e it's tailored." I wasn't planning to keep him around forever, but for now, he was under my roof, and I wouldn't mistreat someone I'd brought in myself even if it had all been a mistake. P

to make him flinch, and spat, "You lost the right to lecture me the moment you slept with Lucy while still married to me. I was already divorced when I went. You, on the other hand, were cheating while I was still wearing your ring." Gasps echoed around us. A few phones went up, recording. I didn't care. This was our mess, and he had chosen to drag it into the public eye. Without another word, I swept past them, Rachel following quickly behind. As the velvet doors closed behind us, a small, satisfied smile tugged at my lips. Petty, but satisfying. Inside, my private VIP box overlooked the auction floor through one-way glass. The seats were plush leather, and the lighting was dim and luxurious. Rachel took her place beside me and pulled up the catalog. "The sapphire bracelet is first. It would be a perfect gift for Margaret's birthday." I nodded, barely listening. My eyes had already scanned ahead to Lot 47. A mansion in the old Cin Skylake District. My mother's childhood home. A wave of emotion washed over me nostalgia, longing, determination. That house was more than property. It was legacy. My legacy. The auction began. A parade of glittering art, antique watches, and absurdly priced jewelry passed by. Jack, ever the peacock, won a pearl necklace for Lucy at five million dollars. She kissed him like she was in a soap opera. How tasteless can one couple be? Then came the sapphire bracelet. I raised my paddle, expecting a smooth acquisition. But Jack's paddle went up too. Again. And again. This was deliberate. He knew it was for Margaret. He was trying to spite me. "Fifteen million," Rachel whispered, watching me. "Twenty," I said clearly. My voice didn't waver. A hush fell over the room. Jack didn't bid again. "Sold to Ms. Shaw!" A ripple of applause. I smiled faintly. One win. But the real battle was only just beginning. Lot 47 appeared on screen. The Cin Skylake mansion. My pulse quickened. "Ms. Shaw," Rachel murmured, tense. "What if Mr. Simpson tries to sabotage this too?" I sipped my tea calmly. "He m