Chapter 305: Chapter 305: Setting the Scene
Unlike the traditional auction method, this time it was a silent auction.
The ready-to-wear garments had already been taken off the models and displayed on the auction stage.
Though many people came and went, hardly anyone stopped to sign the auction sheet.
Evelyn Clayton glanced around, feeling a subtle wave of anxiety rise within her.
"Here, have a drink first." Franklin Ford handed her a glass of champagne, smiling gently to reassure her, "No need to rush, it’s just starting."
Knowing he was trying to comfort her, Evelyn took a sip of champagne and voiced her concern.
"Although the reaction at the show was good, showcasing and selling are two different things."
She looked at Franklin Ford, unable to hide her worry, "If we can’t sell them..."
"The buzz from this show is very high, you should check the online responses." Franklin Ford continued to smile lightly, "The effect I wanted has already been achieved. Designer Clayton, you have over-fulfilled the task. As for sales, if they don’t sell today, I have ways to sell them later."
Evelyn was taken aback for a moment, then smiled in relief and clinked glasses with Franklin.
"Oh, hasn’t the auction started yet?"
A smile remained on her face, but the voice from behind made Evelyn’s eyes flicker with irritation.
She turned around to see Summer Monroe’s mocking gaze meeting hers.
Evelyn curled her lips politely and distantly, "Director Monroe, have you never attended a silent auction?"
Summer sneered, "Silent auction? Or is it that no one wants to buy?"
Underneath, Franklin Ford’s patience had run out.
Summer had caused too much trouble today, like a clown.
"Sister-in-law, what exactly do you want to do?" Franklin Ford asked coldly, looking at Summer.
Summer took a leisurely sip of champagne, "I’m not planning anything. Franklin, I’m just worried you’ll lose everything."
Many people noticed the dispute over here and cast curious and gossiping glances.
Summer got even more animated, raising her voice a bit.
"Though today’s show had some highlights, overall, it was dull and outdated with no innovation. So many domestic designers use traditional elements; I bet Designer Clayton knows that well. Look, hardly anyone’s buying now, proving that similar designs can’t captivate customers."
Evelyn’s face turned icy.
She had never seen anyone as stupid yet as wicked as Summer.
As the owner of an investment firm, Summer publicly said these things just to provoke others into doubting Evelyn’s designs, suspecting plagiarism.
Rumors can cause misunderstandings, and in the end, even without plagiarizing, Evelyn might be labeled as a suspect.
"Director Monroe, speak with evidence. You say similar, where is it similar, and who is it similar to?"
Evelyn sneered coldly, "Not saying it out loud, are you trying to accuse without proof?"
"Do I need evidence? Nobody buying is the best proof!" Summer retorted coldly.
However, just as Summer finished speaking, a hammer sound suddenly fell from the stage—
Bam!
The host’s calm, smiling voice echoed throughout the venue.
"Congratulations to Mr. Hawthorne for winning the haute couture Emerald Water Dream for seventy thousand!"
The room buzzed with chatter.
"Emerald Water Dream... is from the finale model, right?"
"Yes, it looked really good... I also placed a bid, but I didn’t expect it to go so high!"
The murmurs grew louder, filled with astonishment and regret, while Summer stood frozen in place.
Evelyn was astonished too; she glanced around and finally spotted Tristan Hawthorne in a corner, smiling and raising his glass high at her.
A moment later, Tristan Hawthorne walked up, clinking glasses with the delighted Evelyn, and spoke playfully.
"Only by luck, I was afraid I wouldn’t win the Emerald Water Dream, I was going to bid a hundred thousand."