CHAPTER 298: CHAPTER 298: GREETINGS

Shannon Warren seemed to notice Seraphina Sinclair and her group and secretly pouted at them.

Of course, Seraphina didn’t pay her any attention; in this setting, there was no need to clash with Shannon. Arguing with her would only show a lack of class.

"Fiona Dunn, behave yourself." Seraphina saw Fiona itching to move and held down her hand, "You are the Dunn family’s heiress, representing the Dunn family’s reputation. What? Do you want to be compared to Shannon Warren?"

Fiona instantly quieted down. Although she was displeased with Shannon, she didn’t do anything more.

They didn’t arrive too early, and the auction was about to start, but looking around, there was no sign of Old Mrs. Fairchild.

There wasn’t even a single servant from the Fairchild Family present.

What was going on?

Everyone couldn’t help whispering among themselves, thinking today’s auction might end without issue, or perhaps Old Mrs. Fairchild had some new stunt to pull.

Seraphina had no thoughts about it. Although she and Desmond Fairchild had broken up, Old Mrs. Fairchild had always been kind to her. Coming to the auction today, it was only right to greet her.

Just as she was about to get up and check, a tall figure blocked her path.

"You must be Kevin’s contact, President Sinclair?" Carter Grant slightly curled his thin lips, his eagle-like eyes assessing Seraphina as if weighing something.

Seraphina barely noticeable frowned, but still put on a smile: "So it’s President Grant, I’ve heard so much about you."

Small talk is always tedious, especially when there’s no actual connection, yet they had to pretend familiarity; that’s social networking for you.

The purpose of Seraphina’s arrival was mainly to expand her network. Carter Grant was indeed a good potential partner, but his character still needed scrutiny; whether this friendship was worth pursuing was questionable.

However, Carter Grant seemed to be quite satisfied with her, proactively extending an olive branch: "I’ve long heard of President Sinclair’s reputation, and seeing you today, you are indeed as enchanting as the rumors say. I wonder if I have the honor of becoming friends with President Sinclair."

Seraphina’s red lips curled slightly: "That’s something I should be saying instead."

Their conversation caught the attention of many. Although Seraphina had disappeared from Bayside City for a while, her popularity remained. Carter Grant was a rising star, second only to Cloudsea Group. How could a scene of two business giants chatting and laughing not attract envy?

Many wanted to associate with Carter Grant, but never had the opportunity.

Him wanting to be friends with Seraphina showed that she had caught his eye.

Businesspeople envied Seraphina for having such an opportunity.

Just having taken over Kevin and secured long-term cooperation with Cloudsea Group, and now with Carter Grant extending an olive branch to her, it seemed the rankings in Bayside City were due for a reshuffle.

Most non-business attendees were wealthy socialites.

Frankly, they participated in this auction hoping to snag a wealthy bachelor. How many girls dreamed of marrying Carter Grant?

So seeing Seraphina move ahead caused many women to harbor resentment towards her, blaming her for taking away their chance.

Being in the spotlight naturally attracts trouble; there’s truth in that.

Just standing quietly, Seraphina could feel the hostile gazes coming from all directions.

After Carter left, Rosalie Quinn couldn’t help teasing her: "You have no idea, just talking to Carter Grant, how many girls wished they could kill you."

"Only those without capability blame others. Such women aren’t likely to catch Carter Grant’s eye either." Seraphina remained composed.

Thinking back to the case of Shirley Lynch, with just a small trick, Seraphina had driven Shirley to near desperation. Carter, as Shirley’s man, hadn’t lifted a finger to help her.

This kind of man, ruthless and callous, is difficult for ordinary women to control.

So if any woman here sets her sights on Carter Grant, they really ought to consider if they have the weight for it.

Rosalie nudged her: "Actually, Carter Grant isn’t a bad marriage prospect. He treats you quite courteously; if there’s a chance, maybe you could consider it."

"Someone who is profit-driven requires caution even in friendship, let alone a romantic relationship?" Seraphina was almost shocked by Rosalie’s suggestion; she had no interest in someone as self-serving as Carter.

"You have a point." Rosalie, holding Simon Finch’s hand, beamed with happiness, "If you can’t marry someone considerate, what’s the point of dating?"

Especially for people like them, who lacked nothing and could live well even without a man, there was no need to compromise themselves for marriage.

Simon gently squeezed Rosalie’s hand, looking at her with tender eyes, as if pink love bubbles were floating around them, making Fiona Dunn feel envious. She couldn’t help but wonder when she and Joel White could be that sweet.

As they spoke, Old Mrs. Fairchild arrived at last.

Today, Old Mrs. Fairchild looked exceptionally well, wearing a turquoise Tang suit, her gray-white hair tied up high, with emerald earrings adding to her majestic elegance. Her kindly demeanor lent her an amiable elder’s warmth.

"Who’s the man behind Old Mrs. Fairchild? Is he from the Fairchild Family? I’ve never seen him before." Rosalie, familiar with the Fairchilds, had no impression of the formally dressed man following Old Mrs. Fairchild.

Seraphina looked over at the tall figure trailing Old Mrs. Fairchild. In a silver-gray suit with a striped vest adding a touch of rebelliousness. With strikingly handsome features and slightly disheveled hair, he exuded a roguish charm.

That face looked remarkably like Desmond’s, bearing a seventy percent resemblance.

Who was he?

Seraphina tried to search through the Fairchild Family records but had never seen such a man before.

Fiona couldn’t help but marvel: "Is the Fairchild Family’s gene pool that strong? Desmond Fairchild is already stunningly handsome, and this guy isn’t much worse, maybe just a point or two shy, I’d give him a 98."

"Seraphina, who is this guy?" she couldn’t help asking.

Seraphina arched an eyebrow and quietly said, "I don’t know him."

"Weren’t you with Desmond for two years? He didn’t take you home?" Fiona was surprised. That showed Desmond really was a complete scoundrel!

Seraphina didn’t respond, trusting that Old Mrs. Fairchild would introduce the man.

Sure enough, once Old Mrs. Fairchild arrived, she took to the stage to introduce the man’s background: "I welcome you all to today’s auction. Before we begin, I’d like to introduce someone."

With that, she gestured for the man to come forward, and he obediently stepped up, his cool lips curling into a wicked smile.

"This is Eric Holt, a child of the Fairchilds who was lost but is my biological grandson. From now on, he will be the second young master of the Cloudsea Group. Please take good care of my little grandson." Old Mrs. Fairchild introduced with a smile.