Chapter 752 A Test

“Sir, ma’am, congratulations! Please enjoy this song,” the staff smiled enthusiastically.

What exactly was “Silly”? Eleanor and Franklin had spent sixty thousand dollars, yet remained utterly clueless about their purchase.

At that moment, musicians arrived with their instruments. A conductor raised his baton, and melodious music filled the hall. Franklin was stunned. How could they have imagined “Silly” was a musical performance? They had bought a song for sixty thousand dollars! Eleanor and Franklin possessed no musical skills and lacked appreciation for this type of art. The lullaby-like music almost lulled them to sleep.

They felt everyone's eyes upon them, their laughter tinged with pity. Their foolishness was the subject of open mockery. Eleanor and Franklin felt intensely ashamed, yet maintained a stoic expression.

Finally, the song ended. Joyce laughed, “‘Silly’ means stupid. That couple spent sixty thousand dollars on a song! Let's applaud their foolishness!” She applauded, and the audience quickly followed, a wave of laughter and applause washing over them. Eleanor and Franklin felt utterly humiliated, like clowns who'd paid to entertain others. Over a million dollars gone—for a broken rock and a piece of music. They deeply regretted their impulsive purchase.

“This auction is utterly uninteresting. Let’s go!”

“Exactly! Even with our wealth, we wouldn't return to this ridiculous place!”

Eleanor and Franklin stood abruptly, shamefacedly hurrying from the hall.

Their departure brought a sudden quiet to the auction. Olive looked at Joyce and said, “Mummy, you were amazing!”

Joyce smiled slightly. “If anyone dares bully my daughter, I'll teach them a lesson.”

Olive noticed Annabelle’s discomfort; her hands were pressed to her chest, as if she were about to vomit. “Aunty Annabelle, what’s wrong?” Olive asked anxiously.

Annabelle stood, “Olive, I need to use the restroom.” She left.

“Annabelle, are you alright? Wait for me…” Joyce started to follow.

Olive stopped her, “Mummy, stay. I'll check on Aunty Annabelle.”

“But…” Joyce worried.

“Mummy, aren't you here for that book?” Joyce was instantly reminded of the auction's purpose. “Don't worry, I'll look after Aunt Annabelle,” Olive assured her, leaving.

In the restroom, Olive found Annabelle bent over, vomiting. Her face was pale. “Aunty Annabelle, what’s wrong?” Olive asked.

Annabelle stopped. “Olive, I don’t know. My appetite's been poor lately, and I've been nauseous.”

“Let me check your pulse.”

Annabelle obediently extended her hand. Olive felt her pulse, then frowned slightly.

“Olive, am I sick?” Annabelle asked.

Olive withdrew her hand. “Aunty Annabelle, it's probably just the cold weather. I'll give you some medicine.”

“Thank you.”

Olive then surprised Annabelle. “Let's leave this auction and take a private plane to Imperial City.”

Annabelle hesitated. “Olive, why the sudden change? What about Alpha?”

Olive held Annabelle’s arm. “Don’t worry about Alpha. I’ll call him; he’ll join us in Imperial City.”

Annabelle looked at Olive suspiciously. She knew Alpha well; his decisions were final. Olive's calm, bright eyes held a resolute twinkle. Rescuing Bounty and solving the Augustine family mystery was paramount. Annabelle sensed the urgency behind this sudden shift in plans.

“Very well,” she replied calmly.

Sadie approached, whispering, “Princess, the plane is ready. Bounty and Rory are aboard.”

Olive nodded. “I’ll call Alpha and arrange transport. Aunt Annabelle and I will follow.”

“Yes, Princess.”

Olive called Alpha. He answered. “Hello.”

“Uncle Alpha, Aunt Annabelle and I are taking a private plane to Imperial. Come quickly.”

Alpha’s lips tightened. “I won’t go…”

“Uncle Alpha, Aunt Annabelle is pregnant,” Olive interrupted.

“What?” Alpha’s pupils constricted.

Olive smiled. “Don't tell me you didn't know? You should be the first to know.”

Alpha, in his study, wearing a gray shirt and black trousers, felt a sudden halt in his movements. After Annabelle's visit, she’d stayed two nights. He’d used a mild sleeping draught and slept with her, unprotected. He’d assumed she was past childbearing age. Annabelle herself believed it was a dream. He never expected another pregnancy, especially with his son already providing grandchildren.