Chapter 65
Evelyn’s wide eyes turned icy. She shot Lucian a look that could freeze hell over.
Sebastian caught the inappropriate gesture, his expression darkening instantly.
“How was my performance?” Lucian sauntered back to Sebastian’s side, nudging him with a smirk.
“Brilliant. Do it again, and I’ll bury you,” Sebastian replied, his voice laced with lethal calm.
Lucian groaned dramatically. “Why do you always single me out? You’re more high-maintenance than all my exes combined!”
The first auction item was unveiled—a 20th-century landscape painting. The brushstrokes were minimalistic yet evocative, capturing nature’s raw beauty. A masterpiece, though the artist remained obscure, keeping the opening bid at a modest one million.
Sebastian wasn’t an art connoisseur, but years surrounded by his grandfather and father’s collections had sharpened his eye. He recognized it immediately. An identical piece hung in Archibald’s studio—the original. This had to be a replica.
Replicas weren’t fakes. Skilled ones could command respect, but never outshine the genuine article.
“One million five!”
“Two million!”
“Three million!”
Just as the gavel hovered, a cool, melodic voice cut through.
“Five million.” Evelyn lifted her paddle effortlessly, stunning the room.
Sebastian’s gaze snapped to her. Suspicion prickled.
First, the painting wasn’t worth half that. Three million was already excessive.
Second, Evelyn had spent years assisting Archibald with his collection. She knew he owned the original.
So why bid on a copy?
“Six million!” A shrill voice rang out. Vanessa Delacroix raised her paddle triumphantly, glaring at Evelyn.
“Seven.” Evelyn didn’t flinch.
“Eight!” Vanessa shouted, face flushed.
Seraphina clutched her daughter’s arm, sweating. This was her first high-stakes auction, and they’d blown past her budget in minutes.
“Mother, should we counter?” Cassandra whispered to Isabella, irritated by Vanessa’s theatrics.
“We’re family. No infighting.” Isabella, an auction veteran, knew the true treasures came last.
“Nine.” Evelyn’s voice was steel.
Seraphina’s pulse spiked. This wasn’t just a gift anymore—it was a war.
“Ten million!” Vanessa shrieked, eyes wild.
The crowd erupted.
Lucian burst out laughing. “First item, mediocre value, and it’s hit eight digits? I’m making a killing tonight.” He elbowed Sebastian. “Who do I thank—your ex-wife or your fiancée?”
Sebastian’s fists clenched. His jaw tightened, storm clouds gathering in his gaze.
“Vanessa, stop!” Seraphina hissed. “This is madness!”
Evelyn’s lips curled. She made a show of lifting her paddle—then lowered it with a shrug.
“Sold for ten million to Miss Vanessa Delacroix!”
Vanessa beamed, victorious. She’d crushed that pathetic has-been.
Seraphina’s smile froze. Her stomach dropped.
