Chapter 53. Auction Tension

Layla’s POV

Bright lights dazzled on the auction opening, illuminating the stage for showcasing the first collection. Shiny jewelry, rare objects, and quirky designer pieces cascaded onto the stage, each item submerging the guests in respectful appreciation. Yet as one bid was followed by another, I found myself indifferent.

My fingers made light taps on the polished table surface, and my gaze drifted over the room, losing its focus on anything. All this nervous chatter among excited bidders faded across the room, along with the parish sound of the gavel striking down, which held no importance for me.

Ezra seemed very involved in the happenings around him, and though outwardly composed, I could feel his glance flickering toward me at intervals.

“You don’t like anything?” he pitched under his breath somewhere between curious and incredulous.

My head turned a fraction toward him to meet those keen, assessing eyes, as if he were testing me. I shook