Chapter 34 : Moms Got Money ! Michael was frantically trying to identify Number 8 , eliminating anyone hed previously crossed , trying to unravel their identity . Then , he heard the auctioneers gavel fall . Congratulations to bidder number eighty six , who has won Dawns Overture for one million , five hundred and fifty thousand … Michael whirled around . He remembered Andys paddle … number eighty something … Seeing the number 86 in Andys hand , Michael stared in disbelief . Impossible ! He was a broke student ; where would he get the money to buy a painting for over a million ? His two underclassmen were equally stunned , filled with apprehension . If their senior couldnt pay , would they be held responsible for the debt ? They were thinking the same thing as Michael : Andy , outwardly calm , was actually deeply affected and had bought the painting to save face . The auction , featuring few items , concluded in an hour and a half . Michael lingered , wanting to witness Andys humiliation buying something he couldnt afford and to find out who Number S was : a personal enemy or someone targeting the Joe family . An auction staff member approached Andy . His underclassmen shrank , their heads bowed low . Over a million dollars they couldnt even raise that much through online loans . Several onlookers remained , including Michael , waiting for the fallout . Use this card , Andy said casually , as if buying groceries . Ill sign here . He signed the documents swiftly , avoiding the formality of being escorted to an office . The staff member scanned the card , the transaction seamless . It was as if the amount was one hundred and fifty five * doallars * , not dollars . Send it to this address , Andy said , retrieving his card . The staff member offered some pleasantries before leaving . One underclassman pinched himself ; the other bit his lip . My god , it was real ! Why the rumors about Andy being poor ? Someone had mentioned his clothes being from an exclusive , expensive brand . Many had dismissed it as counterfeit , but maybe theyd been genuine all along . Michael had mocked Andy for his affected indifference while wearing fakes . If he could spend 1.55 million on a painting , could he really afford fakes ? The underclassmen saw a mysterious aura about Andy . The other onlookers were equally amazed at the twist . Theyd expected a dont underestimate the underdog narrative ; instead , the underdog wasnt an underdog at all !. Andy , where did you get the money ? Michael demanded , unconvinced . You didnt even have an invitation , meaning you failed the financial vetting … He paused , then added slyly , This money isnt legitimate , is it ? I heard a rich womans been showering you with gifts . This rich woman was the aunt of a wealthy classmate . She had a penchant for young men . Michael had deliberately introduced Andy , hoping to leverage her generosity . She was wealthy and kind , though a little overweight and older . If Andy was using this woman for money , it would shatter his image . Seeing Andy casually spend a million , Michael assumed he was dating her . He regretted not 9.0 % hapter 9 w decking before the auction . Now , he couldve had irrefutable evidence to humiliate Andy * Bullshit ! Before Andy could react , NoDi intervened , furious , You brain dead moron ! What are you babbling about * ! * Who are you ? Oh … Michael leered . So , youve found yourself a sponsor . Youre really Shut up ! Michael , already disliked , was silenced again . He turned to retort , his expression freezing as he recognized the newcomer . A sharp slap landed on his face . Dad , whyd you hit me ?! Michael felt his face crumble . This is the chairman of NoDi Auction House ! You insolent brat ! The Joe family had business dealings with NoDi , explaining Michaels access to an invitation . The Joes were more reliant on the partnership . I … Im sorry , Michael apologized swiftly , his bravado dissolving under his fathers glare . That apology isnt just for me ! NoDi said coldly . Michaels mouth moved , unable to form words ; he refused to apologize to Andy . His father kicked him , causing him to stumble . Seeing the simmering rage in his fathers eyes , Michael finally apologized to Andy . Andy remained indifferent . Not out of magnanimity , but because he would retaliate later . H Apparent forgiveness wasnt due to saintly compassion but because he would exact his revenge tenfold . The reason Joes company valued the NoDi partnership was due to company difficulties a consequence of Andys counterattack . Andy , though outwardly serene , was ruthless towards his enemies . Ignoring him , Andys nonchalance sent a blush creeping up Michaels neck. The slap hed intended for Andy landed on his own face . His underclassmen muttered about Michaels self inflicted humiliations . They really didnt know what to say anymore . A fathers fault for a sons behavior . Joe , be careful , Andy finally addressed Joes father , whose smile faltered . Hed forced his son to apologize for NoDis sake , but this boy was still arrogant ! Michael was dragged away , his gaze venomous . His underclassmen left too ; the intelligence about the French executives was wrong! During the auction , the underclassmen had attempted to secure sponsorship , failing until they heard what happened with the painting . Their senior might have just secured funding ! Back at school , they recounted the events , but no one believed them . They were known for tall tales and were staunch fans of Andy , so no one took them seriously . Andy buying a painting for over a million , Michael getting slapped by his father , the auction house chairmans personal greeting … It sounded like a fantasy ! They decided to wait for the revelation to shock everyone . That moment arrived sooner than 90 % hapter 34 Moms Got Money ! expected . Because of Michael , Lily learned about the upcoming school anniversary . Besides official invitations , numerous student led events were planned , requiring sponsorship Lily decided to attend her sons anniversary celebration in style . Youre coming too , regardless of anything ! she declared to John . They would support their son ! Yes , yes , I will , John readily agreed . He wouldnt dare refuse . Should we go down ? John asked , seeing Andy leave with NoDi . No , Andy just messaged saying hes leaving first , Lily said . John was relieved . That way , NoDi wouldnt see Lily ! Lily thought it would be a good opportunity for her son to get to know her better through others , and NoDi was perfect for this . was fine if he didnt want his fathers money . Mom had money ! NoDi probably had already talked to Andy . In "CEO's Wife with Many Identities" by CrushReel, follow the captivating journey of a protagonist striving to reclaim her grandfather's cherished heirlooms. Barred from an appraisal event due to concealing her true identity, she grapples with the repercussions of her secrecy. Amidst themes of family legacy and hidden truths, this modern romance unfolds in the opulent backdrop of a billionaire CEO's world. As the drama escalates within the luxurious mansion setting, the tangled web of contract lovers adds a layer of intrigue to the narrative. What sets this tale apart is its exploration of love, wealth, and deception against a backdrop of power dynamics and emotional entanglements. Engaging and immersive, "CEO's Wife with Many Identities" promises readers a unique blend of romance and suspense. Available to read at CrushReel for those seeking a story that defies convention within the realms of billion-dollar empires and complicated relationships.