racticed flair. The first few items-a trip to Monaco, a private yacht excursion, a

Landon, eager to show off, got into a bidding war for a dazzling diamond bracelet and won it fo

hant look over he

stage, her fingers tapping a silent, rhythmic beat on her

vided between the stage and the woman beside him. He noted her stillness, her complete lac

l piece. A rare and beautiful string of sandalwood prayer beads, said to have belo

, ancient, the wood worn smooth with time, emitting a faint, t

dding at five hundr

or, the price was steep. Most of the guests were uninterested. Landon scoffe

out to declare the item unsol

not loud, but it cut through the room's chatte

nned to see the titan of Wall Stre

ssion, hesitantly raised his own padd

his direction. He simply raised

of doubling the bid was a raw display of power

paddle, his face flushing. No one else

bling with excitement as he banged the gavel

ssion remained unchanged, as if

s eyes met Elba's for a b

ld he spend a fortune on

e beads, now nestled in a silk-line

putting them away, he casually wrapped them around his wri

odern suit and formidable presence,

nd the evening transitio

er moment h

. Sloane gave her a sharp, almost imper

othing the fabr

rowing slightly. He remained seated, a

k. Her steps were measured and deliberate, carrying her directly toward the center

tim, but like a queen wa