Cecilia Gu looked up as well. The moment her eyes lifted, she met the gaze that had been searching for her.
Cecilia was stunned too. Why was he here? Wasn't he supposed to attend an important government event at noon today?
Charles Yin's tall figure appeared at Cecilia's side almost instantly. He reached out and gently took her hand, his eyes soft, a smile spreading as he leaned in to whisper by her ear, "I couldn't stop worrying about you, so I came to check on you."
A wave of sweetness rose in Cecilia's heart.
She couldn't deny it—among all these high-society ladies, having her husband show her so much affection did satisfy that tiny bit of vanity hidden deep inside her heart.
Among the ladies and debutantes present, most were either married, engaged, or had boyfriends, but none of them could say so openly in front of such a crowd, "I was worried, so I came to check on you!"
And yet, this man was the king of the business world.
A king's love could melt anyone's heart.
Cecilia smiled and let Charles Yin lead her back to the spacious sofa.
The two of them sitting together felt just right.
Charles Yin shot Sean Kerr a look from the stage, and Sean's eyes lit up instantly!
Charles had once promised Sean he’d help him wrestle the shares from Mr. Kerr Sr. Looks like things are finally moving forward.
It seemed... things were finally taking shape.
As long as Sean controlled the majority of shares, he could veto Mr. Kerr Sr. with one vote!
Sean looked at Charles, his eyes growing more urgent and passionate.
Helen Jiang didn’t even notice Charles’s look—she was too busy waiting for Cecilia Gu to embarrass herself.
With Charles here, things were about to get even better!
Let’s see them both humiliated together as husband and wife!
Helen Jiang couldn’t wait and said, “Now, let’s invite Grandma Yin to the stage for the ceremony!”
As soon as Helen finished speaking, several unfriendly gazes shot her way.
But out of respect for the Jiang Family, no one called Helen Jiang out for her behavior.
Helen was too focused on Cecilia to notice the strange looks others were giving her.
Mrs. Kerr’s gaze turned cold.
A woman this impatient didn’t deserve to stand by Sean Kerr’s side.
Compared to her, even Rona Muir, that ordinary girl, was better!
Emma Yin grew excited too, her gaze landing sharply on Cecilia.
Now, every eye in the room was focused on Cecilia.
Cecilia slowly stood up, letting Wendy carry the brocade box, and walked calmly toward the center of the stage.
Seeing Cecilia so composed, a flash of cruelty passed through both Helen Jiang and Emma Yin’s eyes.
It was as if they could already see Cecilia panicking in embarrassment!
This was the moment!
Cecilia, you’re doomed!
Wendy followed behind Cecilia, glancing at Helen Jiang and catching her barely contained, gloating look.
Wendy sighed inwardly: Even the Jiang Family won’t be able to protect Miss Helen this time. She’s really brought this on herself!
Sean Kerr saw Cecilia approaching and immediately stepped back considerately, making space for her.
Cecilia took the stage and smiled, saying, "Thanks to Mrs. Kerr’s generosity, I get to offer this small token today. I’m truly grateful for her kindness, and for all the contributions Mrs. Kerr has made to global charity and education! As a junior, I’ll take Mrs. Kerr as my role model and do my part for charity worldwide!"
Cecilia’s speech was a big compliment to today’s host.
Mrs. Kerr looked at Cecilia with growing satisfaction.
This was the grace everyone expected.
A daughter raised by the Grant Family of Eastshire really never disappoints.
Graceful, poised, and unflappable.
For nobility, these qualities are essential.
Cecilia’s words earned her praise and applause from all around.
Helen Jiang stood nearby, struggling to hide the vengeful satisfaction on her face and keep up her forced, serene act.
But the more they praised Cecilia, the more dramatic her downfall would be, right?
Cecilia, enjoy your moment while it lasts!
Just wait—soon you’ll be crying!
Cecilia didn’t show her donation right away. Instead, she said, “Yesterday, the Yin Family’s Second Uncle and his family returned from Norway. I heard they’re settling in China now, and that his cousin also brought a gift. Even though our branches have grown distant, the direct line has only had sons for three generations—until Charles’s generation, there are finally two brothers, but still no sisters. Emma shares our surname, so she’s also a Yin Family sister. I suggest Emma and I present together. What do you all think?”
