The Auction That Rewrote My Future

choed through the room. "One dollar is the opening

lecherous grin yelled, "Ten

I recognized from a Hamptons party, sho

ado. They weren't bidding on photos; they

ond braceletід Caleb's latest "gift

ul hands," she said, her voice dripping with fake concern.

erupted in murmurs. Fifty million. S

Bleed me dry. Force me to empt

time, I w

clear and carrying

hley. But let's not waste

ly at Caleb. "I

topped. All e

e penthouse, the Hamptons estate, the Aspen condo. My sha

Total estimated value:

sp sucked the a

alight with cruel amusement, now flashed with an

leb?" I shot back. "Or are they

one pale. "Well, Ashley? Your bid. O

were new money, barely clinging to the fringes of our

o speak, "A bil

bidding, Caleb? The auctioneer can't also be a bidder.

w I was right. The system, whatever i

for a moment. An