Chapter 7

After handing over her early resignation application to the HR department, she watched as they stamped it with the company seal.

“Since Mr. Renault has given his explicit approval, you may oversee the handover process and officially resign in three days, Miss Buccaneer.”

At last, there was a sliver of daybreak in Anise’s recent rather gloomy days.

She returned to her desk and began to arrange the handover procedures.

The next two days were spent organizing her documents for a handover to her colleagues. She also prepared a suitcase to pack all her belongings.

Just as she finished packing, Arthur opened the door and stepped inside.

Upon noticing the top of her desk was cleared out, he seemed somewhat taken aback.

“What are you packing up for?”

Anise was just about to answer when a thought seemed to have crossed his mind, to which he remarked with an agreeable nod.

“Right, you’ll have a private office for yourself after your promotion. Leave the packing for later, I need you to come with me.”

He turned and left without sparing her time to respond.

Anise hesitated, but still silently followed him. They ended up at an auction venue.

Clarice was present too. The moment she spotted Anise, a hint of disdain flashed across her face.

She proceeded to step forward to take Arthur's arm.

“Arthur, I already have my eyes on some jewelry. You must buy all of them for me, no matter what, I insist!”

Arthur smiled dotingly before helping her to her seat.

“Don't worry, I'll bid for whatever you want.”

Anise stood alone in the corner and watched as the two exchanged intimate conversations sprinkled with laughter. She found herself numb to it at this point.

When the auction began, Arthur went all out and bid for everything Clarice had her eyes on.

Everyone in the auction hall was flabbergasted by his overwhelming budget and stole curious looks.

“Mr. Renault has been going all out on his every bid! Is there a limit to how much he would spoil his girlfriend? He’s practically a human wishing fountain! Miss Reid sure is a lucky woman to have someone who can give her whatever she wants.”

“I heard it’s been this way ever since they started dating way back. I’m surprised that he’s been consistent with it after so long. He must be completely in love with her.”

Clarice was flattered by the countless remarks people made about her and Arthur.

At one point, she candidly chucked the auction brochure at Anise before turning to Arthur with the usual coquettish look.

“Arthur, I need to go to the restroom. Would you come with me?"

Arthur immediately obliged and got up with her. Before leaving, he curtly turned to Anise and left behind instructions.

“Bid for everything circled out in the brochure.”

Anise silently acknowledged the instruction and proceeded to bid for everything circled out in the brochure.

Just as they were about to leave, the auctioneer on stage suddenly announced a new item to be auctioned for the day.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we shall now put a surprise item up for bidding! What we have here is a dazzling purple necklace carved from a 40.52-carat alexandrite. The starting price is ten million dollars!”

All the attendees were blown away by the magnificent surprise item. Their eyes were completely dazzled by the allure of the beautiful gemstone.

In an instant, bids were thrown left and right around the hall. It did not take long before the price was hiked up to an astronomical range.

Anise reached for her phone and took a picture of the necklace to show Arthur. She asked if she was supposed to put up a bid as well.

However, there was no reply from Arthur even after a long time had passed. She tried to call him several times, but he would not pick up.

While she was still trying to get in touch with Arthur, the necklace was officially sold at the price tag of five hundred million dollars.

Clarice returned just in time for the gavel to fall and conclude the sale.

The moment she caught a glance of the necklace, it was love at first sight. Immediately after being told that it had been sold, she grabbed a glass of red wine and splashed it in Anise's face.

“Are you an idiot? Didn't I tell you to bid for everything I like?”

The wine continued to soak through Anise's hair and clothes. She clenched her fists tightly and forced herself to keep her voice calm.

“This necklace wasn't in the auction brochure. It was a surprise item that was introduced at the last minute. I tried to call Mr. Renault, but he didn't answer…”

Clarice would not listen to her explanation but instead turned to Arthur with an aggrieved cry.

“Look at her, Arthur! She’s incompetent and will not take accountability! I don't care, I will have that necklace one way or another, and if you can’t give it to me, I'm never talking to you again.”

Arthur had seen Anise's message. He would know it was not her fault.

However, he knew he could not justify what happened to Clarice. The only thing he could do to appease her was to give in.

“When have I ever not given you what you want? Don’t worry, I'll have someone to buy the necklace from the buyer right now.”

With that, he motioned over a staff and instructed rigidly, “Negotiate with the buyer. As long as they are willing to let go of the necklace, they can have anything they want.”

Meanwhile, Anise stood nearby the entire time with her drenched shirt sticking to her body. Wine was still dripping from her hair.

When she looked at Clarice's smug look, she had an ill feeling.

Soon, the auction staff returned with a troubled expression, “Mr. Renault, the buyer says he's willing to give up the necklace, but…”

“Out with it.” Arthur frowned.

“On one condition…” the staff stammered, “…he wants your secretary to spend the night with him. He says…”

He finished his sentence with great difficulty, “He says even though she’s rather plain looking, he had his fill of beautiful women and would like to go for someone plain for a change.”