Chapter 22

Evelyn Carter was a vision that evening.

Her raven locks cascaded down her back like liquid silk. The custom-designed gown she wore shimmered under the chandelier lights, its intricate beadwork catching every gaze in the room.

All eyes followed her graceful movements.

She approached Nathan Sterling with deliberate steps.

Nathan's stormy gaze tracked her every move, his expression unreadable.

This wasn't the timid woman he'd married. The Evelyn before him now carried herself with regal confidence.

She'd transformed completely.

"Mr. Sterling, your persistence is truly remarkable," Evelyn said, her crimson lips curling in amusement.

"Where's your benefactor?" Nathan demanded coldly.

Evelyn's laughter tinkled like crystal. "As you can see, I came alone. Feeling disappointed?"

So his pathetic messages had failed, and now he sought out Dominic instead.

He'd have to get past her first.

Nathan's jaw tightened when he realized she'd seen through his ploy. Her mocking smile only fueled his irritation.

The auction coordinator rushed forward. "Ms. Carter, your private booth is ready."

Without sparing Nathan another glance, Evelyn swept past him.

Vanessa Sterling leaned close to whisper, "See? I told you she found herself a sugar daddy. No way she could afford this otherwise."

Nathan's grip on his champagne flute tightened. "Enough," he snapped.

Recognizing his dangerous mood, Vanessa fell silent.

Isabella Delaney touched Nathan's arm gently. "Shall we?"

The auction commenced precisely at eight.

Spotlights illuminated the first item - a diamond bracelet glittering under the display lights.

"Opening bid at two hundred thousand dollars!"

Evelyn recalled Margaret Winslow's upcoming birthday. She raised her paddle. "Three hundred thousand."

"Three hundred thousand to the lady in front!"

Isabella immediately countered. "Five hundred thousand." She turned to Nathan with calculated sweetness. "This would complement your grandmother perfectly, don't you think?"

Nathan gave a curt nod.

Evelyn didn't hesitate. "Six hundred thousand."

That was her reasonable limit. The piece wasn't worth more.

"One million!" Isabella announced triumphantly.

She knew Evelyn's financial situation. The divorce settlement couldn't have exceeded seven figures. Meanwhile, money meant nothing to the Delaney heiress.

Their eyes met across the room. Evelyn's lips curved.

"Five million."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Even the auctioneer faltered.

"F-five million, going once!"

Isabella's face flushed. "Ten million!"

Nathan frowned. "That's excessive."

"For Margaret, nothing is too much," Isabella simpered.

"Thirty million," Evelyn countered calmly.

The audience erupted in murmurs. Isabella's hands trembled on her paddle.

"Thirty-one million!" she choked out.

The auctioneer's voice rose. "Thirty-one million, going once! Twice!"

Isabella's panic grew. Why wasn't Evelyn bidding?

"Sold! To Ms. Delaney for thirty-one million!"

Only then did Isabella realize she'd been played. The smug satisfaction in Evelyn's eyes confirmed it - she'd just paid thirty-one million for a bracelet worth two hundred thousand.