If you dared to set me up, don’t blame me for getting revenge!
Helen Jiang, Emma Yin—this is what you asked for!
Wendy glanced at Cecilia’s delicate profile and suddenly felt their young mistress had changed.
But she really liked this version of her!
Only a brave young mistress could truly protect herself and the little master!
Charles Yin lounged lazily on the sofa, a bright smile on his face.
Of course he knew why Cecilia was doing this. He was happy—his little mole was finally baring her fangs, pulling out every nail that dared to bully her!
How could Charles Yin’s wife ever be a meek little lamb for others to push around?
The wife of the Wolf King should never be a weak little animal!
Emma Yin quickly glanced at the others. Everyone was applauding, praising Cecilia for her intelligence and poise, saying she never forgot to support the family branches and had the makings of a true matriarch.
Emma Yin wanted to bite her lip bloody.
Why? Why was everyone praising Cecilia?
Why did everyone think so highly of Cecilia?
Emma Yin gripped her donation tightly, shooting Cecilia a venomous look. Fine, if you want to go down, I’ll make sure it hurts!
Emma Yin sprang up, clutching her gift, and hurried onto the stage, taking her place beside Helen Jiang.
Both Emma and Helen were buzzing with excitement.
They were finally about to defeat Cecilia!
Cecilia was about to be utterly disgraced!
Cecilia stood beside Sean Kerr, her smile as warm as could be.
Sean Kerr cleared his throat and said, "Now, will Mrs. Yin and Miss Yin please open the brocade boxes and show us today’s donations?"
Cecilia nodded at Wendy, who immediately opened the box. Cecilia carefully took out the painting inside.
On the other side, Emma Yin casually handed her box to a maid, who opened it for her.
The two had completely different attitudes.
Cecilia’s seriousness and dignity made everyone nod in approval—even Mrs. Kerr, the hostess, felt proud.
Guests who value the host’s invitation bring great honor to the host.
By contrast, Emma Yin’s casual attitude, letting someone else handle her box and looking indifferent, came off as disrespectful—no host would welcome such a guest.
Both works were revealed at the same time.
The entire hall fell silent!
Helen Jiang and Emma Yin seemed to have expected this reaction. They shot Cecilia a smug look, as if to say: You’re finished today!
Cecilia stood perfectly straight—despite being pregnant, her posture was graceful and her smile poised.
All the ladies in the hall were stunned!
No one expected someone would dare to make a joke at such a serious event!
Charles Yin was the first to laugh—though it was sudden, no one dared object. Soon, others joined in, whispering and casting scornful looks at Emma Yin.
After everyone reacted, Cecilia stepped back and addressed the crowd: "This painting is one of my mother’s treasures. She loves painting bamboo, and among bamboo painters, Zheng Banqiao is the greatest. So when she heard I’d represent the Yin Family at Mrs. Kerr’s charity gala, she had this genuine work brought from abroad. It sold for forty million yuan at auction a few years ago and was collected by the Grant Family of Eastshire. For charity, my parents insisted I donate this painting to someone truly deserving."
The whole room gasped at the price!
The Grant Family of Eastshire!
Though the Grant Family has been cast out of high society, their heritage is unmatched!
For the Grant Family, even a casual painting is worth forty million!
Mrs. Kerr was the first to respond, applauding and saying, "Mrs. Yin’s generosity will surely reach those who need it most! Let’s thank Mrs. Yin for her donation, and thank the Grant and Yin families for their support!"
A wave of applause followed.
Cecilia bowed slightly, and when the applause died down, she continued: "In addition to this painting, the Yin Family is donating ten million US dollars in cash to children in need around the world. As a soon-to-be mother, I believe every child is an angel. We must cherish our angels."
Applause broke out again.
Cecilia’s reputation soared to its peak.
Helen Jiang and Emma Yin looked absolutely mortified.
Helen Jiang managed to keep her composure, but Emma Yin snapped, "Are you kidding? How could Cecilia have an original painting by Zheng Banqiao? That’s obviously a fake!"
The two stood far apart, and the paintings were displayed at the back. Each work was projected onto the LED screen for everyone to see clearly.