- 10.
After graduation, I’d taken over some of the
family businesses.
The charity auction was my latest project.
Julian sat in the back, his eyes never leaving
- me. His recent outburst, though suppressed
by the Thorntons, had sent ripples through
the city. No one dared to mention it, or even
look at him. The notorious playboy’s eyes
were red and swollen.
His humiliation was one thing, acknowledging
it was another. Meeting his gaze felt
dangerous.
For each item, Julian waited until the bidding
lulled before casually raising his paddle, his
bids extravagant and intimidating. He’d
acquired every single lot so far.
But this one was different.
It was a painting, the artist unknown. It
depicted a girl playing the cello, the colors
vibrant and dreamlike.
Her face was obscured.
A sharp
Crack echoed through the room.
Julian stood, his face cold. He bid
immediately, a staggering amount.
One million dollars.
