Chapter 160

Madison

I felt a small, petty surge of satisfaction watching her forced to engage in small talk when she clearly wanted to be elsewhere, specifically with Alexander.

Alexander seemed oblivious to her predicament, his attention still focused on the diamond necklace and, more disturbingly, on my neck. I resisted the urge to cover my throat with my hand.

“Shall we look at the other items?” I suggested, desperate to move away before she managed to extricate herself from the silver-haired man.

“No need,” Alexander replied, his eyes still on the necklace. “I’ve found what interests me.”

I glanced back at the mystery woman, who was now nodding politely at whatever the older gentleman was saying while her eyes repeatedly darted in our direction. The tension in her shoulders was visible even from across the room.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers, startling me. “The silent auction is now closed. Please make yo