The Billionaire And His Son Want Me Back (Paisley)

Two days later, the Crown&Culture charity auction was held as scheduled. Due to Crown&Culture's immense influence in the country, it attracted a gathering of high-profile figures from all walks of life. While everyone was eager to contribute to the cause, there was one particular thing they were all excited about. The event would mark the first public appearance of Nion. Celebrities and elites from the world of art and collectibles were eager to see what Nion truly looked like. They wondered if he was a refined gentleman, as the rumors had it.

When Paisley and Lucy arrived, there was still some time before the auction would begin. The big business tycoons hadn't arrived yet, and only the organizers and a few representatives from impoverished remote areas were present.

As soon as Paisley and Lucy arrived at the venue, Janet, the editor-in-chief of the magazine, warmly greeted them with a smile. "Ms. Green, you're here so early."

Lucy smiled back at Janet. "Yes, Nion said we should leave early to avoid traffic, but there was no traffic, so we arrived a bit earlier."

Janet glanced behind Lucy, then asked, "Where is Nion?"

Lucy paused, then looked beside her. "Right here."

Only then did Janet's gaze land on Paisley, standing beside Lucy. Her eyes widened in surprise, followed by an excited smile. "Šo Nion is a lady."

She extended her hand to Paisley apologetically. "Sorry, Nion, I was too close-minded before and thought you were..."

"A man?" Paisley chuckled. It was true that some people referred to her as Mr. Vaire, and others called her Nion.

Nion was her code name. Every time she painted a picture, she would sign off as "Nion," which was part of her pen name, Nion Vaire. So strictly speaking, she should be addressed as Nion or Ms. Vaire.

Janet laughed along and led Paisley into the venue, "Nion, I have some things to take care of, so please make yourself comfortable."

"Alright, you go ahead." Paisley nodded.

The auction hall was quite large, and each seat was labeled with the name of its guest. She quickly spotted her name and was about to sit down when she noticed the group from the remote areas at a nearby table.

Among them was a little girl who appeared to be only a few years older than Serena. The girl was wide- eyed, confused, and frightened, looking around at the busy crowd.

The girl's clothes were very old but clean, likely her best outfit. At her table were a few other girls who seemed a little older. They all had rough skin, while their hair was as dry as straws.

They were skinny-the kind of skinny that indicated severe malnutrition. But their eyes were pure, untouched by the world. Paisley was moved by the innocence in their gazes and immediately went to sit at their table.

Two adults were sitting at the table with the children, who appeared to be the children's teachers. When they saw Paisley sit down, they smiled warmly at her, though they seemed a bit nervous, and pushed a glass of juice toward her. "Please, have some."

They didn't know who Paisley was, but they knew she was an important figure who could help these children. So, in order for the children to have books to read, clothes to wear, and sanitary pads to use, the teachers lowered themselves to flatter such influential people.noveldrama

Paisley smiled warmly as she took the juice cup. "Thank you."

Seeing that the important guest didn't mind, the two teachers breathed a sigh of relief. The auction was about to begin, and Janet was already at the entrance, welcoming each guest in an orderly manner.

*****

Kayla and Marissa were the last to arrive. As soon as they got out of the car, they saw Janet walking toward them with a respectful smile. "Ms. Vanderbilt, Ms. Prescott, welcome.

Of all the people present tonight, the most important and influential were undoubtedly the two women standing before her. One was the Vanderbilt family's heiress, and the other was the rumored fiancée of the heir.

As long as these two were won over, the auction would be more than half a success. Kayla was too preoccupied to pay attention to Janet's courteousness, urgently asking, "Has Mr. Vaire arrived?"

Janet was surprised, realizing that Kayla was also a fan of Nion. Nodding repeatedly, she said, "Yes, yes. Nion's here."

Kayla's eyes lit up, and she hugged Marissa, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Marissa, thank you so much. I can finally meet my idol."

"I'm glad you're happy." Marissa felt a sense of pride inside. With just a little maneuvering, she could easily control the Vanderbilt family.

"I heard that the painting Mr. Vaire is auctioning today is the one you're currently copying," Marissa said gently, gazing at Kayla as if she were Kayla's elder sister. "Today, we'll win that painting at the auction, and then you can have your idol, Mr. Vaire, sign it for you."

Kayla had never imagined that one day, lady luck would be on her side. It felt like a dream that she could finally meet Nion. On top of that, she could even get Nion's painting and autograph.