Lahat ng Kabanata ng Side Chick Era… Over: Kabanata 601 - Kabanata 610

The auctioneer speculated aloud, "This painting, Nightfall, is the only one in MK's entire collection that features a human figure. I wonder if this figure holds a special meaning for MK? Or… could she be his unattainable first love?"He went on, weaving story after story about the painting and guessing at MK's creative inspiration.In the audience, Wendy listened with half an ear before muttering with a sigh, "These people are really good at making things up. A first love, even—what a waste they're not in screenwriting."Xavier chuckled. "Add a bit of drama and the price will soar.""They don't even know whether the artist is a man or a woman," Wendy said, exasperated, "yet they're talking about first loves… utterly ridiculous."Just then, Thomas, who had been studying the painting intently, suddenly spoke. "The woman in this painting… is it Sharon herself?"Wendy turned to him with approval. "Thomas, sharp eyes—you can tell?"Thomas smiled. "I've often seen Sharon playing the

Such bidding… Were they burning money just for the thrill of it?Seeing the situation escalate, Sharon leaned in and whispered, "John, stop. I only sold this painting for 20 thousand back then. If they're willing to pay eight million for it, let them have it.""This time," John replied, eyes fixed on her, "I won't give up so easily. Sharon, don't worry about the money. I can borrow from my father.""John," Sharon said firmly, "this painting simply isn't worth that much."The auctioneer began the final call."Eight million. Any further bids? Eight million going once—"Xavier, who had been quietly observing, suddenly raised his paddle. "Nine million."Sharon and Wendy both started, turning toward him in surprise."Xavier," Sharon said quickly, "there's no need to waste your money on this. It's nowhere near worth that price.""Who says it's not worth it?" Xavier's lips curved into a faint smile. "If you like it, it's worth it."Cole, seeing the bid jump to nine million, began to

Sharon thought for a moment, then added, "Your personal portrait would work too."Xavier raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"Wendy grinned. "Sharon's portraits are incredibly lifelike. John and I have several of them."Xavier's interest was clearly piqued. "Alright then, it's a deal."Sharon smiled back. "Deal."With that, Xavier dropped out of the bidding.Wendy noticed Julliard was still bidding and whispered, "Sharon, should we tell him to stop bidding?"The painting had already reached 20 million. It was a harsh reminder of her limited means. To these wealthy tycoons, money was mere paper.Sharon replied, "Julliard said he came to the auction for one painting… probably this one. Honestly, if this is truly what he wants, I don't know how I could talk him down."Even if she told Julliard she was the original artist, he might not believe her.Wendy lowered her voice. "He didn't bid at all during our rounds. It seemed like he wasn't interested in buying. But after Cole

Uriah had not only chosen not to press charges but even insisted that Cole apologize to Sharon. That alone showed just how much backing Sharon had.The group climbed into Lex's car.Once inside, Lex asked Victoria, "Where are you girls headed?"Victoria glanced at Johanna. "Johanna, my dad hasn't seen you in ages. He misses you a lot. Why don't you come stay with me?"Johanna didn't refuse. "Sure."The car started moving slowly.Cole sat in the front passenger seat, recalling the mysterious buyer from earlier. He couldn't help but ask, "Uncle Lex, do you know who bought that painting?"Lex shook his head. "No idea."Cole sighed. "What a sucker, spending so much money on a painting like that. I bet he's regretting it already."Victoria replied, "If they have deep pockets, this money is just a hobby expense—nothing to them."After all, she herself had been willing to bid 10 million for that painting. Even for a wealthy heiress like her, 10 million wasn't a small sum. It hurt a

"Sharon, wait a moment," Carter said.Sharon frowned. "What is it?"Carter asked, "Are you free later? Want to go pick up Theo together?"Sharon shot back, "Can't you go yourself?"Carter fell silent for a moment. "Your dad has taken Theo away for several days now. Every time I go to pick him up, your dad tells me to wait a little longer."Sharon's tone sharpened with sarcasm. "Carter, be honest, how many times have you lost Theo? Do you even know how to take care of a child?"Carter replied calmly, "You misunderstand. It wasn't me who lost him this time. Mr. Kalen went to my mom's place, and with my mother's consent, took Theo to his home to stay there for a few days."Madeline had always wanted to climb higher by aligning with the Kalen family. Now that she knew Richard was Theo's maternal grandfather, she'd be willing to send Theo to Richard for a few days—or even sell him to the Kalen family without hesitation.Sharon knew exactly what kind of person Madeline was and unders