Allure: Peerless Beauty

chapter 10

Suddenly, a scene caught her attention.

The news was broadcasting a scene from a charity auction, with Gilbert's face flashing across the screen. Then, the camera focused on a diamond necklace displayed in a glass case, giving a close-up of its uniquely designed pendant.

Ada rubbed her eyes and confirmed that she wasn't mistaken—it was the same necklace she had around her neck.

"The highlight of this year's charity auction is the 'Key of Hope' diamond necklace. With its main blue diamond weighing 7.8 carats, it's rumored to be a token of love between the last queen of Italy and her lover. Not only is it exquisitely crafted, but it also holds significant historical value..."

The entertainment reporter's lively coverage attracted the attention of many diners.

Next, Ada saw the auctioneer shaking hands with Gilbert, and Jimmy taking possession of the precious item amid a flurry of camera flashes.

Then, the camera switched to Gilbert being surrounded by a swarm of enthusiastic reporters, escorted away by staff. Other celebrities were left on the sidelines, making for a rare sight indeed.

It wasn't surprising—Gilbert was a hot topic in the city, yet rarely seen in the media spotlight. The paparazzi naturally seized the opportunity.

A beautiful female entertainment reporter held a microphone, expressing endless admiration, "As we all saw, after Gilbert Bruce of A-Sky Group secured this treasure with an absolute advantage, he declined media interviews and left in haste. This is indeed regrettable. However, Mr. Bruce's charitable actions are evident to all. A-Sky Group has been actively involved in various charitable activities in recent years..."

Ada lost interest in the flattering words that followed. She subconsciously touched her neck, feeling anxious.

"Rich people," Coco remarked, shaking her head in envy. "Spending so much money on a necklace could feed us for a lifetime."

Then, she curiously touched the necklace around Ada's neck and asked, "Ada, where did you get this fake version? It looks quite similar."

Coco pointed casually to the street corner, "Chinatown, $20 each, custom-made."

Sherry burst into laughter, spitting out her drink and pounding the table, finding it the funniest joke of the year.

Ada glared at her indignantly, but unfortunately, Sherry didn't see it.

"Hey, I heard Gilbert Bruce has begun a full-scale pursuit against the Raaise Group. Do you have any insider information?" came a voice from the adjacent table.

How come everyone is talking about him? Ada thought wearily.

"I'm just a junior staff member at A-Sky, how would I know about the upper echelons? But everyone says that Raaise's situation this time is probably more bad than good."

"No way, Simith Lamb is a cunning old fox, he's been dominating for so many years, it can't be that easy for him to be taken down, right?"

"Unfortunately, this time he's run into a lion, and not just any lion, but one that specializes in hunting foxes. Have you forgotten about the last uproar over the 'J.C. Acquisition Case'? James Char is sly enough, but what happened in the end? He was pushed to jump off the building by Gilbert. And the ' D.K.Acquisition Case,' the Goodman family's funds were abundant, but they still lost everything trying to save the company. And then..."

The conversation suddenly turned somewhat gruesome, causing Ada's palms to sweat, her body trembling as if she were back in that chilly, rainy dusk. She really wanted to shut those two annoying guys up, but they were on a roll, incessantly chattering away.

"So, you're saying the finance industry is about to undergo a reshuffle," another table seemed quite interested, men gathered together, their topics revolving around money, cars, and women.

Being the center of attention was exciting, and the junior white-collar worker spilled even more gossip enthusiastically.

"It's not just a reshuffle, it's practically a change of dynasty. Our boss has always been decisive, never showing mercy. Look at all the good deeds he's doing now, it's just building up his karma. But then again, if you were in his position, you'd do the same. They say the business world is like a battlefield, and in this circle, sentiments and such are just secondary..."

Ada became increasingly restless, but unfortunately, everyone seemed to enjoy gossiping about Gilbert. Especially Coco, who couldn't wait to hear more.

Sherry noticed Ada's complexion worsening and quickly tapped the cup with chopsticks, shouting, "Hey, I'm telling you, they have their rich people's pleasures, and we have our own fun. Hey, Mark, play some guitar for everyone to listen to. If you don't show some charm soon, Coco's soul might just be lured away."

Mark didn't hesitate for a moment. He immediately threw away his cigarette, grabbed the guitar, and casually played a lively dance tune. Sherry, with her cigarette between her lips, let out a shout and pulled Coco to the side of the street. Dancing to the rhythm of the guitar, they moved their slender waists like carefree gypsy girls, joyfully and uninhibitedly.

Everyone laughed and applauded, whistling at them. The stars in the sky turned into lanterns, and the cement pavement became a stage. In this moment, there was no Gilbert, no A-Sky Group, no cutthroat business world, and none of the worries that bothered them.

Years later, Ada recalled this intoxicating autumn night, she still remembered: in this forgotten place by God, they were angels abandoned in the mortal world, deprived of glory, unable to return to heaven.

But, in this moment, their radiant youth, with wings of flight, bloomed splendidly like fireworks, embracing life with fervor...

All this beauty, they truly had it once, and that was enough.