chapter28 " There are already three collectors waiting to bid by phone . If you are bidding in person , please raise your paddle above your head - the starting price is $ 120 million , and we are now accepting bids ! " As the highlight of the auction , this antique attracted great interest from many collectors , and the price quickly soared to $ 530 million . But Audrey , sitting in the VIP section , never raised her paddle . She hadn't participated in the bidding for any of tonight's items , which surprised Claudine. She had thought Audrey would be the biggest client tonight , but apparently , that wasn't the case . At that moment , the bidding stalled briefly , and Claudine smiled and spoke . " This piece deserves another ten seconds , " she raised her auction gavel , looked toward the VIP seats , and began to count down . " Ten , nine , … three … " " Six hundred million ! " Audrey raised her paddle . In that instant , everyone looked at Audrey , thinking : As expected of " Mrs. Barrette , " so generous ! With that price , it was clear she was determined to win . Knowing her identity , no one else continued to bid , wanting to do the Barrette family a favor . Claudine brought down the gavel . " Congratulations , Ms. Lavigne ! " The auction ended , and Claudine returned backstage to rest . At that moment , Audrey came over . " Ms. Hogan , I'm really sorry about last night ! " Although Claudine disapproved of Audrey and her ex - husband's affairs , it was ultimately someone else's family mat- ter , so she refrained from commenting . " It's nothing , the property manager said it was a misunderstanding . I haven't congratulated you yet on winning your favorite piece " Audrey sat down next to Claudine with a familiar case , her smile tinged with a bit of shyness . 000 08.53 chapter28 ប 288 Vouchers " Actually , all of this was my ex - husband's idea . Ever since I returned to the country , he's been paving the way for me , hoping I can establish myself here . " I bought this antique because my doctoral research is related to it . He said it would be convenient for studies . " But honestly , it's not that necessary . I could just look up the information myself . " my Claudine was surprised , " You're applying for a doctorate ? Is it in Antique Restoration Industry ? " Since she was also preparing for a doctoral exam in a related field , she couldn't help but ask a few more questions . " Yes ! I'm planning to apply to Professor Nixon's doctoral program . Since you know so much about antiques , you must have heard of Professor Nixon . " Claudine hadn't expected such a coincidence - this Ms. Lavigne was also applying to Professor Nixon's doctoral pro- gram . Audrey continued . " You can probably tell my ex - husband's background is unusual , I married him for love , and when I left , I said it was for my dreams , but really , it was because of our difference in status - his family couldn't accept me . " Marriage is , after all , a matter of two families . He saw how I suffered in the marriage and couldn't bear it . " His idea is that once I get my doctorate and succeed in my career , his family won't be able to criticize my back- ground , and we can be together again . " He really has done a lot for me … " Claudine finally couldn't listen anymore and interrupted Audrey , " Ms. Lavigne , I just remembered I have other things to take care of , so I won't keep you. " Audrey said , " Then I'll go first . When you have time , let me treat you to a meal as an apology for yesterday . " Claudine stood up , her attitude noticeably more distant . " Ms. Lavigne , there's no need to be so formal . It was just a misunderstanding . Besides , I might not have much time lately . " " Ms. Hogan , do you have something against me ? I genuinely want to be friends with you . I just returned to the coun- try , and apart from my ex - husband , I don't have any friends here . But I feel like we have a real connection . " Claudine stopped walking and turned to look at Audrey . She was not the type to meddle in other people's affairs , nor did she enjoy commenting on others ' relationships . But … perhaps because she understood all too well how painful it was to marry someone who didn't love her , she felt a special sympathy for the girl who was kept in the dark . " Ms. Lavigne . " 36.4 % 08:53 chapter28 Claudine finally spoke . 288 iVouchers " Have you ever considered that there was another innocent victim in the love between you and your ex - husband ? " Audrey , upon hearing this , neither became angry nor felt ashamed . She simply curved her lips slightly , her eyes filled with disdain and pride . " Innocent ? " She stepped forward , coming right up to Claudine . " When she married him , she was after his power and status . Everything she has had all these years , it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say it was my charity . " How is she innocent ! Ms. Hogan , don't you think the love between me and my ex - husband is something rare and precious ! 87.0 % 08:53 chapter29