The Doormat Wife’s Ultimate Glow-Up novel Chapter 68

Three days later, the charity auction was in full swing.

As soon as Reese got out of the car, she spotted Zach chatting with the host at the entrance. They looked like old friends, laughing together under the lights. Reese felt her nerves tighten, but she forced herself to push those feelings aside and walked straight into the hall.

She didn’t realize that from the moment she arrived, Zach’s eyes had been following her every move.

Suddenly, there was a stir at the entrance. A black Bentley rolled up to the curb. Sebastian stepped out and, with just a glance, noticed Reese’s figure in the crowd.

He raised his eyebrows, surprised.

What was Reese doing here?

He immediately sensed someone’s gaze on him. Turning, he caught Zach’s eyes—Zach nodded and flashed a sly, knowing smile.

Sebastian’s jaw tightened, a flicker of irritation running through him.

Zach was here too?

Did Reese show up tonight to see Zach?

He knew all about the history between Reese and Zach.

“Sebastian, what’s wrong?” Sofia had just stepped out of the car. Noticing his mood, she quietly hooked her arm through his, looking toward the hall but seeing nothing unusual.

“It’s nothing,” Sebastian said, slipping his arm away. “Remember our deal. I’ll win that necklace for you, and you’ll make sure Mindwave launches first with Ratcliff Global’s products.”

“Of course,” Sofia replied. Her smile faded a little, and something bitter flickered in her eyes.

Ever since what happened at the courtyard, Sebastian had grown cold toward her.

She’d even heard from Brady that Sebastian was trying to track down where Reese was living, planning to bring her home to care for the baby.

But then she remembered Robbie’s reaction that day, and a small, smug smile appeared.

So what if Sebastian cared about Reese because of the baby?

If something happened to the baby she was carrying, Sebastian would eventually go back to how he’d always treated her.

Compared to Reese, she was more valuable to Ratcliff Global. Wasn’t that all that really mattered in the end?

Just like tonight—she’d casually mentioned a necklace at the auction, and Sebastian had dropped everything to come with her.

As the auction was about to begin, guests filled the seats. Reese settled into a quiet corner, out of the way.

She saw Zach helping Tara into a seat in the front row, and her anxiety only grew.

Sofia bit her lip. “I just think it’s pretty. I don’t actually want it.”

The auction moved on, item after item. Reese barely paid attention. She was only here for one thing: her mother’s necklace. Nothing else mattered.

Finally, the auctioneer announced, “Next up, a natural sapphire necklace, platinum setting, complete with certificate of authenticity.”

Reese finally looked up at the stage.

Starting bid: one million.

Under the spotlight, the necklace shimmered with a cold, elegant light. The sapphire pendant sparkled, exactly as she remembered it.

She glanced at Zach. He was leaning over, murmuring something to Tara, not even reaching for his paddle. She felt a wave of relief and got ready to make her bid, when a familiar voice called out.

“One million.”

She turned. Sebastian was holding up his paddle, glancing down at Sofia.

Reese’s heart dropped. She hadn’t expected Sebastian and Sofia to show up.

And from the look on Sofia’s face, she wanted the necklace, too.