationship.
Lauren was not foolish enough to believe this was a mere coincidence.
Meanwhile, Andrew had fourtd a seat for himself. As soon as he sat down, Shawn approached him with a sneer.1
“Andrew, you’re really shameless, aren’t you? Wherever Christie goes, you follow like a lost puppy. By the way, everyone here is a big shot ready to make donations. What’s a penniless gold–digger like you doing here?” Shawn taunted. 1
Andrew glanced in Christina’s direction before calmly replying, “Have you always been so quick to look down on others? Just because you have money to donate, does that mean I can’t show
my support for the orphans?”
Shawn scoffed. “You think showing up here with your measly few bucks isn’t embarrassing? Know your place.”
Irene chimed in mockingly, “Shawn, don’t waste your time on him. Once Christie buys this property, we’ll kick him out immediately!”
Christina frowned as she looked at Andrew, shaking her head. She had thought that even if Andrew lacked ambition, he at least had some self–respect. Yet, it seemed that he had truly hit rock bottom without her. His presence at such an event only made her lose even more respect for him.
The fundraising was complete, and the host, beaming with excitement, began to announce the donations.
Chapter 10
“Jayrodale’s Cantrell family, 1.2 million!
“Comet Enterprise, 1.5 million!
“Gardenscape Real Estate, 4.5 million!”
+25 BONUS
The guests began to murmur. It was clear that the earlier announcements were just warm- ups, as the amounts were bound to increase dramatically.
Finally, the host smiled mysteriously and announced, “Stevens Corporation, donating… 12 million!”
The crowd immediately gasped at the Stevens Corporation’s generosity. This was a no–strings -attached donation, essentially a gift to the orphanage. Hence, the eventual buyer would still need to pay a hefty sum for the
property itself.
Shawn and Irene straightened their backs, basking in the admiring glances. Even the usually composed Christina could not help but smile, confident in their victory.
The host continued, “And now, one of our last two generous donors: Rhodes Corporation’s Ms. Lauren Rhodes, 12 million!”
Another wave of excitement swept through the room. The guests were amazed that Lauren had matched Christina’s jaw–dropping donation. The unexpected tie between these two beautiful and powerful women promised an exciting showdown.
Lauren frowned, glancing toward Christina. She had not expected Stevens Corporation to be só bold. At the same time, Christina also turned to look at Lauren, realizing that the Rhodes family was a force to be reckoned with, and she needed to watch out for Lauren.
“Both Ms. Stevens and Ms. Rhodes have donated equal amounts. Who should get the final purchase rights?” the host asked as the guests clamored for an answer.
Shawn stood up, straightening his suit with confidence. “Ladies and gentlemen, please calm down,” he said smoothly.
“While Rhodes Corporation and Stevens Corporation have donated the same amount, the Fields family has chosen to support Stevens Corporation fully. Therefore, I believe Stevens. Corporation should develop the orphanage property!” +
At these words, the Rhodes Corporation representatives immediately tensed up. Meanwhile, the guests began to chatter.
“Shawn’s really taking this whole lapdog thing to the extreme for Christina!‘
“Christina’s truly something else. She had this ace up her sleeve the whole time. With the Fields family backing her, Rhodes Corporation doesn’t stand a chance!”
It’s a done deal! If I were the orphanage director, I’d gladly sell to Stevens Corporation. Getting in the good graces of both Stevens and Fields? That’s a no–brainer.”
Chapter 10
+25 BONUS
Eunice’s face fell as she turned to Lauren. “Miss, it seems our donation wasn’t enough.”
Lauren remained composed. “No need to panic. 12 million is already the ceiling. Any higher and the property wouldn’t be worth it.” She then smiled mischievously. “But I’m not about to let Christina have her way. I might let it slide with anyone else, but not her.”
Eunice sighed. “Miss, you’re not really going to fight Christina over Dr. Lloyd, are you? Is he worth all this trouble?”
Before Lauren could answer, the host’s excited voice boomed through the speakers. “Our final donor is Mr. Andrew Lloyd. Mr. Lloyd’s donation amount is… 15 million!” 1
The room fell silent for a moment before erupting into chaos.
“15 million? Who is this guy? He just blew everyone out of the water!”
“Andrew Lloyd? Never heard of him. Since when Jayrodale’s elite circle had someone like that?
Lauren immediately turned to Eunice. “What’s going on? Didn’t I tell you to arrange for 3 million?”
Eunice looked bewildered: “Miss, I did exactly as you said. I arranged for 3 million under Mr. Lloyd’s name.” T
One of Lauren’s subordinates approached her and reported, “Miss, the orphanage returned the 3 million we donated in Dr. Lloyd’s name. They said it was his request–he didn’t need it.”
Lauren’s composure finally cracked as she turned to look at Andrew, realizing he had. personally donated 15 million dollars.
At the Stevens Corporation table, Christina was equally stunned. “Andrew? 15 million? How is that possible?” she muttered.
Her face was a mask of disbelief as she stared at Andrew, wondering where on earth he had obtained 15 million dollars.
