Chapter 111

The memory still stung. When Gabriel had taken her to those high-profile events before, Damien had acted like she didn't exist at all.

Her thoughts were interrupted as the auction began. The auctioneer stepped onto the stage, and the murmuring crowd fell silent.

Camille had studied the catalog thoroughly. She'd marked two potential targets - an exquisite emerald set and a rare embroidered masterpiece by a famous artist.

Which one she'd actually bid for would depend on how the night unfolded.

The auction progressed swiftly.

Camille remained focused, only lifting her paddle when items she wanted came up.

Across the room, neither Damien nor Selene had made any bids yet.

Then Elise nudged her sharply. Selene had finally raised her paddle for a dazzling diamond bracelet.

The piece was unmistakably designed for young women, created by an internationally renowned jeweler.

No question - Damien was buying this for Selene.

The opening bid was set at 1.5 million. Selene immediately doubled it to 3 million. Other bidders pushed it to 4 million.

Camille watched as Selene leaned toward Damien, whispering something. Then came the clear, confident voice: "Eight million."

The room erupted in murmurs.

While beautiful, the bracelet wasn't worth half that amount. Four million had already been excessive.

But Selene clearly adored it. And Damien, with his bottomless pockets and penchant for extravagance, wasn't about to let anyone else win it for her.

The shock in the room was palpable - not just at the reckless spending, but at the blatant display of favoritism.

As expected, no one dared challenge the 8 million bid. Selene claimed her prize with a triumphant smile.

Elise gritted her teeth. "That's enough to give anyone cavities."

Before Camille could respond, the next lot was announced.

An antique vase took center stage.

Selene's paddle went up again.

Starting at 5 million.

Bids climbed in modest increments until Selene's turn. She doubled the highest offer to 10 million.

Several competitors dropped out, but the room was filled with deep pockets.

Then a masculine voice cut through: "15 million."

Camille turned to see a strikingly handsome young man.

"That's Everett Mercer," Elise whispered.

Camille gave a slight nod.

Selene hesitated, glancing at Damien.

The realization hit Camille - Selene wasn't bidding for herself. This was clearly intended for Rosalie Lancaster, Damien's grandmother who collected antiques.

Damien gave a subtle nod. Selene raised her paddle. "25 million."

Everett chuckled. "30 million."

Selene leaned closer to Damien, appearing ready to withdraw.

But Damien shook his head.

Selene lifted her paddle again. "40 million."

Everett's voice rang out immediately. "50 million." He flashed a challenging smile toward Damien's box.

Selene frowned, whispering to Damien, "Perhaps... we should let this one go?"

Fifty million was absurd for a single vase.