Chapter 3

The next day, Tabitha knocked on Vanessa's door. As soon as Vanessa opened it, she saw Tabitha leaning against the door frame. Tabitha wore a red fishtail dress, smiling brightly. "Vanessa, there's an art auction today. Let's go together," she said. Vanessa froze for two seconds before replying coldly, "No." She was about to close the door when Tabitha suddenly took her hand affectionately and asked with a pitiful look, "Are you still mad about the art exhibition?" At the mention of the art exhibition, Vanessa felt a wave of humiliation surged up. "Yes," she replied bluntly and pulled her hand back. Her gaze turned cold as she asked, "Why bring that up? Are you here to apologize or do you want to give me your nudes to turn into art too?" The words had barely landed when Tabitha pursed her lips. At some point, Baxter had come upstairs and was now standing behind them. His expression stormy as he heard Vanessa's words.. He stepped forward and pulled Tabitha behind him, roaring, "You're going to far, Vanessa! How can you even say something like that? "If Tabby really agrees out of the kindness of her own heart, how's she ever going to face others if it happened?" His words felt like a knife stabbing Vanessa's heart. So he understood how humiliating it was all along, yet he still handed over her private photos. "Then what about me?" She let out a cold laugh and asked mockingly, "When you gave her those photos, did it ever cross your mind how it would impact me afterward?" Baxter looked at her without a trace of guilt in his eyes. Instead, he spoke as if it were justified, "It's not like this was the first time, so is there really a need for you to be so dramatic? Enough already—today's auction is important. We shouldn't waste any more time." Dramatic? So, that was what he really thought of her. That single word hit Vanessa hard. The pain was sharp and overwhelming, leaving her feeling completely exposed and broken. She lowered her gaze and let out a scoff, saying nothing more. There was nothing left to say anyway. In four days, she would be able to leave, so she had no intention of stirring up anything else before then. In the end, she still went to the auction with them. This auction was mainly a charity event. The proceeds would be donated to help children in rural areas. It was a routine effort in the art world to give back to society and build a good reputation. At the auction, Baxter bought several pieces in a row. He spent tens of millions of dollars, and as usual, donated everything under Vanessa's name. People at the event praised him as a devoted husband, while Vanessa simply smiled without commenting. She now saw it as nothing more than him putting on a show. But Tabitha was visibly upset, and a sly glint flashed across her eyes. Feeling bored, Vanessa was just about to leave when a three-feet-tall human sculpture was wheeled onto the stage. The moment the red cloth was pulled away, the room erupted in gasps. The sculpture was of a young woman crouched on the floor with her legs spread, tugging shyly at the sheer fabric draped over her. Her eyes were lowered in embarrassment, and the curves beneath the fabric were faintly visible, provoking a desire to explore further. And the face of the sculpture looked just like Tabitha's. A bunch of men turned to look at her. Their eyes were filled with desire, their Adam's apples bobbing as they rushed to raise their paddles one after another. "Five million dollars!" "I bid ten million dollars!" The prices skyrocketed, and the venue buzzed with chatter. "Who donated this? It's so explicit!" "It must be Mrs. Johnston. Didn't you see the art exhibition trending online the other day? She's getting back at her." "No wonder she's the wife. That's some serious queen boss energy!" Hearing this, Vanessa frowned. This wasn't her doing. But before she could explain, Tabitha stood up. Biting her lip, she asked, "Are you satisfied now?" Then, she looked at Baxter with tearful eyes. "Baxter, I don't blame Vanessa. But please, just let me go. I'm too ashamed to stay here any longer." With that, she turned to leave. However, Baxter quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her into his arms. "Don't be afraid. I'm here," he reassured. Then, with a cold expression, he raised his hand in a decisive gesture to make the final bid. He purchased the sculpture as a show of dominance, then turned and glared at Vanessa furiously. If looks could kill, Vanessa would be dead by then. Vanessa trembled and blurted, "I-It wasn't me. I—" Before she could finish, a hard slap landed on her face. Instantly, the burning pain surged through her cheek, followed by a single tear rolling down.