Seducing my Ex-husband back (Claire) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

AUCTION

-CLAIRE’S POV-

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Hosting the charity auction was far more stressful than I thought but if I wanted it to be the event elites would hold a candle to, I had a long fucking way to go.

I called and RSVP’d. Several days later, the event was set.

This was my opportunity to show everyone in high society exactly what I could do and I was not going to fuck it

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The day of the auction arrived, and as I entered the grand ballroom, I couldn’t help but feel nervous as hell. I had spent days putting everything together.

As guests began to trickle in, I could already spot familiar faces. There were wealthy donors, socialites, and even a few faces I wasn’t so thrilled to see but I had to smile for everyone.

I was having the time of my life until Richard, Monica, and his mother, Eleanor. I tried to push those thoughts aside.

“Focus, Claire, focus on the event,” I mumbled to myself, taking a deep breath.

As much as I didn’t want to see the bastard, he had to be here. He was friggin delaying on signing those papers and I needed to work on him today. I took a look at my outfit I had picked carefully to highlight my features.

I had decided to go with a long flowing, shimmering silver dress that was cinched at the waist and had an elegant flow that covered my toes.

The diamonds I had picked to go with the outfit were not too small or big and they rested on my ears, neck, and a pin on my hair that held my messy bun in place.

Even I had to admit it, I looked fucking stunning.

“Claire! You did a fantastic job!” came a familiar voice, and I turned to see Annette waving at me, her usual bright smile lighting up her face.

She was the one person from Monica’s family who I’m sure was innocent so I didn’t exactly distance myself from her. She was most likely naive about the entire situation but I had my use for her later.

“Thanks, I’m so glad you could make it!” I said, pulling her in for a quick hug. “Are you ready for a night of fun and fundraising?”

“Absolutely! I’ll make sure to spend a lot!”

“Please do,” I said with a grin as she walked away she had come on her own so thankfully, I didn’t have to deal

with Monica.

As the guests mingled, I took a moment to observe everything from a corner of the room and unfortunately, my attention was pulled toward Richard, who seemed unable to take his eyes off me.

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I pretended not to notice, putting on my best professional smile as I greeted guests.

The auction itself went smoothly.

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I watched as the bids shot up for the high–value items. One painting sold for double what we expected, and the crowd erupted in applause.

During a brief break in the auction, I stepped outside to take a break. I had been greeting guests all evening and I was getting tired.

I had barely settled down when I suddenly noticed I wasn’t alone anymore.

“Claire!” a voice called out and I turned. Surprisingly enough, it was Eleanor. “What a fantastic evening! I must say, this may be the auction of the year.

“Thank you, Eleanor!” I replied, returning her smile. “I’m so glad you enjoyed it.” What in the world did she want?

“You’ve done well, dear.”

Before I could respond, I saw Richard and Monica approaching behind her. I could feel Richard’s stare on me and felt a tinge of annoyance.

I tried to ignore it, focusing instead on Eleanor.

“I agree with Mother, Claire You look wonderful,” Richard said, trying to act all charming, but I didn’t want to play his game. I turned my back to him, knowing exactly what he wanted. Didn’t I tell him not to talk to me like we were buddies?

Monica began to speak, saying, “I must say, it’s been quite the-”

“Excuse me. I’m already in a conversation with Claire,” Eleanor said, dismissing her without the slightest glance.

That was… Strange

“I–I apologise, mother,” Monica remarked, bowing her head as her face reddened. What was that all about? “Richard, this event is truly lovely and I don’t need anyone cutting into my conversation with Mrs Hayes. See to it that you keep her company at the event while I am busy,” Eleanor said with a cutting tone.

She turned back to me, her expression softening. “Can I have a minute alone with you, Claire? Just one moment?”

“Sure!” I replied.

Richard mumbled what I’m sure was an apology and stepped away, leaving me and Eleanor alone. “I wanted to apologize to you for Richard’s behavior,” Eleanor said, her tone earnest. “I know nothing can make up for what my son did to you and I am terribly sorry.”

Was she? Did she know how her son treated me all those years and if she did, why couldn’t she talk to him about it? Was she apologising so I could go easy on him or forgive the bastard? Well, it was not like her intentions

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mattered anyway.

I was going to take iny revenge.

I faked a smile as I took her hands in mine.

“Ma’am, honestly, there’s nothing to forgive,” I said, shrugging it off. “He’s made his choices, and they’re not my problem anymore. I don’t need you to apologise for your son’s actions.”

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