Chapter 2
When Dominic looked up. Ariana caught a glimpse of unfathomable darkness in his eyes!]
Perhaps it was his natural authority as someone born to power, but being caught in such a compromising position didn’t faze him in the slightest.[]
With casual deliberation, he slipped the photograph under his pillow, his long fingers methodically adjusting the alarming bulge in his tailored pants.[]
In mere seconds, he’d reverted to his usual detached, ascetic demeanor, as if the man losing control oments before had been a figment of her imagination.[] Avet something Miss Reeves?” he asked coolly, leaning back slightly to create distance between them]
He was always like this
The mere photograph of Mia could drive him to desperation, yet in Ariana’s presence, he acted like a Catholic priest with a vow of celibacy. [] Ariana’s nails dug into her palm as she pictured Mia’s bland, unremarkable face=[]
Her sister’s body wasat as curvy as hers, her features not as striking as well. Yet somehow everyone fell for that manufactured innocence act.[] Whatever. She had beauty, money, and curves in all the right places]
From today forward she was washing her hands of anyone who didn’t appreciate what she offered[]
There’s an auction tomorrow night. You’ll accor
me” she instructed flatly before turning to leave[l]
Dominic frowned. “I believe I requested two days off…“[]
“I heard Mia will be there,” she said without looking back []
After a moment of silence, his deep voice replied. “Understood, Miss Reeves.“]
Ariana felt a sting in her heart like a needle prick []
Of course, past mention Mia’s name, and he’d break any rule, abandon any principle[]
That’s fine
Soon enough, she would personally deliver him to Mia’s side]]
The next morning Ariana had barely stepped outside the villa when she spotted Dominic already waiting by the car]
His black suit accentuated his perfect physique–broad shoulders and narrow waist–while the morning light cast a golden edge along his stern profile]
In the past, she would have deliberately tried to provoke a reaction–pretending to twist her ankle and falling into his arms, or whispering in his ear with her lign close enough to feel his hrat
Today, she simply got suto the far without expression, not even sparing him a single glance[]
Dominar seemed surprised, studying her for a beat longer than usual before silently sliding into the passenger seat []
As the car headed toward the auction house, Artana starved out the window. Unlike her usual self, she didn’t fabricate excuses to make conversation. The silence between them was to endote that their Invathing was the only sound
The action was being held at the city’s most prestigious hotel
Crystal chandeliers huminated the grand hall like daylight, while the air was perfumed with expensive fragrances worn by the social elite {}
Ariana hal barstytered when she spotted Mia standing with a group of society girls Her half–sister wore a white sundress, her straight black hair failing over bes husks as the chain and wallet the picture of sweet rese[]
Though he still polipid Arima, fulfiling his bodyguard dishes, she could fret his attention completely exprarest by Ma!}
Aps Mis apunted on an ruderd ay tining arm with Ariana What a winter? Yeye here is the austion toe?
Wa’s pyn nesadly walled with tours, and she hadnt expressdult. “Ponent pas trying to be bo paketer..
Chapter 2
Dominic’s brow furrowed slightly, his gaze toward Ariana reflecting barely concealed disgust.[]
Mia seized the opportunity, tugging at Dominic’s sleeve. “Dom, I heard that when I had a fever and was craving those raspberry macarons, you braved that terrible storm at midnight to bring them to me? I’m so sorry I couldn’t thank you properly–I was quite delirious with fever and then on bedrest for days.“]
Dominic’s severe features instantly softened. “It was nothing, Miss Mia. I was in the area anyway.“[]
In the area? Ariana almost laughed aloud.]
That night he’d disappeared for five hours and returned soaking wet. So that was his version of “being in the area“?[]
“I still need to thank you properly!” Mia said sweetly. “Let me take you to dinner.”
This time Dominic didn’t refuse. “At your convenience, Miss Mia.“[]
“We should invite Ari too!” Mia turned to Ariana, suddenly feigning concern. “Oh my, Ari, you look so exhausted! And I’m the one who’s been sick…“[] Ariana cut her off coldly: “Are we suddenly close? Homewrecker’s daughter, mind your own business.“]
Mia’s expression changed dramatically, and Dominic’s frown deepened further.[]
At that moment, the auctioneer announced the beginning of the event, mercifully interrupting the uncomfortable exchange.]
Ariana ignored them both and took her seat.[]
She was about to marry into the Sinclair family, and expecting a decent dowry from her father was unrealistic. She real reason she’d come to this auction.[]
needed
to
prepare her own, which was the
After taking her seat, the first item was presented.[]
A pigeon–blood ruby necklace, with an opening bid of one million dollars.
She raised her paddle without hesitation.[]
Two million.”
To her surprise, Mia also raised her paddle. “Three million.“[]
Ariana looked at her half–sister, who smiled sweetly. “You don’t mind letting me have this one, do you, Ari? After all, Daddy gives me a much bigger allowance than yours.”
Ariana smiled coldly. Bigger was an understatement.]
Since childhood, Mia had received a monthly allowance of five million dollars, while Ariana got a mere five hundred.[]
If not for the inheritance her mother had left her, she might have starved to death long ago
But things were different now. She had one hundred million coming.
Tour million, Ariana countered, raising her paddle again.
Mia dearly hadn’t expected this but gritted her teeth. “Four point five million.“]
Tive million.
“Tive point five million.“{
After several rounds of bidding, Mia’s expression grew increasingly strained. “Ari, where are you getting all this money? Aren’t you afraid you won’t be able to pay
“Ies million!” Artane doubled the tád, then gave her a morking smile. Tunny, I’m starting to think you’re the one who can’t afford to continue.
Mis’s fare alternated between red and white as whispers spread through the audience
The surtioner podiely asked. “Miss Mia, would you like to increase your bur[]
Une moiret Mie burriedly filled out her phone to message her father{}
Muments inter, her expression darkened further, obwususly Loving been denied Jeeing this, Ariana merled her lips infection]
Chapter 2
Of course he would refuse. After promising her one hundred million, he wouldn’t have much left to help his precious daughter save face.[]
Just as the situation grew unbearably awkward, a well–dressed man suddenly appeared in the center of the auction floor and announced loudly:[]
“Sky’s the limit!“]]
