hapter 14
Chapter 14
In the dim backseat, Hayden’s face grew colder with every word Zachary said.
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He looked out the window toward the hotel lobby. “Post some guards near Lydia’s room tonight. If anyone dares to touch her again…”
Zachary knew Hayden was fiercely protective. “Yes, understood.”
He paused, then added, “I also ran into Michael Finnian, Ms. Sullivan’s… ex–fiancé, at the hotel. Looks like he’s going to the auction tomorrow too.”
Hayden clenched his fist, his eyes sharper than usual. “Clear a VIP seat for them. I want to see just how capable Ms. Sullivan’s ex–fiancé really is.”
Zachary heard Hayden had put extra weight on the words ex–fiancé and realized he’d just lit a fire. Clearing his throat, he said, “Got it. I’ll make the call now.”
The car fell silent again, only the shifting shadows on the glass remained.
The next morning, inside the hotel room, Ciara wore a loose robe that barely tied around her waist, showing off her
curves.
She put away her freshly dry–cleaned gown, her face still damp from the shower and full of frustration. “Michael, you really can’t take me with you?”
Last night, she’d spent hours mingling at the rich women’s parties, finally hearing that Harper loved emerald pieces.
She’d come back eager to share, expecting praise. But the news hit Michael like a tiny stone tossed into a still pond–no ripple at all.
He’d pulled out an invitation right in front of her. “I already looked into this. The whole reason I came to Jettridge is for this auction.”
Michael never fought battles unprepared. He believed that if he could get his hands on that emerald grail and gift it to Harper, it would make partnering with the Leonards a done deal.
Now, as he buttoned up his shirt, his tone was nonchalant. “You were busy all day yesterday. Just rest at the hotel today. This isn’t the kind of event for you.”
His words cut deep. Ciara bit her lip so hard it turned white. “But-”
Michael didn’t even let her finish. He slipped on his suit jacket and walked out the door.
In the long hallway, his gaze lingered for a second on room 3601, but his steps didn’t slow.
Outside, he hailed a cab straight to the auction venue.
The event was packed with Jettridge’s elite, the parking lot lined with luxury cars that gleamed under the morning sun.
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Michael stood among them, unconsciously squaring his shoulders. He adjusted his tie, but as he approached the entrance, he suddenly saw Lydia step out of a nearby car.
She wore a pale yellow gown with delicate vintage embroidery, making her look effortlessly elegant–clearly, she had dressed with care.
“What are you doing here?” Michael’s brows drew together.
Lydia froze when she heard his voice. She wanted to step back, but it was too late–Michael was already in front of her.
“Whatever this is, we’ll talk later. You shouldn’t even be here.” He glanced around like she was someone shameful to be seen with.
Lydia smoothly pulled her arm away from his grip. Michael thought she was just throwing a tantrum and his face darkened with impatience.
He said, “You didn’t even tell me you were coming to Jettridge. You ignored all my calls. Couldn’t we have just talked this out on the phone?
“I have something really important to handle today. If this deal falls through, our wedding will be delayed again. So stop making a scene!”
Lydia hadn’t said a single word yet, and he was already blaming her. Not that she cared about that wedding anymore.
Once, she’d dreamed of building a home with Michael, believing they could piece it together bit by bit like two little birds gathering twigs for a nest.
The nest did get built–only now, there were three birds in it.
She’d rather burn it all to the ground than share a life that wasn’t hers alone.
“Mr. Finnian-” Lydia started, but Michael cut her off.
He pulled a keycard from his pocket and shoved it into her hand, lowering his voice. “Go wait for me at the hotel.”
Lydia looked at the card like it was something filthy and tossed it right back at him.
“Forget it. I’m done talking.” She pouted, then turned and headed for the entrance.
Before Michael could stop her, she handed an invitation to the staff at the door.
He rushed up just in time to catch a glimpse of the card in the attendant’s hand. It looked similar to his own hard–won invitation–except hers was handwritten.
He leaned in, voice sharp and low. “Are you kidding me? You came all this way with a handwritten invite? Do you even know what kind of place this is? Stop embarrassing yourself and go home!”
But the laughter he expected never came. The attendant handed the invitation back to Lydia with deep respect. “Ms. Sullivan, please come in.”
Michael froze, pointing at Lydia in disbelief and turning to the attendant. “She-”
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The attendant smiled politely. “That young lady is a VIP guest. Her invitation was written personally by our director.”
Heat crawled up Michael’s neck as he silently handed over his own far more ordinary invitation.
Meanwhile, upstairs by the massive glass window, Hayden stood watching everything below, his face cold and unreadable.
Behind him, Zachary felt the chill in the air and instantly knew–Michael was in serious trouble.
The lights dimmed inside the hall, leaving only the display stage glowing under a single spotlight.
“Our next piece is an antique painting–Autumn Mountains and Rivers,” the auctioneer announced.
The canvas slowly unrolled, revealing rich oil strokes that had endured a century, their colors still vivid and deep.
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Lydia’s chest tightened. Her father had spent months restoring this piece. Every brushstroke had once passed through his fingers.
Her nose stung as memories flooded back–Patrick standing in front of this very painting, lost in thought for hours.
With every bid, the price climbed higher and higher.
“6.3 million dollars! Any other bids?” the auctioneer called out.
Lydia lowered her paddle–just as someone slid into the empty seat beside her.
