Chapter 726

Ten million dollars. A trifle for Tanner Corporation. Elizabeth, soon to be the president's mother, could have anything she wanted. Joseph, however, didn't share her enthusiasm. Before leaving for the auction, he'd instructed her to stay within a six-million-dollar budget. But once there, she was a changed person. Without a second glance at Joseph, she bid ten million dollars for a worthless necklace.

Joseph rose, his expression darkening. Before he could leave, Elizabeth, beaming for the cameras, stopped him.

"Congratulations, Mr. Tanner, on buying this necklace for ten million dollars! Is it for the lady beside you?" a reporter asked.

Before Joseph could answer, Elizabeth chirped, "Of course!" She beamed, behaving as if she were already Mrs. Tanner, oblivious to her actual position.

"Ah, how should I address you, Miss? Are you Mr. Tanner's" The reporter trailed off, looking tentatively at Joseph.

Joseph, lips pursed, wanted to leave, but Elizabeth held his arm firmly. She gently brushed back a stray strand of hair and smiled. "Do I need to explain who I am to Mr. Tanner?" Her smile was ambiguous.

The reporters knew the truth, but such matters were never publicized by wealthy families. Regardless of the state of their relationships, these things remained behind closed doors. Yet, Elizabeth openly acknowledged their relationship, acting as if they were married.

"There are rumors the marriage between Mr. and Mrs. Tanner is in trouble. Are these rumors true? Are you divorced, or are you still in the process?" Elizabeth watched Joseph expectantly. For years, she’d longed for a divorce, but the opportunity hadn't presented itself. Now, she saw her chance. She'd borne his only son, who was rising in the Tanner Corporation. Shouldn't she be the mistress of the house?

Joseph frowned, silencing the reporter. "Nothing of the sort!" He forcefully disengaged himself from Elizabeth's grasp. "My relationship with my wife is fine. She's unwell today, so Ms. Olsen is accompanying me. Ms. Olsen merely placed the bid on behalf of my wife."

"Oh, I see," the reporters replied, suddenly understanding. Then another question arose. "Didn't Ms. Olsen say the necklace was for her?"

"She was joking," Joseph replied flatly, looking ahead.

Beside him, Elizabeth froze, utterly humiliated. Not only had Joseph publicly denied their relationship, but his words felt like a punch to the gut. She felt everyone was laughing at her. Head bowed, she pushed through the crowd and fled.

Joseph frowned but didn't follow. "Ms. Olsen isn't feeling well, so please refrain from taking pictures. My wife's birthday is next month, and the necklace is her gift. Let's not make a fuss about this."