Chapter 1 - The Winning Bid
“Two million.”
The number echoed through the silent ballroom.
Tobias Reed, a man who had auctioned Picassos and rare diamonds, actually stuttered.
“Two… two million dollars is the bid.”
Adrian Cross walked slowly down the center aisle.
He wore a midnight-black tuxedo, tailored flawlessly, moving with the quiet, dangerous grace I remembered from seven years ago.
He didn’t look at Nathaniel.
He didn’t look at Sienna.
He looked entirely at me.
“Do I hear two point five?” Tobias asked the crowd.
Nobody moved.
Nobody breathed.
“Sold,” Tobias said, striking the wooden gavel. “For two million dollars. To Mr. Adrian Cross.”
The ballroom broke into a frenzy of whispers.
Adrian climbed the short steps to the stage.
Nathaniel looked as though all the blood had been drained from his body.
Sienna clung to his arm, her confidence shattering as she realized she was no longer the center of attention.
She was collateral damage.
Adrian stopped three feet away from my husband.
“A deal is a deal, Nathaniel,” Adrian said. His voice was smooth. Lethal.
He gestured toward the microphone.
“The lady requested a public apology.”
Nathaniel’s jaw clenched.
“You have no business being here, Cross.”
“I just donated two million dollars to your wife’s foundation,” Adrian replied calmly. “I believe that buys me a front-row seat.”
He stepped aside, leaving the microphone open.
Hundreds of phones were already recording.
Nathaniel looked at me.
His eyes were filled with pure, venomous hatred.
But he had no choice.
If he refused, he would look like a coward who couldn't honor a charity pledge.
He stepped up to the podium.
His hands gripped the edges so tightly his knuckles turned white.
“I apologize,” Nathaniel gritted out, staring at the floor. “To my wife. For… misdirecting her property.”
Adrian leaned closer to the microphone.
“And for underestimating her dignity,” Adrian corrected. “Read the lot description, Nathaniel.”
Nathaniel closed his eyes.
“And for underestimating her dignity.”
He stepped back, chest heaving.
But Adrian wasn’t finished.
May you like
He turned toward Sienna.
“Now,” Adrian said, his voice carrying across the silent room. “About Lot 16.”
