Chapter 6 Left with no choice , he ended up tending to her himself , bringing her along with him even at work . Lindsay knocked on the door and then entered his office . " Mr. Barrette , the charity auction starts at six . We should head off soon . " Hearing this , Darlene , who was playing with Lego , immediately perked up. " Daddy , I wanna go , too ! " Damian picked her up and wiped her mouth with a wet tissue . " Sure , sweetie . " Claudine arrived at the venue in advance to make preparations . The auction was sponsored by several philanthropists , and all proceeds would go to the United Women and Children Foundation . Given the extensive number of lots , two auctioneers would be conducting today's auction as required . According to the dual - auctioneer system , a veteran auctioneer would prime the audience during phase one , while Claudine , the " Ace Auctioneer " , would take over for the final push . She was reviewing the lot specifications in the preparation room . Just then , the organizer came over to introduce her to a benefactor . " Mr. Gregory , this is Ms. Hogan , the ' Ace Auc- tioneer ' you requested . " She stood up and said politely , " You're flattering me . " Extending her hand , she smiled gently and gracefully . " Hello , Mr. Gregory . I'm Claudine Hogan . Thank you for your trust , and I promise I won't let you down . " In fact , she was very curious . After all , she had been absent from an auction of this scale in years . Why would he want her as the lead auctioneer ? He reached out and touched her fingertips briefly . " It's been a while , Claudine . " His voice carried a gentle warmth , reminding her of a mountain stream . She studied his face - there was something vaguely familiar about his features . But after trying for a few seconds , she still couldn't place him . 0.0 % 03:50 Chapter 6 He keenly sensed her embarrassment and smiled , saying , " I'm Roberto . " " Roberto ! " 288 ¡ Vouchers She looked at Roberto Gregory with a surprised smile . Seriously ? Was this refined gentleman in a tailored suit really Roberto , the bullied boy from her high school days ? Since they were old acquaintances , the organizer sensibly excused himself , leaving the room to them . Roberto offered , " There's a café downstairs . Wanna go catch up ? There's still time before the auction . " Claudine nodded readily . For one thing , they went way back . For another , he was the benefactor today . It was only right that she talked to him and had a better idea of his price expectations . They entered the café together . " Time leaves you untouched . You still look amazing after all these years , " looking at her , he remarked with quiet sin- cerity . His compliment came with exact measure , bridging their distance while avoiding presumption . She smiled , " But you've changed a lot . To think I didn't recognize you . " They laughed while reminiscing about those days in high school . She smiled brightly , those long - forgotten memories bringing her back to her wonderful , carefree youth again . Damian walked into the venue holding Darlene's hand , who craved dessert . Lindsay said , " Mr. Barrette , there's a café over there . I'll go buy Darla a slice of cake . " He nodded and handed her a card . " Take this . I'll take Darla back after making an appearance . You stay here and bid on some jewelry for me . " She took the card and headed toward the café . Darlene was thrilled to be out , keeping looking around curiously while squirming in Damian's arms . Suddenly , she pointed toward the window and squealed , " Daddy , look ! It's Claudine ! " Following Darlene's pointing finger , Damian looked over and saw Claudine with a man . They were chatting , and Claudine was smiling brightly . He hadn't seen such a radiant smile on her face for ages . Compared to adults , kids were more impulsive . While he stood still , Darlene squirmed out of his arms and ran toward Claudine . " Claudine , what are you doing here ? " 44.2 % 03:50 Chapter 6 Chatting with Roberto about the lots today , Claudine was surprised to see Darlene . " Darla ? " she blurted out . Looking at Darlene , Roberto asked politely , " Claudy , this is … " 95.6 %