Chapter 7 Just as Claudine was about to introduce Darlene to him , she remembered that Darlene had never admitted to being her stepdaughter . Today of all days , she couldn't afford to embarrass herself in front of Roberto . The last thing she wanted was for him to question her professionalism . " She's the daughter of a friend of mine . " Damian happened to hear her say this while coming over . He instinctively looked at Claudine , only to see her bare ring finger . His gaze turned icy as he quickly averted his gaze and bent over to pick up Darlene . " Daddy … " Darlene felt upset , but she couldn't tell why . Joy flooded her when she spotted Claudine , but Claudine offered neither embrace nor affectionate words at all . *** Claudine wasn't surprised to see Damian . He was Bronzevale's foremost elite . Of course , he wouldn't have missed such a high - profile charity auction . She didn't mind him seeing her here . After all , she was already set to divorce him . Roberto stood up first and extended his right hand . " Hi . I'm Roberto Gregory , Claudine's friend . " Damian nodded slightly in response . " Damian Barrette , " he said concisely . Roberto retracted his hand , smiling humbly . " Mr. Barrette , it's my pleasure to see you . " This time , Damian didn't say anything . He just turned to look at Claudine . Different from her normal attire , she wore a sleek , form - fitting black business suit today , her skirt ending perfectly above the knees . Her charm managed to transform the most conventional attire into something captivating . 0.0 % 03:50 Chapter 7 288 Vouchers Damian's gaze darkened . Uneasy under his stare , Claudine parted her lips , wanting to say something . Just then , Darlene said while wrapping her arms around Damian's neck , " Daddy , look ! Lindsay's coming over . " Damian nodded and said to Roberto , " Pleasure to meet you , Mr. Gregory . " Claudine watched as Damian walked toward Lindsay . While still meters away , Darlene stretched out her arms , seeking Lindsay's embrace . The three of them then entered the elevator together , the smiles on their faces stinging her eyes … She lowered her head to take a sip of the coffee , bitter and sobering . Meanwhile , Roberto gazed at her . Her eyes , beautiful yet unreadable , suggested volumes left unspoken . But since she didn't share , he wouldn't pry . Soon , the auction began . Within minutes , Darlene pouted , complaining about how boring it was . Damian said a few words to Lindsay before taking Darlene to leave . In the car , Darlene nestled in his arms , so sleepy that she could barely keep her eyes open . " Daddy , when is Claudine coming home ? I miss her bunny - shaped sandwiches . " Hearing this , he looked down at her , only to see her dozing off . He draped his suit jacket over her before turning to look outside the window . Neon lights flickered , adorning the streets . When had it started raining ? He hadn't even noticed . This kind of weather always slithered under one's skin so easily … As the auction hit its climax , Claudine stepped into the spotlight . After five years , she stood on stage , hosting a major auction like this . Facing the audience , she almost felt like she was reborn . Damian's presence didn't cross her mind . Her only focus was on figuring out how to maximize the auction's value . Lindsay gaped at Claudine , wondering if she was seeing things . Claudine ? An auctioneer ? No way . She was a housewife , good at nothing but chores , wasn't she ? Lindsay was on pins and needles as she fixed her gaze on Claudine , the center of everyone's attention , radiating confi- dence and brilliance . Deep down , she had always looked down on Claudine . To her , Claudine got to be Damian's wife all thanks to her 38.2 % 03:50 Chapter 7 pretty face and powerful family . If she had been born into such a wealthy family , she'd have ended up with Damian - not Claudine . 288 iVouchers But today , she realized she was wrong . As she watched those staggering bids and raising paddles , she secretly re- joiced that Damian hadn't stayed . Otherwise , he would have been impressed by this side of Claudine . She was the real gem today . 90.8 %