Can’t Win Me Back by Ginger Sue

Chapter 179
“You’re right Dad.” Javier and Sophia could only agree with Newton with apologetic smiles.
Tam so happy with this gift Where’s Lauren? I want to give her a hug!” Newton beamed.
“Ms. Lauren says she won’t join us because she’s sick. She’ll meet you in person later,” Ben reported.
S
tarted a bidding war with me and made me buy the painting. How could you do this to me?”
Jasper looked glum as he shot icy glares at Alyssa.
“I made you buy it? When did I do that? Alyssa’s eyes glimmered, looking as though she was in shock.
Jonah was the first to stand up for Alyssa. He snickered. “Ms. Gardner, the auction is open to the public. It was a fair game, Alice
could not have forced you to buy the painting against your will. Don’t you think it was your personal decision?”
“She knew I wanted the painting. That’s why she started the bidding war with me. Whenever I raised my paddle, she’d follow
suit. This continued until the price was 900 thousand from the starting price of 100 thousand.
“She suddenly gave up after I bid a million for the painting. Wasn’t she misleading me into buying a counterfeit at a high price?
Liana.
igh, that child — Newton lamented. “Ben, frame the painting and put it up in my study. That way, I can look at it whenever I feel
like it.”
Ben nodded and carefully put the painting away. Betty was wordless with anger when she observed Newton’s interest and care
for Lauren’s gift.
Betty thought that Lauren, who never had much allowance, might humiliate herself by purchasing a miserly gift. To her dismay,
Lauren decided to be creative by presenting a handmade gift.
In the end, the vase that Betty splurged hundreds of thousands on was overshadowed by a shabby painting of Lauren’s!
“Oh Lauren just wait and see. You’re dead meat!” Betty thought.

On the other hand, Liana was pacing the corridor. She had sent someone for Sophia. Sophia showed up, arms crossed on her
chest and looking sulien.
“Aunt Sophia, what do we do?” Liana almost tore her hair out. “Our little trick does not change Grandpa’s perception of Alice. Not
only that, they’ve gotten closer because of it!”
“That was unexpected. The older he gets, the weirder he acts. He’s ridiculous.” Sophia squinted her eyes dangerously and
whispered, “Lia, It looks like it’s time to put plan B in action today.”
“Right now?” Liana gritted her teeth with a malicious gleam in her eyes.
“No. We need to wait.” Sophia patted Liana on the shoulder and smirked.“Another VIP is showing up soon. I have a way to make
Alice the brunt of jokes and ruin her reputation!”
More gifts were presented to Newton. The Georgian–era drinkware that Jasper bought for Newton was the event’s climax.
Friends of Newton, who were antique experts, were eager to check out the beauty of the antique drinkware.
Worried that the old fellows might break the valuable gift, Newton hugged the box tightly and pouted. “No one’s touching the gift
from my grandson.”
Everyone guffawed at his antics, including Alyssa, who covered her mouth and chuckled.
“Grandpa this drinkware was donated by Mrs. Taylor of the KS Group to the charity auction. I bid for it as it was a rare item. I’m
glad that you like it” Jasper felt obliged to explain the gift’s background because Jonah was also at the event.
“Oh! This must be one of the items in Mr. Taylor’s personal collection. He’s the top collector in Solana City when it comes to
antiques.” Newton sighed as he caressed the box.
“Dad would love it if he heard that you treasure an item from his collection,” Jonah chimed in warmly.
Jonah was a natural peacemaker, for he was able to graciously resolve any conflict with his calm composure and humble
attitude.
“Grandpa, here’s my gift for you!” Liana butted in with a cloying voice. Everyone turned to her with a little disdain. Those who
were disceming could tell that Newton disliked her. Her road to marrying Jasper might not be smooth sailing.

“Dad. Lia spent a lot of effort on your gift. After she heard you liked old paintings, she bid on a Georgian–era painting for your
birthday.” Javier attempted to pave the way for Liana, especially because she was Sophia’s niece.
“Oh? A genuine painting from the Georgian era?” Newton’s eyes lit up in excitement.
Liana had someone bring in the framed painting in white gloves. The staff carefully displayed the painting, which the antique
collectors crowded around for a look at.
+15 BONUS
PAS ANTAA
led to keep the site on her fare. Thought this hom the Harpers‘ aur Hon house. It can’t be a c