Chapter 46. The Charity Auction

Victoria’s POV

The grand entrance to the Blackwood Charity Auction was nothing short of breathtaking. Golden chandeliers illuminated the expansive hall, casting a warm glow over the crowd of finely dressed attendees. My heels clicked softly against the marble floor as Dominic and I stepped inside, the sound nearly drowned out by the low hum of conversation and laughter.

It wasn’t until we fully entered that I felt the shift in energy, the subtle ripple of attention moving in our direction. Heads turned, eyes subtly darting toward us. It wasn’t just Dominic they were looking at.

It was me.

I swallowed, the sudden awareness of being watched sending a wave of nerves through me. Dominic’s steady presence beside me anchored me in place, his arm brushing lightly against mine as we walked deeper into the room.

“Is that…?” A voice, barely a whisper, reached my ears.

“It’s Dominic Blackwood,” another replied, equally hushed.

“And who’s with hi