Upon hearing that Ranita was going, Augustus decided to join in on the fun.
The auction was scheduled for four in the afternoon. Ranita made a quick trip to the family villa, changed her clothes, and touched up her makeup.
“Mommy, you look so beautiful! Where are you going?” Ayaan ran over and hugged her legs. “Can you take me with you?”
The adorable little one looked at her with puppy eyes, melting Ranita’s heart. She reached out and embraced him. “Ayaan, I’m going out to take care of some things. I’ll be back early in the evening!”
“Ah? You’re not taking me?” The little one was disappointed. “Hmph! I’m angry!”
Clutching his chubby arms, the little one pouted like a miniature adult, his lips puffed up.
“Ayaan! I’m going out for important matters. I really can’t take you with me! Can you take care of grandma and grandpa in my absence?” Ranita earnestly entrusted Ayaan, and the little one immediately nodded. “I can!”
“Mommy, come back home early, okay!”
Once the little one was appeased, he immediately went to find Alexia and Benedict. Despite Benedict’s illness, having a child around lifted his spirits and seemed to speed up his recovery.
Ranita greeted the elderly couple and felt reassured knowing she was going out with Augustus.
Ranita thought things would go smoothly, but unexpectedly, she ran into Chole downstairs.
“Where are you going?” Chole scrutinized her with disdainful eyes. “Is my dear little sister going on a date already?”
“But I guess it’s because you’re desperate for a man that you brought home an illegitimate child!”
Chole launched into an aggressive attack from the start.
Ranita glanced upstairs. “Please move aside. I don’t want to argue with you!”
“You don’t want to argue with me? I hit a nerve, didn’t I?” Chole smirked, her lips curling. “I see Augustus outside. Did you already hook up with him so quickly? Well, he’s your brother’s friend, but you really have no boundaries when it comes to men!”
Ranita couldn’t bear it any longer.
“Chole, show some decency!”
“Not for you!” Chole’s expression grew even more triumphant. “But let me give you a piece of advice. His mother is not someone just anyone can catch! Especially someone like you, dragging along a child!”
Ranita reached her breaking point.
“Chole, that’s enough! There is nothing between me and Augustus. We are completely innocent! We’re just going together to attend the auction. If you don’t believe me, come along!”
Upon hearing this, Chole scoffed. “Who cares about going with you!”
Chole turned and walked away but quickly made a phone call.
Ranita set off with Augustus. He also changed his clothes, looking sophisticated and stylish. Ranita couldn’t help but smile.
“Do I look handsome?”
“Not bad!”
Augustus wasn’t ugly, but he could be described as delicate. He usually dressed casually, saving the formal attire for special occasions.
“Haha, okay, stop nodding! Your brother always tells me to tidy myself up, but it’s not that I don’t want to. I just feel more comfortable being myself.”
As they chatted, they got out of the car.
However, just as they entered the venue, a surprised voice called out, “Ranita? Is that you?”
Ranita looked in the direction of the voice, momentarily unable to remember who it was.
“Who are you?”
The person’s face suddenly changed, and they awkwardly smiled. “Ranita! It’s me, Lily! Your college classmate!”
Lily Lane chuckled, her gaze scanning Ranita and Augustus, full of curiosity. “Ranita, is this… your boyfriend?”