Snow

er of the ballroom, nursing a glass of champagne

to my presence, parading around the front rows and playing the pa

e to Mike in the contro

back in seconds. "

the entire ballroom's undivided attention focuse

sharp spotlight centered on the stage as the host

came electric when the auctioneer unveiled the final showcase: the legendary hock

ating the artifact as a public relations trophy to

ckly climbing as wealthy collectors jumped into the

est and raised his paddl

ndred th

front of the press, bathing in t

close the sale, a deep, commanding voice cu

mil

room went d

oice, catching Gavin leaning calmly against

ddle; his posture was effortlessly casual, as

ushed an ugly, b

y to be completely eclipsed by the league's undis

s voice trembling as he slammed the gavel down b

the press corps immediately swarmed toward Gavin, b

ue eyes cut across the hall, lock

ble salute, silently delivering the stage h

ransitioning seamlessly

n circulating through a cluster of sycophantic teammates and socialites, forcing

had a

d down the sleek silhouette of my black gow

heels clicking deliberately aga

ers, I stopped directly behind Donald, raising

e no see,

d with a frown that dissolved i

linging to my curves, and the sharp, dangerous eleganc

yes as he completely forgot Cindy beside him

you look i

ack, letting his fin