Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 113

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The moment Claudia entered with Sterling on her arm, Jasper quickly yanked his arm away from Lydia’s grip.

Lydia lowered her gaze, her face giving nothing away after the cold rejection.

Claudia, on the other hand, didn’t even bother looking their way. Her attention was locked on someone else entirely. Those two weren’t even worth noticing.

The best perk of being with Sterling was that she could stroll around like she owned the place and ignore anyone she didn’t feel like talking to. Nobody would dare cause trouble.

They went straight upstairs to a VIP room. Claudia piled all the fruit and snacks in front of her, eyes sparkling with curiosity.

“So, who is it?”

She’d seen a few Romero relatives earlier. They had stopped to say hello, but Sterling brushed them off like it was no big deal. Even the thick–skinned twins knew better than to follow them into the room.

Out in public, Sterling carried a cold edge that warned people to keep their distance.

Claudia studied him while he brewed tea, realizing he did have two sides.

He handed her a cup and finally dropped a name.

Her eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? That guy?”

It looked like first impressions weren’t everything. She’d always thought the most explosive temper in the Romeros belonged to Hailey, who had lost it the worst last time.

Meanwhile, the auction downstairs was already underway. Claudia propped her chin on her hand, watching the staff bring out the first item–a pair of antique emerald earrings.

Sterling glanced over casually. “If something catches your eye, feel free to bid just for fun. Tonight’s stuff isn’t amazing. I’ll take you to a proper auction next time.”

She grinned. “Are you serious?”

He shrugged. “Go for it.”

If Lisa had been there, she would’ve pointed out that Claudia’s emerald hairpin and pale blue dress tonight were already worth more than everything in this auction.

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19:13 Thu, Oct 9

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Chapter 113 Charity Auction

Sterling’s wealth had long since stopped surprising Lisa.

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The only pity was that he pampered Claudia so much. There was less chance she’d agree to be Lisa’s friend’s inspiration model.

Maybe next time there was a show, Lisa would try inviting Claudia.

Claudia, though, was completely calm and wasn’t in any hurry to act.

The auction hall itself was circular, with VIP rooms circling the second floor, their windows wide open.

She scanned the crowd for familiar faces.

Ethan and Emma seemed like they were just tagging along with the adults. They’d been polite enough when they spotted her earlier. But since Sterling was around, they didn’t dare linger.

Now, they were whispering to each other while helping their parents lift the paddle now and then.

Hailey had shown up with her husband’s family. Logan looked at Claudia like she was the plague.

At the last family lunch, he’d stared at her too long and wound up with tea in his eyes–courtesy of a ruthless woman. Not long after, he was mysteriously beaten up. With no proof, he couldn’t do a thing about it.

Now, facing Claudia and Sterling together, he didn’t even dare to blink.

Hailey gave her useless son a few sharp glares.

Khloe arrived late with her mother, Clarissa Romero. They headed straight over to Bruno’s family for a chat.

Blaine didn’t come in with them. Instead, he brought along a middle–aged man, probably a business client, and slipped into another VIP room.

The Romero family was scattered everywhere, each busy with their own plans.

Claudia just smiled, completely unfazed. She didn’t waste energy on them. Her eyes followed Lydia and Jasper as they bid on a couple of small items. When the more expensive stuff hit the stage, Claudia finally raised her paddle.

“Two and a half million.”

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