hday party, a massive gala that was one of the biggest social events of the year. He sai

he party. I met with caterers, florists, and designers, my mind a whir

ld just sit with me in the evenings, sometimes talking

ne night as we looked out at t

t busy,"

teady. "You don't have to g

to the years of calculated cruel

ests mingled, a sea of tuxedos and gowns. The centerpiece of the evening was an auction for charity. T

sed away. It was my father's most prized possession. He'd put it up for auction

resting on the small of my back. His touch was warm and reassuring. The simple promise, spoken

a genuine smile touching my li

down to two people: Ethan, and another bidder on the

place the winning bid, a ne

ty mi

llroom, his hand raised. Chloe was clinging to his arm, l

what was coming. This was

g look. I just shook my he

oing once," the a

e," Ethan

Liam countere

han replied, his

ed. "Fifty

up. They were watching a rivalry play out, the rich boys fighting over a toy for the spoiled heiress.

hloe. He was going to buy my mother's necklace and give it to her, right in front

old! For fifty million do

ause. I stood frozen, my hands