Chapter 36
Chapter 36
“265 thousand dollars and 100–third call. Sold! Congratulations to Miss Renata Walker.”
Renata panicked, blurting out, “You set me up! Wait–this piece, I didn’t actually-”
But before she could finish, Valerie turned with a dazzling smile and said sweetly, “I must admit, I do like this set of tableware. But as they say, a true lady knows when to let others shine. And since you’re my elder, of course I should show you that respect.”
Her words, laced with honey, wrapped themselves around every ear in the room.
That backward glance, that sunlit smile–so bright it could warm even the iciest heart–landed squarely in Brody’s line of sight.
And even he, who had seen his fair share of beautiful women, went momentarily blank. Something hot stirred beneath his collar.
‘Damn… she’s stunning. If only I could have her beneath me—just to see the look on Aiden’s face.
Brody’s thoughts were already drifting into dangerous territory. He rubbed his chin, eyes glued to her retreating figure, and muttered, “Aiden’s wife…. now she is interesting.”
Behind him, Billy and Alonso were practically squirming, wide–eyed with barely contained curiosity and a hint of yearning. “She’s got some serious presence,” Billy whispered.
“Yeah,” Alonso agreed, swallowing hard. “She’s making me itch all over. If only we had a chance to meet her…”
The two locked eyes–and in each other’s gaze, saw their own temptation mirrored.
But… she was Aiden’s woman.
Brody scoffed, dismissing their hesitation. “It’s just a business marriage. Aiden’s that type–cold, calculative. To him, a wife is nothing more than a pawn. And even the sharpest pawn is still just a piece on the board. So what if someone else makes a move?”
Billy and Alonso looked visibly shaken by that thought.
Brody leaned in, voice low and enticing. “Be honest–if it were you, would you cling to a loveless wife, or reach out for the real prize?”
True. Aiden was ruthless. But when it came to profit, he was surprisingly… lenient.
The two men exchanged another glance. Finally, Alonso asked, “So? You got a plan?”
Brody’s smile was slow, deliberate, and full of implication. “Oh, I’ve got ideas.”
The auction carried on, but Renata? She was already bleeding dry. She’d blown through her family’s budget, and even dipped into her own account- down by 167 thousand dollars. She was furious, humiliated, and now broke.
She tried to smile for the photo op with the item she “won,” but inside, she was seething, teeth grinding as she glared at Valerie and Kelly like she could
burn holes through them.
Next was the networking reception. As soon as Renata stepped out, she greeted every half–decent acquaintance she could find.
After all, wasn’t this whole event about building connections?
Putting on her most triumphant smile, she led a small group in the direction of Valerie and Kelly. But before she got to them, she ran into her two sworn enemies: Sariah Emerson and Johanna Strong.
Sariah had a killer figure–plunging neckline, glowing skin, and curves that screamed confidence. Her chest alone looked like it belonged in a lingerie ad
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13:35 Wed 4 Jun »
Chapter 36
definitely a 36D, if not more.
Johanna, on the other hand, had a no–nonsense vibe. Tall, broad–shouldered, dressed like she could step into a boardroom or a boxing ring more boss
than babe.
Renata’s face immediately soured. She snapped, “Slut. Bulldozer. Ugh.”
Sariah fluttered her lashes and gave a mocking little giggle. “Well, if it isn’t the Mother Teresa of auctions.”
Johanna burst into laughter. “You paid out of pocket to ‘do charity‘? That’s adorable. Truly selfless!”
A few other women nearby snickered along. Renata was fuming. She shot them a vicious glare and hissed, “Laugh while you can. I’ll deal with you later
Right now, she had bigger fish to fry.
Storming off, she didn’t notice that Sariah’s brow had furrowed. Something didn’t add up. Normally, Renata would’ve gone straight for the jugular throwing insults left and right. But this time, she just… left?
She exchanged a quick glance with Johanna. Something was up. Without another word, the two women quietly followed her.
