Chapter 114

Elise whispered, "At this rate, let's pray Selene doesn't set her sights on that emerald collection."

Camille's thoughts mirrored her friend's concern. But realistically, what were the chances?

The auctioneer announced the starting bid for the emerald set at ten million.

"Fifteen million," came the first counteroffer.

Camille raised her paddle next. "Eighteen million."

"Twenty million."

"Twenty-five million."

Both women exhaled when Damien remained silent.

Just as Camille prepared to bid again, Selene's paddle shot up. "Fifty million."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Camille's nails dug into her palms before she countered, "Sixty million."

"Sixty-five."

"Seventy."

Camille hesitated. Her grandmother's milestone birthday deserved something extraordinary - but eighty million?

Selene didn't flinch. "One hundred twenty million."

The air left Camille's lungs. She set down her paddle with deliberate calm.

The room buzzed with shocked murmurs about Damien Harrington's bottomless wealth. No other bids followed.

The emeralds belonged to Selene.

Though nothing else interested her, auction rules mandated all guests remain until the end. Camille sat through increasingly extravagant lots until Damien's total spending hit three hundred sixty million.

Elise finally snapped. "This is insanity! Even for him! That mistress must have him completely bewitched!"

Camille had no response. The answer came soon enough - Damien stopped bidding. When the gavel fell, both women exited immediately. Camille never glanced toward Damien's section, but Elise noticed Everett approaching him and Selene.

Outside, an elegant older woman intercepted them. After exchanging pleasantries with Elise, the woman's assessing gaze landed on Camille. "And who might this lovely stranger be?"

Elise made introductions.

The woman's smile cooled upon hearing Camille's family name. "Ah, Mr. Hartwell's niece. Quite striking..."

She knew the rumors - the unstable mother institutionalized for decades, the failing family business. No matter how polished Camille appeared, those stains wouldn't wash out.

What a waste of potential.

The unspoken judgment hung between them as conversation continued. Nearby, Damien's group emerged from the auction house.

Everett extended a hand. "Another time, then."

More well-wishers swarmed Damien, forcing him to turn - directly facing Camille. Their eyes locked.

Camille flinched first, looking away instantly.

Damien resumed conversations without reaction. Noticing his indifference, Selene's lips curved in triumph.

After ten draining minutes of socializing, Elise dragged Camille toward the refreshments. "I need wine. Lots of wine."