Chapter 204 - JL International Anniversary Ball (7)

16 February, Star Dream Hotel, City K

Just before Lexi's offer for a personally designed dress was up for auction, the emcee spent the time reading off the list of silent auction winners.

Sensing her nervousness, Phillip lent over and quietly said "Before that brother of mine comments, do not worry Lexi. I have heard at least five society women all want a personally designed LY dress, so it will be successful last-minute addition."

"You know that is not my concern," responded Lexi.

"Lexi, since everything happened, what has it been six or seven times you have come to my office complaining about being trapped in a marriage you do not want. As I have told you, if you give it a chance and Matthew refuses, I will do everything I can to support you getting a divorce, including speaking to President Dong. You know I will have your back, but as an a.d.u.l.t you must live with the consequences of earlier decisions. Chester and I are doing that even now, dealing with that witch."

"What is she doing now?"

"Other than causing trouble in the media, to the point we have launched legal action, and complained to the police about her breaking the laws regarding same s.e.x relationsh.i.p.s. From what I have heard when they spoke to her about it, she tried to blame us, but the media she had been speaking to, told the police she was making an issue of it…"

"Serves her right, she cannot leave things alone."

"I would just be wary that you do not become her target. As it is our function, I was able to stop her getting a ticket, but her friends are here. If they have not already informed her of your announcement, by tomorrow she will know."

"Thanks for the warning…"

However, before Lexi could continue, the emcee said "Now for the last item, a last-minute donation of a personally designed one of a kind LY original piece of clothing, kindly donated by the lead designed and owner Lexi Rong, our hostess for the night. What is my first bid?"

Hearing herself described as the hostess, Lexi looked at Anthony and Alice Rong, and observed that they were fuming at Lexi being described as the hostess. She looked to Matthew and then Phillip before saying "Who said that I was the hostess?"

Laughing Phillip said "Well, mother does not like her limelight being taken, but I am CEO and it is my option to nominate a female family member as my hostess for the night. This if the first time in my tenure as CEO that I have actually had an option, and between you and my mother, you won hands down."

"Do not expect me to deal with your mother though."

With that Lexi turned back to listen to the auction, seeing the price rise and rise quickly. It was difficult to determine who would win, given that the bidding was quick fire. As she looked around, Lexi noticed that one of the bidders was Madam Mo. She hoped that she did not win, as given what happened earlier in the week this would be a slap in the face for her.

A few minutes later, the auction started to slow down, with all but Madam Mo, and a young girl, who was talking on her phone. It appeared that she was bidding for whoever was on the phone. Watching Madam Mo, she could see that the price was getting too high for her. When it looked like Madam Mo has dropped out, the man sitting next to Abigail Mo increased the bid by twenty percent over the current value.

Pausing, she realised it was David Hwang, the man Monica said her family were determined that Abigail would marry. That massive increased bid, however, did not prevent the young girl on the phone upping the bid again. That was interesting. Whoever was on the phone was determined to win, but David Hwang increased the bid again by a further twenty percent.

This time, the person on the phone did not increase the bid and the emcee called the winning bid for David Hwang. While she could not hear what was happening on the table, it appeared given the glee on Madam Mo's face David Hwang purchased the opportunity for her.

Sensing Lexi tense up beside him, Matthew turned and said, "What is it?"

"It appears that Madam Mo is going to get her wish of a LY couture design, after she had to concede that the dress, she claimed was one of my couture designs was shown to be a fake. Now she gets one, free of charge."

"While she might be the customer, remember you are the designer…"

"Matthew Rong, you are wicked for giving me ideas. There is no way that I want to damage my brand, doing what you are even hinting at."

"Sorry, I could not help it…"

"Matthew stop upsetting my hostess," Phillip said butting in. "She has to have the opening dance with President Dong, and while I would normally do the honours with Madam Dong, you are going to have to perform that for me, as…"

Looking over at Phillip, Matthew could see that today's events had taken it out of him, and he said "I can do that, but you need to…"

"Matthew, you are my little brother, you do not need to tell me what to do. Let me just get through the final formalities, and as soon as Chester and I can, we will slip out. Promise me though, you will stay until mother and father leave, as I do not trust them."

After receiving a nod from Matthew, Phillip returned to the stage. "Thank you everyone present for your generosity. Yet we do not have a final total as to what will be donated to each charity, we will post this on our website and on other social media locations. The final formality is our opening dance of the night, with our guests of honour, President and Madam Dong. Normally I would be involved, but after over nine years, my brother the equal largest share owner in JL International, Colonel Matthew Rong is here. He and his wife will share the opening dance with our guests of honour. Please feel free to remain until as late as you like and continue to enjoy yourself."

Phillip nodded to Matthew, who helped Lexi stand up, and they walked to where President and Madam Dong were waiting to take them onto the dance floor for the first dance.

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