Chapter 123
Chapter 123:
After navigating the bustling auction venue, Phillip finally released Emalee’s hand as she tried to wriggle free. She quickly stepped back, massaging her wrist with a grimace. “What’s your problem? That really hurt!” Emalee exclaimed, her voice a mix of pain and irritation.
Out of nowhere, Emalee thought of Ashton. He would never treat her so roughly. She sighed deeply, feeling a growing sense of disappointment.
Realizing his mistake, Phillip quickly tried to smooth things over. “I’m sorry. I was just worried Ashton might be tailing us, lurking around like a ghost.”
His apology sounded half-hearted, as he didn’t even notice the red marks blooming on Emalee’s wrist. Instead, his eyes darted around, searching the crowd for any sign of Ashton. Not spotting him, a slight smirk crossed Phillip’s face.
“He probably couldn’t get in and decided to act like he didn’t care. These kinds of events really show you who people like Ashton are—just leeches living off others,” Phillip muttered, a mix of relief and contempt in his tone.
Emalee let out a soft sigh, disappointed by Phillip’s lack of empathy. However, with the auction about to begin, she chose to hold her tongue for the moment. They reached the auction hall just as the event kicked off.
The host stepped onto the stage, ready to present the Longevity Pill. With great enthusiasm, he proclaimed, “I’m thrilled to introduce today’s charity auction item, courtesy of Skyline Group to aid orphanages: the Longevity Pill! Many of you may know of its legendary effects. Crafted from a variety of precious herbs, this pill promises enhanced longevity and vitality. Though it’s a rare find in the market, Skyline Group has generously donated this invaluable medicine for the benefit of homeless children. We urge everyone to open their hearts and wallets!”
As he concluded, staff members rolled a display cart to the front of the stage.
The audience marveled at the elegantly packaged Longevity Pills, their gasps filling the room. Yet, Phillip and Emalee were struck by a sudden realization.
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The porcelain bottles bore an uncanny resemblance to the one Ashton had handed Bobby.
A nervous excitement built within Emalee. She murmured, “Could it be that Ashton’s gift to Grandpa was an authentic Longevity Pill?”
Such a possibility had never crossed her mind before. However, Ashton’s recent demonstrations of capability had begun to shake her skepticism.
Phillip’s expression darkened as he shook his head vigorously. “No way! Absolutely not! It must be a coincidence, or maybe Ashton made a fake bottle to look like the real thing.”
He forced himself to relax, convincing himself that his assumption was correct.
Emalee tried to interject, but Phillip cut her off. “It’s exactly as I suspect. If you’re not convinced, why don’t we just purchase a Longevity Pill and see for ourselves?”
Emalee exhaled deeply. “Let’s prioritize getting a Longevity Pill first. The future of our families outweighs any personal grievances.”
This logical stance seemed to cool Phillip’s initial fervor. After pondering for a moment, he nodded in agreement. With that, their focus shifted to the upcoming auction. However, the situation there proved to be more complicated than they had expected.
The other representatives of big families in attendance were clearly well-prepared and just as resolved to win. Despite participating in several bidding rounds, Phillip failed to secure even one Longevity Pill.
He had braced himself for tough competition, but he was stunned by the sheer determination of his rivals. The competing families were formidable!
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